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FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the American Board of Surgery (ABS), ABS examinations, ABS programs, and ABS processes.
Organization FAQs
About the American Board of Surgery
The American Board of Surgery is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1937 to assess the qualifications of individuals in the field of surgery, and is one of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The ABS offers primary board certification in surgery (general surgery) and vascular surgery, and secondary certification in several related specialties. Approximately 34,000 surgeons are currently board certified by the ABS.
We are completely separate and distinct organizations. We have been based in Philadelphia since our founding in 1937, while the ACS is based in Chicago.
We do not. We believe credentialing decisions are best made by locally constituted bodies and should be based on an individual’s extent of training, depth of experience, patient outcomes relative to peers, and certification status.
Only if you make clear the certification is no longer valid by using “former diplomate,” “past diplomate,” the dates of your certification, etc. Otherwise it will be considered misrepresentation of your certification status. Please see also Diplomate Representation of Certification Status.
Use of the ABS seal/logo for promotional purposes is not permitted. You are welcome, however, to link to the ABS website so patients can learn more about ABS certification and verify their surgeon’s certification status.
Please send your information in writing to the ABS addressed to Jo Buyske, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer. Please include copies or examples in which the surgeon misrepresented him- or herself, such as magazine ads, letterhead, website printouts, etc. Generally no action can be taken based on verbal misrepresentations, only on those where printed misrepresentations are present.
The ABS will issue only one certificate per diplomate; we do not provide multiple copies. If your original certificate has been destroyed or lost, you may request a replacement by sending a notarized letter to the ABS office stating the reason for the replacement along with a check for $150. The replacement certificate will have a disclaimer at the bottom stating “Reissued in lieu of original certificate” and will have the signatures of the current ABS officers. Replacements typically take six to eight weeks. If you need written verification of your certification status in the interim, please go to Check a Certification.
Application Process FAQs
ABS examination application process
The online application process for ABS exams is posted each year in the spring under My Records and also under each exam’s section of the website. A notice will be posted on the ABS website homepage when they become available.
Application materials must be submitted online via the ABS website by close of business day on the exam’s application deadline. All applicants are responsible for monitoring their application status via their portal.
To avoid the late application fee, the following items must be submitted via the ABS website by close of business day on the exam’s application deadline: (1) application form ; (2) operative report; (3) Digital Signature; and (4) application fee. Note: The total application fee required is based on when you submitted all required materials via the ABS website.
No. Once your application is approved, the status of the Digital Signature will change from “Pending Approval” to “Approved.”
Due to the high volume of applications, processing times may be extended. Continue to monitor your Application Requirements page for updates. You will be sent an email once your application is approved. Please also be sure to keep your contact information up to date.
Computer-Based Examination FAQs
Computer-based examinations (written exams)
Once you register for the exam, your exam admission authorization letter will be posed on the “Register for Exam” tab on your portal within 3-5 business days. You should contact Pearson VUE directly and as soon as possible, either through their website or by calling them at 1-800-507-7744, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. Delays in scheduling your center may result in having to travel to a more distant center. Any questions or changes regarding the exam time or center location should be addressed to Pearson VUE.
Pearson VUE operates more than 250 professional testing centers across the United States and Canada, with one likely within 50 miles of your home. You can locate the testing centers nearest you by visiting www.pearsonvue.com/abs and selecting “Find a Test Center.” We encourage you to schedule your exam as soon as possible so you have the greatest choice of testing center options.
To cancel your scheduled exam, you must contact the ABS as soon as possible in writing (email is acceptable) and receive confirmation from the ABS of your cancellation. You should also contact Pearson VUE and cancel your exam with them.
Please arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes prior to your exam to allow time for registration. Bring with you two (2) forms of identification: One must have your name, photo and signature; the second must have at least a name and signature, or a name and photo. The first and last names on the IDs must match the one on record with the ABS. You will be photographed and hand-scanned for identification purposes during registration and upon re-entry to the examination room.
You will be given a private locker in which to store your personal belongings, including your coat, wallet, cell phone, watch, pager and keys, as you cannot bring these items into the exam room. We suggest wearing layers in case the room is too cold or warm. You will be able to practice at your computer before the exam begins. You may also want to bring snacks with you for the breaks in case there are no stores nearby.
Yes. ABS computer exams are administered in either three or four sessions. There are scheduled breaks between the sessions to allow examinees to use the restroom, etc. There will be a starting break bank of either 70 minutes or 20 minutes, depending on the exam, that you may choose to use, or not, at each scheduled break. A dialog box with your break balance will appear when your exam is placed in scheduled break mode. Note this time as you are responsible for managing your break bank. Pearson VUE will not monitor your break time. Once an exam session has concluded you may not revisit those questions.
Unused exam time will be added to your break bank. In this case, 70 minutes + 10 minutes of unused exam time equals 80 minutes of break time in your bank.
Using the previous question’s example, 80 minutes of total break time (70 minutes + 10 minutes of unused exam time from the first exam session) minus the 15-minute break taken after your first exam section equals 65 minutes of remaining break time.
The General Surgery Qualifying Examination (QE) and the Vascular Surgery Qualifying Examination (VSQE) will start with a bank of 70 minutes of break time. To express breast milk during the QE or the VSQE, lactating mothers will receive an additional 60 minutes of break time added to the break bank, for a total of 130 minutes of break time.
The Pediatric Surgery Qualifying Examination (PSQE), the Complex General Surgical Oncology Qualifying Examination (CGSO QE), and Surgical Critical Care Certifying Examination (SCC CE) will start with a bank of 20 minutes of break time. To express breast milk during the PSQE, the CGSO QE, or the SCC CE, lactating mothers will receive an additional 30 minutes of break time added to the break bank, for a total of 50 minutes of break time.
The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Focused Practice Designation Examination (MBS FPD Exam) includes one scheduled break of 10 minutes. To express milk during the MBS FPD Exam, an additional 30 minutes of break time will be added to the break, for a total of 40 minutes of break time (no break bank for this exam).
See Examination Accommodations for additional information.
Pearson VUE uses strict security measures to ensure the integrity of the examination process. Pearson VUE does not release any information about examinees to third parties.
Instantaneous results are not possible as we conduct extensive statistical analyses after the exam to determine appropriate scoring standards. We make every effort to process results quickly. Results are posted on the ABS website approximately four to eight weeks after the exam. You will be sent an email when results are posted.
Yes. Pearson VUE operates a small number of testing centers in international locations; see www.pearsonvue.com/abs for a testing center directory. For active duty military personnel stationed overseas, the ABS will make specific arrangements when possible on a case-by-case basis. Please call the ABS office at 215-568-4000 or send an email to the appropriate exam coordinator.
General Surgery QE FAQs
General Surgery Qualifying Exam (QE)
For Programs
All requests for missing letters due to errors on a program’s trainee roster must be made to the ABS office in writing (email is acceptable). The name(s) of your residents must be included in your message along with an explanation. The ABS will consider the request and provide application access one week prior to the posted initial deadline.
All application access for PGY-4 residents who wish to take the QE must be made to the ABS office in writing (email is acceptable) by the program by February 15. The name(s) of your residents must be included in your message. Requests will not be accepted after February 15.
For Candidates
Surgeons who complete general surgery residency after July 1, 2012, have no more than 7 academic years following residency to achieve certification in general surgery, i.e., pass both the QE and CE. The 7-year period starts immediately upon completion of residency. Only one exam opportunity will be offered in each year of the 7-year period.
If you delay in applying for the QE after residency, or do not take the QE when offered, you will lose exam opportunities. Upon successful completion of the QE, applicants will be offered up to 3 opportunities within 3 years to pass the CE. The three CE opportunities begin immediately upon successful completion of the QE. If you do not take the CE when offered in a given year, you will lose an exam opportunity.
Yes, a D.O. can apply for certification by the ABS if they have completed a general surgery training program accredited by the ACGME or the RCPSC. The same is true for all other ABS specialties. In addition, refer to our Osteopathic Trainees Policy for information regarding individuals currently in an osteopathic residency program.
Yes. A full and unrestricted license is not required to apply for the General Surgery QE or register for the General Surgery CE. However, a full and unrestricted state medical license is required before a candidate will be considered certified by the ABS. Candidates are responsible to provide proof of a full and unrestricted medical license before they will be issued their certificate.
Yes. The current/new program director may complete the Program Director attestation.
No; as long as you have remaining exam opportunities, you will automatically be sent registration information for the next examination when it is available.
Residents’ performance on ABS examinations is one factor evaluated by the ACGME when reviewing a residency program’s accreditation. Therefore, your program needs to continuously monitor the examination performance of its residents.
General Surgery CE FAQs
General Surgery Certifying Exam (CE)
Once QE results are posted on the ABS website, candidates who passed the QE should select via the website a CE date/site as soon as possible.
Yes. A full and unrestricted license is not required for either QE or CE registration. However, a full and unrestricted state medical license will be required before a candidate will be considered certified by the ABS. Candidates must provide proof of medical license before they will be issued their certificate, and will be listed in the ABS verification system as “in the examination process” until proof is submitted. Temporary, limited, educational or institutional licenses will not be accepted, even if you are currently in a fellowship.
Candidates can check their CE assignment status at any time on their Exam Records page under My Records. Please allow a 5-10 business days after submitting the registration items for your status to be updated. Once you are registered, your final assignment with a specific exam date will be posted.
An admission letter will be posted to your ABS online account three weeks before your exam date. To access this letter, you will need to log-in to your ABS account under the tab “Exam Records & Results > Active Examinations.” The admission card indicates precisely what time you need to check-in with your proctor.
The registration form and exam fee should be submitted to the ABS as soon as you are able to commit to taking that CE. CEs are slightly overbooked, so you may lose your spot if you wait until the last minute or after the deadline to register. Once the deadline is reached, any unconfirmed spots are opened up to those on the waiting list. You will now have to select another exam date to take the CE.
No. Because of the scheduling system that we employ to match candidates with examiners and perform the necessary conflict checks, unfortunately we cannot accommodate requests for specific dates or times.
ABS data shows that there is no systematic, significant relationship between the CE fail rate and factors such as exam location, time of year, or the day and time of the examination.
CE results will be posted on the ABS website within 10 business days after the final day of the exam. You will be sent an email when results are posted.
Approximately six months. If you need proof of certification and/or your certificate number, you may print a verification of certification letter using Check a Certification on the ABS website. You may also submit a request in writing for a hardcopy letter by email, fax or mail.
Residents’ performance on ABS examinations is one factor evaluated by the ACGME when reviewing a residency program’s accreditation. Your program thus needs to continuously monitor the examination performance of its residents.
Specialty Certification FAQs
Certification in ABS specialties other than general surgery
A primary certificate in vascular surgery took effect on July 1, 2006, allowing vascular surgery certification to be achieved without prior certification in general surgery.
To become certified in vascular surgery, you must either complete an ACGME-accredited integrated vascular surgery program, an accredited early specialization program, or a two-year ACGME accredited vascular surgery fellowship training following completion of a five-year general surgery residency. For more details on these pathways and their associated requirements, see Training Pathways.
Yes. Applicants may upload the ACGME Defined Category and Minimum Report (preferred) or the ACGME Experience Report by Role Report via the ABS portal. The ABS operative report is not required if you are submitting the ACGME form.
If you have completed an ACGME-accredited SCC fellowship following completion of three years of general surgery residency, you may apply for the SCC Certifying Examination and take the exam while still in residency. Note that you must have a guaranteed categorical residency position in an accredited surgery program available to you upon completion of the fellowship. A full and unrestricted medical license is not required at the time of application. If you are successful on the exam, certification in SCC is not awarded until you have obtained general surgery certification and submitted all required documentation, including proof of licensure.
No. Once your application is approved, you receive a specific number of opportunities to pass the exam within a given time period. If you fail or postpone during this period, you will subsequently be contacted with registration information for the next exam. A new application is not necessary until this period is exhausted.
Trainees’ performance on ABS examinations is one factor evaluated by the ACGME when reviewing a fellowship program’s accreditation. Therefore, your program needs to continuously monitor the examination performance of its fellows.
Focused Practice Designation FAQs
Focused Practice Designations (FPDs)
General Questions
All requests for missing letters due to errors on a program’s trainee roster must be made to the ABS office in writing (email is acceptable). The name(s) of your residents must be included in your message along with an explanation. The ABS will consider the request and provide application access one week prior to the posted initial deadline.
All application access for PGY-4 residents who wish to take the QE must be made to the ABS office in writing (email is acceptable) by the program by February 15. The name(s) of your residents must be included in your message. Requests will not be accepted after February 15.
Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery FPD
Surgeons who complete general surgery residency after July 1, 2012, have no more than 7 academic years following residency to achieve certification in general surgery, i.e., pass both the QE and CE. The 7-year period starts immediately upon completion of residency. Only one exam opportunity will be offered in each year of the 7-year period.
If you delay in applying for the QE after residency, or do not take the QE when offered, you will lose exam opportunities. Upon successful completion of the QE, applicants will be offered up to 3 opportunities within 3 years to pass the CE. The three CE opportunities begin immediately upon successful completion of the QE. If you do not take the CE when offered in a given year, you will lose an exam opportunity.
Yes, a D.O. can apply for certification by the ABS if they have completed a general surgery training program accredited by the ACGME or the RCPSC. The same is true for all other ABS specialties. In addition, refer to our Osteopathic Trainees Policy for information regarding individuals currently in an osteopathic residency program.
Yes. A full and unrestricted license is not required to apply for the General Surgery QE or register for the General Surgery CE. However, a full and unrestricted state medical license is required before a candidate will be considered certified by the ABS. Candidates are responsible to provide proof of a full and unrestricted medical license before they will be issued their certificate.
Yes. The current/new program director may complete the Program Director attestation.
No; as long as you have remaining exam opportunities, you will automatically be sent registration information for the next examination when it is available.
Residents’ performance on ABS examinations is one factor evaluated by the ACGME when reviewing a residency program’s accreditation. Therefore, your program needs to continuously monitor the examination performance of its residents.
ABSITE FAQs
ABS In-Training Examination (ABSITE)
Program General Information
There are no scheduled breaks. During an unscheduled break, the exam time will continue to elapse.
Yes. It is a program decision to host trainees not listed on your trainee roster. As the host, your program is responsible for ordering and paying for the non-resident’s exam and receiving their results. The ABS does not accept orders or payments from individuals.
ABSITE results are made available only to the general surgery program that ordered and paid for the examination. Results are not provided to individuals. Results should not be shared outside of the GME department.
Results will only be released once payment in full and the seating chart have been received by the ABS.
The ABS will not provide a score report or transcript for a former trainee. It is the responsibility of the program and the individual resident to retain individual score reports.
The ABS does not produce corrected copies of reports in cases where the information was either not provided or incorrectly provided on the order form. See the Cover Memo Supplemental Reports document included with your results.
The ABS does not require the ABSITE for any reason. The ABSITE is not required as part of the ABS board certification process.
No, your program can administer the ABITE on any day during the exam window. Your program can also administer the exam in multiple sessions on the same day or over multiple days. A seating chart is required for each administration.
The only exception to this is if an irregularity has been detected on a previous ABSITE administration; then, the program is required to administer the ABSITE within the first two days of the exam window. See next FAQ for more information.
Yes, programs identified with a testing irregularity must administer the exam on the first day of the exam for the next three years. This includes any/all visiting residents taking the exam at your program.
ABSITE Ordering Process
The ABSITE is available only to ACGME-accredited general surgery programs. It is also made available to Canadian, osteopathic and international programs upon request. It is not available to individuals.
The ABSITE ordering process is completed via the program’s portal on the ABS website.
The order form is found on the program’s Status of Order page. Click on Training & Certification > For Residency & Fellowship Programs > 2023 In-Training Exams > Status of Order. Programs will be prompted to log in with their ABS credentials. The order form is pre-filled with each resident’s name and clinical level, as provided by your program on the trainee roster for the current academic year.
Payment must be made by the program (not an individual trainee) in the form of a credit card via the ABS website or check mailed to the ABS office. Wire or electronic transfers are not accepted.
The invoice is found on the program’s Status of Order page. Click on Training & Certification > For Residency & Fellowship Programs > In-Training Exams > Status of Order. Once the order is “Submitted and Locked,” the invoice will be available under Examination Fee.
To correct information regarding a resident’s name and/or clinical level on the trainee roster and ABSITE order form, you must complete the Order Change Request Form.
It is the general surgery program that grants an accommodation for the ABSITE, not the ABS. Accommodations granted by the program for the ABSITE do not guarantee accommodations granted by the ABS for the QE. This is noted on the ABSITE order form.
When completing the order form, you can select either 1.5x or 2x from the Accommodations field. 1.5x is time and a half for a total of 7.5 hours of exam time; 2x is double time for a total of 10 hours of exam time.
Your program can offer a lactating mother either 1.5x or 2x of exam time so that she may step out to express breast milk.
Your program is responsible for ordering and paying for the ABSITE for all of your examinees even when taking the exam with a different program.
When completing the order form, you would select the host program from the Alternate Site of Examination drop down menu. The host program must be an ACGME-accredited general surgery program.
No. Changes to your trainee roster will be accepted until December 31 of a given academic year, via email.
The clinical level at which any resident’s ABSITE is scored is ultimately the program’s decision. Any change to a clinical level on the order form will not change the clinical level for that resident on your program’s previously submitted trainee roster.
The program will need to provide the former name and the new name via the Order Change Request Form.
No, registration codes are NOT transferable. They are unique to each examinee as it contains that examinee’s name and clinical level as well as accommodations and alternate exam location information if applicable.
To request changes to an order at any point, programs must complete a Order Change Request Form. A $300 change fee will be assessed for each change made during the change request period for that year. No changes will be accepted after the last day of that period in a given year.
Testing Website Information
All program log-in credentials are reset annually. You will receive a “Welcome” email sent directly by the exam vendor (ITS) with your credentials for the current year.
The program director, program administrator, and any assistant program administrator are automatically set up as proctors and all will be sent the “Welcome” email. Examinees will not receive this email.
The program director, program administrator, and assistant program administrator may create additional proctors directly via the testing website.
Once ABS uploads the FINAL registrations codes, these codes will be listed in the Roster on the testing website.
Questions regarding the secure browser, and all other technical questions, should be directed to ITS, the exam vendor, at 800-514-8494, +1-443-573-8399 or ABSsupport@testsys.com.
Examinee General Information
Individuals not currently in a general surgery program will need to find an ACGME-accredited general surgery program who is willing to host. As the host, the program is responsible for ordering and paying for the non-resident’s exam and receiving their results.
The ABSITE is available only to ACGME-accredited general surgery programs. It is also made available to Canadian, osteopathic, and international programs upon request. It is not available to individuals.
ABSITE results are made available only to the general surgery program that ordered and paid for the examination. Results are not provided to individual residents or non-resident examinees. Results should not be shared outside of the program’s GME department.
The ABS will not provide a score report or transcript to individual examinees. It is the responsibility of the program and the individual resident to retain the PDF of the score report.
The ABS does not produce corrected copies of reports in cases where the information was either not provided or incorrectly provided on the order form. See your program, they were provided information on how to interpret the results.
There are no scheduled breaks. During an unscheduled break, the exam time will continue to elapse.
Your program will need to note this on their order form. The program can provide either 1.5x (time and a half for 7.5 total hours of exam time) or 2x (double time for 10 total hours of exam time). Note: an accommodation for the ABSITE does not guarantee an accommodation for the Qualifying Exam (QE). Accommodations on the QE must be formally requested in accordance with the ABS Examination of Persons with Disabilities policy.
Your program will need to note this on their order form. The program can provide either 1.5x (time and a half for 7.5 total hours of exam time) or 2x (double time for 10 total hours of exam time). Note: an accommodation for the ABSITE does not guarantee an accommodation for the Qualifying Exam (QE). Accommodations on the QE must be formally requested in accordance with the ABS Examination Accommodations for Lactating Mothers and Other Medical Conditions policy.
Your program director can help with the interpretation of results. The specific areas of weakness are identified in the summary results that you receive. The ABS does not discuss results with residents.
International Training FAQs
International medical training
No. The request must come from your residency program director, once you are enrolled in an ACGME-accredited program. The ABS offers credit only toward general surgery or vascular surgery training. Please see our International Training page for further information.
Yes. A certificate issued by the ECFMG is required for all international medical graduates.
Continuous Certification FAQs
Maintaining certification
General Program Information
New diplomates are automatically enrolled once they initially certify in any ABS specialty. Their first Continuous Certification Assessment is due two years after the academic year in which they initially certified. For example, residents who passed the Certifying Exam in either the fall of 2021 or the spring of 2022 have their first assessment due in 2024.
Current diplomates who have 10-year certificates that are expiring must enroll in the program before their certificate expires by registering for their first assessment in order to continue their certification. However, they must continue to maintain all other program requirements on an ongoing basis.
Once a diplomate registers for an assessment, they are automatically enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program. New diplomates are automatically enrolled in the program upon initial certification. Assessment registration must be completed every year in which an assessment is due, but program enrollment does not have to be repeated.
Once a diplomate registers for an assessment, they are automatically enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program. New diplomates are automatically enrolled in the program upon initial certification. Assessment registration must be completed every year in which an assessment is due, but program enrollment does not have to be repeated.
Once a diplomate registers for their first Continuous Certification Assessment and enrolls in the program, an annual fee of $285 will be required. If a diplomate maintains more than one ABS certification, they will be charged an additional annual fee of $150 for each additional certification once they take their first Continuous Certification Assessment in that specialty.
Diplomates should check their status periodically at My Continuous Certification to see if there are any Continuous Certification program requirements that are due. Diplomates must be up to date with all program requirements when registering for an assessment. At that time, diplomates must have two letters of reference that are no older than five years.
In order to enroll in the Continuous Certification Program and take the first Continuous Certification Assessment, diplomates must have 150 Category 1 CME credits, 50 of which must be self-assessment. After passing the first Continuous Certification Assessment, this requirement will be reduced to 125 Category 1 CME credits with no self-assessment required. In both cases, the CME must be no more than five years old.
For diplomates participating in Continuous Certification for more than one ABS specialty, these requirements do not need to be repeated for each certificate that a diplomate holds. The only requirements that must be repeated for each certificate are the assessment and the annual fee.
Why is ABS phasing out the 10-year certificate and introducing the Continuous Certification Program?
Given how quickly surgical knowledge and practice are changing, ABS felt it was important to move to a more modern program of ongoing education and assessment. The new program is also designed to be more convenient, flexible and practice-related, to better reflect how diplomates practice today. The goal is to support diplomates in improving the care they provide, while upholding the high standards of ABS certification.
The annual fee reflects the ongoing development of all aspects of the Continuous Certification Program, including diplomate status tracking, public reporting of diplomate status, self-service features like the CME Repository, and the new assessment process, which requires development of hundreds of new questions with explanations and references, as well as an online delivery platform. The annual fee of $285 covers all general program participation, including one assessment every other year. Diplomates will start paying the fee once they enroll in the program. If a diplomate maintains more than one ABS certification, they will be charged an additional annual fee of $150 for each additional certification once they take their first Continuous Certification Assessment in that specialty.
Diplomates who are enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program will not lose their certification until the end of the grace year, as long as they are current with their annual fee payment. If a diplomate has not passed their assessment by the end of the grace year, successful completion of a secure exam will be required to regain certification. Diplomates who do not register for their first assessment for entry into the Continuous Certification Program will not be enrolled and therefore, will not receive a grace year. These diplomates will lose certification once their current certificate expires.
Diplomates who do not remit payment for their annual fee in the year that they are due to complete an assessment will not automatically receive a grace year in the following year and will lose their certification on Dec. 31 of that year. These diplomates will be listed as “Not Certified” until their outstanding balance has been paid. Following payment of an outstanding balance, the grace year will be reinstated along with a “Certified” certification status.
Diplomates who no longer operate but still see patients may participate in Continuous Certification by fulfilling the program requirements in ways relevant to their current activities.
Diplomates who no longer see patients at all but are active in an administrative role (clinically inactive) must meet all requirements except for practice improvement. Refer to the ABS Clinically Inactive Policy for more details.
Diplomates who are no longer active in practice in any capacity (including in an administrative role) and do not wish to participate in the ABS Continuous Certification Program, may request a retired status. Please see our Retired policy for more information. These diplomates are welcome to participate in the Continuous Certification Program if they choose; please contact the ABS office for more details.
Program Enrollment
Once a diplomate registers for an assessment, they are automatically enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program. New diplomates are automatically enrolled in the program upon initial certification. Assessment registration must be completed every year in which an assessment is due, but program enrollment does not have to be repeated.
New diplomates are automatically enrolled once they initially certify in any ABS specialty. These diplomates will begin taking the assessment two years after they became certified.
Diplomates who achieve initial certification in either general surgery, vascular surgery*, pediatric surgery or complex general surgical oncology will complete their first Continuous Certification Assessment two years after the academic year in which they become certified (for example, if certified in one of these specialties in the 2022-2023 academic year, you will take your first assessment in fall 2025).
Diplomates who achieve initial certification in surgical critical care will complete their first assessment two years after certification (for example, if certified in surgical critical care in September 2021, you will complete your first assessment in fall 2023).
Current diplomates who have 10-year certificates that are expiring must enroll in the program before their certificate expires by registering for their first assessment in order to continue their certification. However, they must continue to maintain all other program requirements on an ongoing basis.
*Note: Due to the COVID-related rescheduling of the 2020 and 2021 Vascular Surgery Certifying Exams, those who became certified in vascular surgery in either January or July 2021 will take their first Vascular Surgery Continuous Certification Assessment in fall 2023.
I just became certified and am currently in a fellowship. Does Continuous Certification apply to me?
Yes; diplomates in fellowships will still need to keep their Continuous Certification profiles updated (go to My Continuous Certification), including submitting fellowship information. Diplomates in a fellowship will have the CME and practice improvement requirements waived during their time in training. To qualify for this waiver, the fellowship must be at least 12 months (and no more than 2 years) in duration and accredited by the ACGME or a surgical organization with a formal accreditation process (e.g., SSO, ASTS, ACS, Fellowship Council, etc.).
Once a diplomate registers for their first Continuous Certification Assessment and enrolls in the program, an annual fee of $285 will be required. If a diplomate maintains more than one ABS certification, they will be charged an additional annual fee of $150 for each additional certification once they take their first Continuous Certification Assessment in that specialty.
Diplomates who are enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program will not lose their certification until the end of the grace year, as long as they are current with their annual fee payment. If a diplomate has not passed their assessment by the end of the grace year, successful completion of a secure exam will be required to regain certification. Diplomates who do not register for their first assessment for entry into the Continuous Certification Program will not be enrolled and therefore, will not receive a grace year. These diplomates will lose certification once their current certificate expires.
Diplomates who do not remit payment for their annual fee in the year that they are due to complete an assessment will not automatically receive a grace year in the following year and will lose their certification on Dec. 31 of that year. These diplomates will be listed as “Not Certified” until their outstanding balance has been paid. Following payment of an outstanding balance, the grace year will be reinstated along with a “Certified” certification status.
Program Requirements
For guidance on how to update your ongoing certification requirements, please see this document.
Diplomates should maintain their Continuous Certification program requirements on an ongoing basis, including CME, hospital or surgical center privileges (if clinically active), references, and participation in practice improvement activities.
In order to enroll in the Continuous Certification Program, diplomates must have 150 Category 1 CME credits, 50 of which must be self-assessment. After passing the first Continuous Certification Assessment, this requirement will be reduced to 125 Category 1 CME credits with no self-assessment required.
Diplomates can check their status anytime at My Continuous Certification to view when items are due and submit any necessary information. ABS will also keep diplomates regularly informed of their status, so it is very important for diplomates to keep their contact information updated, especially their email address.
Once a diplomate registers for their first Continuous Certification Assessment and enrolls in the program, an annual fee of $285 will be required. If a diplomate maintains more than one ABS certification, they will be charged an additional annual fee of $150 for each additional certification once they take their first Continuous Certification Assessment in that specialty.
Diplomates should check their status periodically at My Continuous Certification to see if there are any Continuous Certification program requirements that are due. Diplomates must be up to date with all program requirements when registering for an assessment. At that time, diplomates must have two letters of reference that are no older than five years.
In order to enroll in the Continuous Certification Program and take the first Continuous Certification Assessment, diplomates must have 150 Category 1 CME credits, 50 of which must be self-assessment. After passing the first Continuous Certification Assessment, this requirement will be reduced to 125 Category 1 CME credits with no self-assessment required. In both cases, the CME must be no more than five years old.
Diplomates may update their account regarding progress towards completion of ongoing program requirements at any time. All requirements must be met in order to complete registration for an assessment, even when the assessment is taken in the grace year.
For diplomates participating in Continuous Certification for more than one ABS specialty, these requirements do not need to be repeated for each certificate that a diplomate holds. The only requirements that must be repeated for each certificate are the assessment and the annual fee.
The CME activity will provide Category 1 credits and use a written or electronic question-and-answer exercise to assess a diplomate’s understanding of the material presented. The CME credits are generally not awarded until a test or quiz is submitted. A passing score of 75% or higher must be required. See our CME page for more details and resources.
The form(s) should be filled out by a physician of a comparable position at the institution where a diplomate performs most of their work, such as the medical director or chief of staff. The two forms may not be filled out by the same person, or by someone who is a close friend or relative.
When updating practice improvement information (go to My Continuous Certification), diplomates will be asked to indicate or describe the type of practice improvement activity in which they are participating. No data is required. Note that the ABS audits a percentage of the submitted forms each year. If audited, diplomates will be asked to provide verification of enrollment or participation. No patient data will be collected.
Many outcomes tracking and quality assessment programs are hospital-based, so diplomates should first check with their hospital to see if any such programs are available. In addition, some surgical societies have programs for individual surgeons. If there are no programs available, diplomates should conduct their own practice assessment activity — please see the Practice Improvement page on the ABS website for further details and resources.
Diplomates who no longer operate but still see patients may participate in Continuous Certification by fulfilling the program requirements in ways relevant to their current activities.
Diplomates who no longer see patients at all but are active in an administrative role (clinically inactive) must meet all requirements except for practice improvement. Refer to the ABS Clinically Inactive Policy for more details.
Diplomates who are no longer active in practice in any capacity (including in an administrative role) and do not wish to participate in the ABS Continuous Certification Program, may request a retired status. Please see our Retired policy for more information. These diplomates are welcome to participate in the Continuous Certification Program if they choose; please contact the ABS office for more details.
Diplomates who are enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program and are not up to date with all program requirements at the time of assessment registration will be unable to take the assessment until those requirements have been fulfilled. Grace years are provided to diplomates in the program who do not pass an assessment when it is due, whether they do not register for the assessment or they are unsuccessful in their assessment attempt. In order to receive the grace year, diplomates must be current on their annual fee payment.
Diplomates who are unsuccessful in the assessment should ensure that their requirements stay up to date to be eligible to register for the assessment in the grace year.
Diplomates who do not remit payment for their annual fee in the year that they are due to complete an assessment will not automatically receive a grace year in the following year and will lose their certification on Dec. 31 of that year. These diplomates will be listed as “Not Certified” until their outstanding balance has been paid. Following payment of an outstanding balance, the grace year will be reinstated along with a “Certified” certification status.
Diplomates who are participating in the lapsed pathway do not receive any grace years during the five years in which they are completing the pathway requirements.
Most ongoing program requirements for Continuous Certification cover all certifications that a diplomate holds. Although there are no additional program requirements for maintaining multiple certificates, all program requirements must be up to date whenever registering for an assessment, so it is important to make sure that no previously fulfilled requirements have become outdated.
Diplomates should check their status periodically at My Continuous Certification to see if there are any Continuous Certification program requirements that are due.
Diplomates who are enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program will not lose their certification until the end of the grace year, as long as they are current with their annual fee payment. If a diplomate has not passed their assessment by the end of the grace year, successful completion of a secure exam will be required to regain certification. Diplomates who do not register for their first assessment for entry into the Continuous Certification Program will not be enrolled and therefore, will not receive a grace year. These diplomates will lose certification once their current certificate expires.
Diplomates who do not remit payment for their annual fee in the year that they are due to complete an assessment will not automatically receive a grace year in the following year and will lose their certification on Dec. 31 of that year. These diplomates will be listed as “Not Certified” until their outstanding balance has been paid. Following payment of an outstanding balance, the grace year will be reinstated along with a “Certified” certification status.
Lapsed diplomates have a special pathway that allows them to regain their certification within a short timeframe (year 1), but also ensures they are satisfactorily meeting the requirements of the Continuous Certification Program. Upon registration for their first Continuous Certification Assessment, all diplomates must be submit information regarding the program requirements including:
- Medical license
- Hospital or surgical center privileges
- Professional references
- Practice improvement activities
- CME
Lapsed diplomates must also submit two additional reference letters, from peer surgeons who are familiar with their practice or current activities. Once a diplomate has fulfilled all of these requirements, they may register to take a Continuous Certification Assessment. This is an entirely online process that can typically be completed within a few days. Recently lapsed diplomates or diplomates with other ABS certificates will already have many of the items submitted.
Please note that letters of reference require ABS review upon submission and should be started in a timely manner to ensure that the reference has time to complete the documentation, and also to ensure that the diplomate will still have enough time to complete the assessment.
Lapsed diplomates must also take and pass two extra assessments during the initial five-year period of the pathway (in years 2 and 4); however, once the five-year period is completed, they will take the assessment on the standard schedule of every other year.
The annual fee reflects the ongoing development of all aspects of the Continuous Certification Program, including diplomate status tracking, public reporting of diplomate status, self-service features like the CME Repository, and the new assessment process, which requires development of hundreds of new questions with explanations and references, as well as an online delivery platform. The annual fee of $285 covers all general program participation, including one assessment every other year. Diplomates will start paying the fee once they enroll in the program. If a diplomate maintains more than one ABS certification, they will be charged an additional annual fee of $150 for each additional certification once they take their first Continuous Certification Assessment in that specialty.
Diplomates who are not yet enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program must still meet ongoing requirements to remain in good standing. This includes 150 Category 1 CME credits, 50 of which must be self-assessment. Most program requirements should be updated no less than every five years. Diplomates are encouraged to log in to their ABS portal periodically to check the status of their requirements.
Maintaining Multiple Certificates
Most ongoing program requirements for Continuous Certification cover all certifications that a diplomate holds. For example, diplomates do not need to submit additional reference forms for additional specialties, or complete additional CME. However, the assessment must be competed and annual fee be paid for each certificate that a diplomate maintains. The CME and practice improvement requirements should be completed in whichever areas best reflect the diplomate’s practice.
Once a diplomate registers for their first Continuous Certification Assessment and enters the program, an annual fee of $285 will be required. If a diplomate maintains more than one ABS certification, they will be charged an additional annual fee of $150 for each additional certification once they take their first Continuous Certification Assessment in that specialty.
Although there are no additional program requirements for maintaining multiple certificates, all program requirements must be up to date whenever registering for an assessment, so it is important to make sure that no previously fulfilled requirements have become outdated.
Most ongoing program requirements for Continuous Certification cover all certifications that a diplomate holds. Although there are no additional program requirements for maintaining multiple certificates, all program requirements must be up to date whenever registering for an assessment, so it is important to make sure that no previously fulfilled requirements have become outdated.
Diplomates should check their status periodically at My Continuous Certification to see if there are any Continuous Certification program requirements that are due.
Each diplomate is required to pay the annual fee of $285 and stay current on the other program requirements to maintain their certification status. If a diplomate maintains more than one ABS certification, they will be required to pay an additional annual fee of $150 for each additional certification once they take their first Continuous Certification Assessment in that specialty.
For example, if a diplomate has a general surgery certificate expiring in 2020, they must pay the annual fee of $285 and take the 2020 General Surgery Assessment to enter the Continuous Certification Program and maintain their general surgery certificate. If that same diplomate has a surgical critical care certificate expiring in 2026, they will not have to take their first Surgical Critical Care Assessment until 2026, and when they register for their first Surgical Critical Care Assessment, they will be asked to pay an additional $150 for a total annual fee of $435.
Diplomates have the option to reset their assessment schedule if they wish. Please contact the ABS office for information on how to change to an even- or odd-year assessment schedule. Diplomates participating in Continuous Certification for more than one discipline may do this if there is a preference for the assessments to fall in the same year or in alternate years.
If a diplomate who holds multiple certificates wishes to take all assessments in the same year, the assessments may be started at different times within the eight-week assessment window. Diplomates will receive up to two weeks to complete each assessment – the last day to begin any assessment to ensure that a diplomate has the full two weeks is Monday, Nov. 9, 2020.
If a diplomate has recently initially certified in general surgery or vascular surgery, they must hold that primary certificate to be eligible for certification in another ABS specialty. However, once that is achieved, they do not have to continue to maintain the primary certificate.
General Assessment Information
Once a diplomate registers for an assessment, they are automatically enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program. New diplomates are automatically enrolled in the program upon initial certification. Assessment registration must be completed every year in which an assessment is due, but program enrollment does not have to be repeated.
Diplomates with general surgery, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, surgical critical care, complex general surgical oncology or hand surgery certificates expiring this year may use the new assessment process to continue their certification. Once participating in the new assessment, a diplomate’s certification status will be contingent on passing the assessment every other year, as well as meeting other program requirements. However, if a diplomate does not pass the assessment in a given year, they will be able to retake it the following year (grace year) without loss of certification status, as long as they are up to date on their annual fee payment. Please see New Assessment Enrollment for more details.
Diplomates who do not remit payment for their annual fee in the year that they are due to complete an assessment will not automatically receive a grace year in the following year and will lose their certification on Dec. 31 of that year. These diplomates will be listed as “Not Certified” until their outstanding balance has been paid. Following payment of an outstanding balance, the grace year will be reinstated along with a “Certified” certification status.
Diplomates should check their status periodically at My Continuous Certification to see if there are any Continuous Certification program requirements that are due. Diplomates must be up to date with all program requirements when registering for an assessment. At that time, diplomates must have two letters of reference that are no older than five years.
In order to enroll in the Continuous Certification Program and take the first Continuous Certification Assessment, diplomates must have 150 Category 1 CME credits, 50 of which must be self-assessment. After passing the first Continuous Certification Assessment, this requirement will be reduced to 125 Category 1 CME credits with no self-assessment required. In both cases, the CME must be no more than five years old.
For diplomates participating in Continuous Certification for more than one ABS specialty, these requirements do not need to be repeated for each certificate that a diplomate holds. The only requirements that must be repeated for each certificate are the assessment and the annual fee.
Continuous Certification Assessment registration opens annually in late-summer; ABS will notify diplomates due for an assessment at that time. To register for the new assessment, diplomates will need to be up to date with the other program requirements of Continuous Certification; diplomates can check their status anytime at My Continuous Certification. ABS will also keep diplomates informed of their status and when action is required to maintain a certification.
Diplomates should make sure to keep all contact information up to date, especially their email address. Diplomates may update their account at any time, including adding CME credits and requesting references.
ABS reviewed general surgery diplomates’ operative experience reports from the past few years, and those four areas (general surgery, abdomen, alimentary tract, breast) cover what were clearly the most frequently performed procedures. Additional practice-related areas are planned for the future, based on feedback from diplomates and surgical societies. Please note that the addition of any new modules will not be based just on feedback, but on meeting the needs of as many diplomates as possible.
The General Surgery Continuous Certification Assessment was the first to be offered in 2018 as general surgery is the largest ABS specialty. Similar assessments launched in fall 2019 for vascular surgery, pediatric surgery and surgical critical care, and in fall 2021 for complex general surgical oncology and hand surgery.
The ABS Continuous Certification Program has been designed to provide flexible, high-quality, practice-related learning and assessment to support surgeons in their practice. To support this goal, ABS provides topics for diplomates to focus their study efforts and references to provide transparency about the sources that support the development of the assessment.
The references reflect that the assessment primarily focuses on important evidence-based recent updates to surgical practice. Diplomates are neither required nor expected to read all of these references before or during the completion of the assessment, but are encouraged to review them to prepare for the questions that they will be presented with. Diplomates may also review the references as they complete their assessment, as individual questions are untimed to allow for self-study before choosing an answer.
ABS does not endorse or critically evaluate any review courses, and we do not believe that review courses are necessary to successfully complete any of the assessments.
Assessment Registration, Timing and Completion
Once a diplomate registers for an assessment, they are automatically enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program. New diplomates are automatically enrolled in the program upon initial certification. Assessment registration must be completed every year in which an assessment is due, but program enrollment does not have to be repeated.
To register for a Continuous Certification Assessment, diplomates must be meeting all other program requirements, which include:
- Medical license
- Hospital or surgical center privileges
- Professional references
- Practice improvement activities
- CME
- Annual fee
As long as a diplomate is meeting these requirements, they may register to take a Continuous Certification Assessment. Assessment registration is a completely online process — no hardcopy paper submissions are required.
The online registration process for all Continuous Certification Assessments will be available under My Continuous Certification annually in early August. A notice will be posted on the homepage at that time and notifications sent to eligible diplomates. Once logged in, diplomates will be able to access the forms needed to complete assessment registration. Diplomates should make sure to keep all contact information up to date, especially their email address. Diplomates may update their account at any time, including adding CME credits and requesting references.
Diplomates are encouraged to check that all registration items have in fact been completed. Registration is complete once all fees are paid, the digital signature is signed and all necessary requirements are marked with a green check. In most cases, registration is approved automatically within 24 hours. If the automated system finds any issues with an application, manual review by ABS staff will be required. If a diplomate’s application is under review, it is recommended that they continue to check back over the next couple of weeks.
Diplomates will be notified by email at the start of the start of the assessment window on Sept. 7, 2020 and may then choose their own start date. As a reminder, diplomates will be granted two weeks to complete the assessment when there are at least two weeks remaining in the assessment window. Your personal window begins the moment the assessment is launched and does not restart at any point.
In most cases, registration is approved automatically within 24 hours. If the automated system finds any issues with an application, manual review by ABS staff will be required. If a diplomate’s application is under review, it is recommended that they continue to check back over the next couple of weeks. Therefore, if a diplomate has any concerns about the timing of their registration, it’s better to begin the registration process before the assessment window begins.
Correctly answering 80% of the questions is required to pass, with two chances to answer. A score of at least 40% must be achieved on the first attempt to qualify for a second attempt in the same testing administration, so frequent guessing is not a recommended strategy. Those who do not answer a minimum of 16 questions (40%) correctly on their first attempt or 32 questions (80%) correctly by their second attempt will be granted a grace year and will be able to retake it the following year without loss of certification status.
Diplomates who score at least 40% on their first assessment attempt will receive a second attempt.
Diplomates will be granted two weeks to complete the assessment when there are at least two weeks remaining in the assessment window. Your personal window begins the moment the assessment is launched and does not restart at any point.
ABS encourages diplomates to do their best on all assessment attempts. Correctly answering 80% of the questions is required to pass, with two chances to answer. A score of at least 40% must be achieved on the first attempt to qualify for a second attempt in the same testing administration, so frequent guessing is not a recommended strategy. Those who do not answer a minimum of 16 questions (40%) correctly on their first attempt or 32 questions (80%) correctly by their second attempt will be granted a grace year and will be able to retake it the following year without loss of certification status. A $50 fee will be charged for taking the assessment in the grace year.
Diplomates who are enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program and are not up to date with all program requirements at the time of assessment registration will be unable to take the assessment until those requirements have been fulfilled. Grace years are provided to diplomates in the program who do not pass an assessment when it is due, whether they do not register for the assessment or they are unsuccessful in their assessment attempt. In order to receive the grace year, diplomates must be current on their annual fee payment.
If a diplomate does not pass the assessment in the grace year, they will lose certification. Regaining certification after the grace year will then require successful completion of a secure exam.
Diplomates who do not remit payment for their annual fee in the year that they are due to complete an assessment will not automatically receive a grace year in the following year and will lose their certification on Dec. 31 of that year. These diplomates will be listed as “Not Certified” until their outstanding balance has been paid. Following payment of an outstanding balance, the grace year will be reinstated along with a “Certified” certification status.
Diplomates who are participating in the lapsed pathway do not receive any grace years during the five years in which they are completing the pathway requirements.
Diplomates who are enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program will not lose their certification until the end of the grace year, as long as they are current with their annual fee payment. If a diplomate has not passed their assessment by the end of the grace year, successful completion of a secure exam will be required to regain certification. Diplomates who do not register for their first assessment for entry into the Continuous Certification Program will not be enrolled and therefore, will not receive a grace year. These diplomates will lose certification once their current certificate expires.
Diplomates who do not remit payment for their annual fee in the year that they are due to complete an assessment will not automatically receive a grace year in the following year and will lose their certification on Dec. 31 of that year. These diplomates will be listed as “Not Certified” until their outstanding balance has been paid. Following payment of an outstanding balance, the grace year will be reinstated along with a “Certified” certification status.
Certificate status will be updated once results have been validated – several weeks after the close of the assessment window.
The preliminary score report that appears in your portal immediately after completing a Continuous Certification Assessment is provided as confirmation of completion until the assessment window closes for all candidates. This preliminary report may be provided to credentialers until your official score report is available.
Once the window closes, ABS psychometricians will review all results and validate all assessments. Final score reports, with detailed feedback, will be provided to diplomates in their portal within 4-6 weeks of the close of the examination window. Diplomate certification status, which reflects the final results of the assessment, will be available on the ABS website BEFORE December 31 of that year.
Grace Year
ABS encourages diplomates to do their best on all assessment attempts. Correctly answering 80% of the questions is required to pass, with two chances to answer. A score of at least 40% must be achieved on the first attempt to qualify for a second attempt in the same testing administration, so frequent guessing is not a recommended strategy. Those who do not answer a minimum of 16 questions (40%) correctly on their first attempt or 32 questions (80%) correctly by their second attempt will be granted a grace year and will be able to retake it the following year without loss of certification status. A $50 fee will be charged for taking the assessment in the grace year.
Diplomates who are enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program and are not up to date with all program requirements at the time of assessment registration will be unable to take the assessment until those requirements have been fulfilled. Grace years are provided to diplomates in the program who do not pass an assessment when it is due, whether they do not register for the assessment or they are unsuccessful in their assessment attempt. In order to receive the grace year, diplomates must be current on their annual fee payment.
If a diplomate does not pass the assessment in the grace year, they will lose certification. Regaining certification after the grace year will then require successful completion of a secure exam.
Diplomates who do not remit payment for their annual fee in the year that they are due to complete an assessment will not automatically receive a grace year in the following year and will lose their certification on Dec. 31 of that year. These diplomates will be listed as “Not Certified” until their outstanding balance has been paid. Following payment of an outstanding balance, the grace year will be reinstated along with a “Certified” certification status.
Diplomates who are participating in the lapsed pathway do not receive any grace years during the five years in which they are completing the pathway requirements.
Diplomates who are enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program and are not up to date with all program requirements at the time of assessment registration will be unable to take the assessment until those requirements have been fulfilled. Grace years are provided to diplomates in the program who do not pass an assessment when it is due, whether they do not register for the assessment or they are unsuccessful in their assessment attempt. In order to receive the grace year, diplomates must be current on their annual fee payment.
Diplomates who are unsuccessful in the assessment should ensure that their requirements stay up to date to be eligible to register for the assessment in the grace year.
Diplomates who do not remit payment for their annual fee in the year that they are due to complete an assessment will not automatically receive a grace year in the following year and will lose their certification on Dec. 31 of that year. These diplomates will be listed as “Not Certified” until their outstanding balance has been paid. Following payment of an outstanding balance, the grace year will be reinstated along with a “Certified” certification status.
Diplomates who are participating in the lapsed pathway do not receive any grace years during the five years in which they are completing the pathway requirements.
Diplomates will not be required to share the details of the event, explain why they were unable to complete the assessment, or petition the board as to why they were unable to complete the assessment. As long as the diplomate is enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program and has paid any outstanding annual fee balance, they will be able to remain certified and take the assessment the following year during the grace year. If the diplomate is in their grace year, they must complete and pass the assessment to remain certified.
Diplomates who are in the lapsed pathway do not receive any grace years. See our Lapsed policy for more information. There is no lifetime limit on the number of grace years a diplomate may use. However, diplomates who are currently in a grace year and do not pass the assessment will not be issued another grace year at that time.
Diplomates who are enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program will not lose their certification until the end of the grace year, as long as they are current with their annual fee payment. If a diplomate has not passed their assessment by the end of the grace year, successful completion of a secure exam will be required to regain certification. Diplomates who do not register for their first assessment for entry into the Continuous Certification Program will not be enrolled and therefore, will not receive a grace year. These diplomates will lose certification once their current certificate expires.
Diplomates who do not remit payment for their annual fee in the year that they are due to complete an assessment will not automatically receive a grace year in the following year and will lose their certification on Dec. 31 of that year. These diplomates will be listed as “Not Certified” until their outstanding balance has been paid. Following payment of an outstanding balance, the grace year will be reinstated along with a “Certified” certification status.
Grace years are available for everyone in good standing and participating in the Continuous Certification Program, whenever an assessment is normally due. There is no “predetermined” maximum number of grace years that a diplomate could receive. However, those who are currently in a grace year and do not pass the assessment will not be issued another grace year at that time.
For example, if a diplomate fails the assessment in 2020 and passes during the grace year in 2021, their next regularly scheduled assessment is in 2022. If that same diplomate fails the assessment in 2022, they will receive a grace year in 2023. However, if they fail the assessment in 2021 (during the grace year), they will lose certification. Regaining certification at that point will require successful completion of a secure exam.
Using the grace year does not reset the schedule of when assessments are due. For example, if a diplomate fails the assessment in 2022 and passes during the grace year in 2023, their next regularly scheduled assessment is due in 2024.
However, all diplomates have the option to reset their assessment schedule if they wish. Please contact the ABS office for information on how to change to an even- or odd-year assessment schedule. Diplomates participating in Continuous Certification for more than one discipline may do this if there is a preference for the assessments to fall in the same year or in alternate years.
Lapsed Diplomates
Lapsed diplomates have a special pathway that allows them to regain their certification within a short timeframe (year 1), but also ensures they are satisfactorily meeting the requirements of the Continuous Certification Program. Upon registration for their first Continuous Certification Assessment, all diplomates must be submit information regarding the program requirements including:
- Medical license
- Hospital or surgical center privileges
- Professional references
- Practice improvement activities
- CME
Lapsed diplomates must also submit two additional reference letters, from peer surgeons who are familiar with their practice or current activities. Once a diplomate has fulfilled all of these requirements, they may register to take a Continuous Certification Assessment. This is an entirely online process that can typically be completed within a few days. Recently lapsed diplomates or diplomates with other ABS certificates will already have many of the items submitted.
Please note that letters of reference require ABS review upon submission and should be started in a timely manner to ensure that the reference has time to complete the documentation, and also to ensure that the diplomate will still have enough time to complete the assessment.
Lapsed diplomates must also take and pass two extra assessments during the initial five-year period of the pathway (in years 2 and 4); however, once the five-year period is completed, they will take the assessment on the standard schedule of every other year.
Certificate status will be updated once results have been validated – several weeks after the close of the assessment window.
Diplomates who are participating in the lapsed pathway do not receive any grace years during the five years in which they are completing the pathway requirements. If a diplomate does not pass the assessment at any time during this five-year, they will lose certification. Regaining certification will then require successful completion of a secure examination at a testing center.
CME FAQs
Obtaining and reporting Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits
Visit ACCME’s CME Passport to search the list of CME activities that earn you credit towards ABS CC requirements.
You can filter the list of activities by fields such as specialty, accredited CME provider (for example, professional membership organization and/or affiliation), activity type, credit type, fee and location.
You can also contact the accredited CME provider to inquire about ABS CC eligibility for a specific activity.
Through our collaboration with the ACCME, the accredited CME provider is responsible for collecting and submitting your activity completion information, and will then upload the information so that it appears automatically in your ABS portal.
When you register for an accredited CME activity, you will need to give the CME provider your first name, last name and month and day of birth. CME providers may ask for your ABS Candidate ID# when you register for the activity, which can be found in the blue bar at the top of the page when you log in to your ABS portal, as well as on your “Exam Records and Results” page. If you have questions about this process, please contact the accredited CME provider to inquire about how to claim CC credit for a specific activity. Please do not contact ABS to claim credit if you have requested that the provider do so for you.
Accredited CME providers should report your CME credits in ACCME’s system within 30 days of you completing the activity. Please contact the CME provider for questions about their timeframe for submitting completion information for a specific activity.
CME providers are encouraged to submit completion information as soon as possible after the CME activity is completed, so that you receive your credit quickly. CME earned for activities completed by December 31 of a given year will count for that year.
You can check to see if the CME provider has submitted your completion information by logging in to your ABS portal and navigating to your CME Repository.
No, the ABS does not accept physical certificates in lieu of credit entry. Credits must be submitted by the accredited CME provider through the ACCME.
The accredited CME provider determines the deadline for claiming credit for an activity. It is best to contact the CME provider to inquire about the deadline for a specific CME activity.
Accredited CME providers will not send the ABS information for activities completed prior to March 1, 2021. If you need to report credits earned prior to this date, please contact the ABS.
CME credit registration is open to all CME providers accredited within the ACCME system. The CME providers determine which of their activities meet ABS’s requirements in support of physician engagement in lifelong learning and quality improvement.
Once an activity has ended, it is no longer searchable in CME Passport. Contact the CME provider to inquire about ABS CC eligibility for a specific activity.
All accredited AMA PRA Category 1TM CME activities are eligible for ABS CC credit. Some activities may also meet the requirements to grant ABS self-assessment credit. Eligible activities may include live and online courses, attending society meetings, Grand Rounds, Quality/Performance improvement, and more.
Visit ACCME’s CME Passport to search the list of CME activities that earn you credit towards ABS CC requirements.