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.

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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.

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:

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.