How does a surgeon become board certified?
Board certification by the ABS is a multi-step process
Education and Training
- Medical School: Surgeons seeking board certification by the ABS must have graduated from an accredited medical school in the U.S. or Canada or be certified by the ECFMG.
- Residency Training: Following medical school, surgeons must complete at least five years of training in a residency program approved by the ACGME or the RCPSC, and if specializing in a specific surgical area, one to two years of fellowship training.
- Experience: During their training, they must acquire extensive operative experience and a broad knowledge of disease management.
Application for Certification
- Application: Upon completion of training, surgeons can apply for board certification by the ABS.
- Approval: If the application is approved, the surgeon is admitted to the required ABS exams for certification.
- Medical License: All surgeons must hold a U.S. or Canadian medical license before they can considered certified.
Examinations for Certification
- Written Exam: Surgeons must first pass a lengthy written examination, in most cases known as the Qualifying Examination, which assesses their surgical knowledge.
- Oral Exam: For most ABS specialties, surgeons must then pass an oral examination called the Certifying Examination, which tests their surgical judgment and decision making.
- Certification: If successful on both examinations, the surgeon is deemed board certified and becomes a diplomate of the ABS.
Continuous Certification
- Ongoing Requirements: Diplomates must maintain specific requirements to remain certified, including CME and practice improvement.
- Assessment: Diplomates must also pass an online assessment every two years to demonstrate their surgical knowledge on a continual basis.
