- In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the ABS office will close at 1:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and will reopen at 8:30 a.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 2.
- 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 office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in observance of Presidents Day. Any inquiries received will be addressed following our reopening on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025.
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
03/18/2025
2025 Nominations to the Vascular Surgery Board of the American Board of Surgery
The Vascular Surgery Board of the ABS is seeking director nominees to serve a six-year term beginning September 29, 2025.
11/25/2024
ABS Welcomes 3 New Directors to Its Specialty Boards
The ABS is pleased to welcome three new directors to its specialty boards, whose terms began in September 2024.
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.
Exam Dates
3/15 - 5/15
2025
General Surgery
General Surgery QE/CE Readmissibility
Location: Pearson VUE testing centers
Fee: TBD
Application Deadline: 2/1/2025
Fee: $550
3/18 - 3/20
2025
General Surgery
General Surgery Certifying Examination #3
Location: Virtual
Fee: $1,500
Registration Deadline: 9/1/2024
Registration available following the release of 2024 GSQE results.
3/24 - 4/14
2025
Focused Practice Designation
Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Focused Practice Designation Examination
Location: Pearson VUE testing centers
Fee: $750
Application Deadline: 2/28/2025
Fee: $550