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- We anticipate that results from the March 2024 ABS General Surgery Certifying Exam will be available by April 12.
- The ABS office is closed today, Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
- At this time, email is the best way to reach us. Please visit our Contact Us page to submit a message to our team. For guidance on how to update any ongoing certification requirements, please see this document.
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The ABS customer support team will be unavailable by telephone from Monday, Sept. 23 through Thursday, Sept. 26, due to mandatory staff training. For questions and related support, please send a message via our Contact Us page.
For guidance on updating your ABS certification requirements, please see this document. To access the 2024 Continuous Certification Assessment reference materials, please see this page.
american board of surgery
Promoting Surgical Excellence since 1937
The American Board of Surgery serves patients, society, and the specialty of surgery by providing leadership in surgical education and practice.
Available Certifications:
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Verify a surgeon's certification status
This website serves as primary source verification of a surgeon’s certification status with The American Board of Surgery. Surgeons may also be certified by other boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Please check the ABMS Certification Matters website for additional certification statuses. Note that the ABS website is updated in real time, and there may be a delay in certification status updates to the ABMS.
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Value of certification
Not all surgeons are board certified
Board certification by the ABS is a voluntary process that demonstrates a surgeon’s commitment to professionalism, lifelong learning, and quality patient care.
- Board certification by the ABS recognizes individuals who have met ABS standards specifically in the area of general surgery and its related specialties.
- Board certification is different from possessing a medical license, which is the minimum required by law to practice medicine and is not specialty specific.
About Us
Our Mission
The American Board of Surgery (ABS) serves patients, society, and the specialty of surgery by providing leadership in surgical education and practice. The ABS ensures excellence through:
- Building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture.
- Rigorous evaluation and assessment.
- Promoting the highest standards for professionalism, lifelong learning, and continuous certification of surgeons in practice.
News & Dates
Important announcements and upcoming examination deadlines
News
11/15/2024
ABS and AOBS Announce Collaboration on Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Focused Practice Designation Examination
Beginning with the 2025 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Focused Practice Designation Examination, surgeons certified by either the ABS or the AOBS meet the same eligibility requirements and take the same exam to achieve this designation.
09/12/2024
ABS Vice President Karen Brasel Awarded Robert Danis Prize by International Society of Surgery
The ABS congratulates Vice President Karen Brasel, M.D., M.P.H., on being the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Robert Danis Prize, awarded by the International Society of Surgery.
09/05/2024
Adult Complex Thyroid/Parathyroid Surgery Focused Practice Designation Update
The first ACTPS FPD Examination will be administered April 7-9, 2025, with applications for the exam opening up in the fall.
09/04/2024
2024 Nominations to the Council of the American Board of Surgery
The Council of the ABS is seeking nominees to serve a six-year term beginning on July 1, 2025.
Exam Dates
8/26 - 11/12
2024
Continuous Certification Assessment
Location: Virtual
Fee: $285
Registration Start: 8/1/2024 - 11/12/2024
If your assessment was in progress when the ABS website blackout occurred on Sunday, Nov. 3, or you attempted to begin your assessment during this time, your assessment window has been extended to 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.
The $285 annual fee covers one assessment every other year, free access to all assessment reference materials, and general Continuous Certification Program participation.
10/7 - 10/11
2024
Neurocritical Care Subspecialty Examination
Fee: TBD
Application Deadline: 4/1/2024
Fee: $550
Following application approval, candidates will receive information from the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) regarding exam registration.
10/15 - 10/28
2024
Continuous Certification Readmission Examination
Location: Pearson VUE testing centers
Fee: $1,700
Registration Start: 8/1/2024 - 10/21/2024
This exam is for surgeons who either: (1) did not successfully complete the lapsed pathway; or (2) are not eligible to enter the lapsed pathway.