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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. It is one of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and 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.
The ABS and the ACS are completely separate and distinct organizations. The ABS has been based in Philadelphia since its founding in 1937, while the ACS is based in Chicago.
We do not. The ABS believes 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Only if you make clear the certification is no longer valid by using “former diplomate,” “past diplomate,” the dates of your certification, etc.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 (mail or email) to the ABS addressed to the ABS President and Chief Executive Officer. Please include copies or examples in which the surgeon misrepresented themself, 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
All examination applications are completed online through the ABS surgeon portal. Details regarding the exam application process can be found on each exam’s page on the ABS website. Once posted, any examination applications for which a surgeon may be eligible will be available on the Apply & Register page of the surgeon’s ABS portal.
Application materials must be submitted online via the applicant’s ABS portal by 11:59 p.m. ET 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 posted on the Apply & Register page of your ABS portal within 1-2 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. CT. 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 the Pearson VUE website 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) and the Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid Focused Practice Designation Examination (ACTPS FPD Exam) each include one scheduled break of 10 minutes. To express milk during either of these exams, 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 six weeks after the exam. You will receive an email when results are posted.
Yes. Pearson VUE operates a small number of testing centers in international locations; see their website 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 manager.
General Surgery Qualifying Examination FAQs
General Surgery Qualifying Exam (GSQE)
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 GSQE must be made to the ABS office in writing (email is acceptable) by the program by March 1. The name(s) of your residents must be included in your message. Requests will not be accepted after March 1.
For Candidates
Surgeons who complete general surgery residency after July 1, 2012, have no more than seven academic years following residency to achieve certification in general surgery, i.e., pass both the GSQE and General Surgery Certifying Examination (GSCE). The seven-year period starts immediately upon completion of residency. Only one exam opportunity will be offered in each year of the seven-year period.
If you delay in applying for the GSQE after residency, or do not take the GSQE when offered, you will lose exam opportunities. Upon successful completion of the GSQE, applicants will be offered up to three opportunities within three years to pass the GSCE. The three GSCE opportunities begin immediately upon successful completion of the GSQE. If you do not take the GSCE 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.
A full and unrestricted license is not required to apply for the GSQE; however, a full and unrestricted state medical license is required in order for a candidate to register for the GSCE. See our Medical License Requirement Policy for more information.
Yes. The current/new program director may complete the program director attestation.
No; as long as you have remaining exam opportunities, you will be contacted with registration information for the next examination when it is available. Please make sure to keep your contact information updated in your ABS portal.
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 Certifying Examination FAQs
General Surgery Certifying Examination (GSCE)
Once GSQE results are posted on the ABS website, candidates who passed the exam should select a GSCE date/site as soon as possible via the Apply & Register page of their ABS portal.
No. A full and unrestricted license is required for GSCE registration. See our Medical License Requirement Policy for more information.
Candidates can check their GSCE assignment status at any time on the Apply & Register page of their ABS portal. Please allow 5-10 business days after submitting registration 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 portal three weeks before your exam date. To access this letter, navigate to the Apply & Register page of your ABS portal. 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 GSCE. GSCEs 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 offered to those on the waiting list. You will now have to select another exam date to take the GSCE.
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 GSCE fail rate and factors such as exam location, time of year, or the day and time of the examination.
GSCE results will be posted on the ABS website within 10 business days after the final day of the exam. You will receive an email when results are available.
Certificates are shipped approximately four to six months following the release of exam results. 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, surgeons must either complete an ACGME-accredited integrated vascular surgery program, an accredited early specialization program, or a two-year ACGME-accredited vascular surgery fellowship following completion of a five-year general surgery residency. For more details on these pathways and their associated requirements, see Training Pathways.
Yes. The ACGME Defined Category and Minimum Report is preferred, but applicants may upload the ACGME Experience Report by Role Report via the ABS portal as an alternative. 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 CE 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 receive registration information for the next exam when it is available. A new application is not necessary until this period is exhausted. Please make sure to keep your contact information updated in your ABS portal.
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 is one break offered between the two exam sessions. All examinees, including lactating mothers or those with other medical conditions, are eligible, though not required, for this break. Each examinee may decide the length of their break, but it cannot exceed 45 minutes.
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 and 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 ABSITE 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. In the case of an ABSITE irregularity, the program is required to administer the ABSITE within the first two days of the exam window for the following three years.
Yes, programs identified with a testing irregularity must administer the exam on the first two days of the exam window for the following 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.
Programs are notified by the ABS via email when ABSITE orders are available to be placed in the ABS program portal.
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 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, nor are payments from individual trainees.
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.
Accommodations for the ABSITE are at the discretion of the individual residency program, not the ABS.
Please be advised that accommodations granted by the program for the ABSITE do not guarantee accommodations granted by the ABS for the GSQE.
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 must 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 via email until December 31 of a given academic year.
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 each one 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 login 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 (as defined in the program’s ABS portal) are automatically set up as proctors and all will receive 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 registration 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. The ABS is unable to assist with questions or issues related to technology requirements.
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 them to take the exam. As the host, the program is responsible for ordering and paying for the non-resident’s exam and will receive their results.
The ABSITE is available only to ACGME-accredited general surgery programs, and 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. Please contact your program, as they were provided information on how to interpret the results.
There is one break offered between the two exam sessions. All examinees, including lactating mothers or those with other medical conditions, are eligible, though not required, for this break. Each examinee may decide the length of their break, but it cannot exceed 45 minutes.
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 QSQE. Accommodations on the GSQE 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 GSQE. Accommodations on the GSQE must be formally requested in accordance with the ABS Examination Accommodations 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 Credit for Foreign Graduate Medical Education policy for further information.
Yes. A certificate issued by the ECFMG is required for all international medical graduates.
Continuous Certification FAQs
Maintaining certification
General 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 2024 or the spring of 2025 have their first assessment due in 2027.
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 their first Continuous Certification Assessment and enrolls in the program, an annual fee of $285 will be required. Diplomates who hold more than one ABS certification will pay a discounted annual fee of $150 for each additional certification once they take their first Continuous Certification Assessment in that specialty. See our annual fee policy for additional information.
Diplomates should check their status periodically via their ABS portal 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.
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 biennial 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 web-based 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.
Diplomates who hold more than one ABS certification will pay a discounted annual fee of $150 for each additional certification once they take their first Continuous Certification Assessment in that specialty. See our annual fee policy for additional information.
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.
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.).
Program Requirements
For guidance on how to update your ongoing certification requirements, please see this document.
Diplomates should check their status periodically via their ABS portal 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.
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 biennial assessment and the annual fee.
Once a diplomate registers for their first Continuous Certification Assessment and enrolls in the program, an annual fee of $285 will be required. Diplomates who hold more than one ABS certification will pay a discounted annual fee of $150 for each additional certification once they take their first Continuous Certification Assessment in that specialty. See our annual fee policy for additional information.
Diplomates enrolled in Continuous Certification should check their status periodically via their ABS portal 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. Diplomates who are not yet enrolled in Continuous Certification should also check their status periodically via their ABS portal to see if there are any ongoing certification requirements that are due.
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 biennial 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.
When updating practice improvement information, 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 on the assessment should ensure that their ongoing 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. The only requirements that must be repeated for each certificate are the biennial assessment and the annual fee.
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 via the ABS portal 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 their 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 have allowed their certification to lapse 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.
Once a diplomate has fulfilled all of their program requirements, they may register to take a Continuous Certification Assessment. Recently lapsed diplomates or diplomates with other ABS certificates will already have many of the requirements fulfilled.
Diplomates enrolled in the lapsed pathway must take and pass two extra assessments during the 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.
Diplomates who are not yet enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program must continue to meet ongoing certification 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. The only requirements that must be repeated for each certificate are the biennial assessment and the annual fee. 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. Diplomates who hold more than one ABS certification will pay a discounted annual fee of $150 for each additional certification once they take their first Continuous Certification Assessment in that specialty. See our annual fee policy for additional information.
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. The only requirements that must be repeated for each certificate are the biennial assessment and the annual fee.
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 via the ABS portal 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 with the other program requirements to maintain their certification status. Diplomates who hold more than one ABS certification will pay a discounted annual fee of $150 for each additional certification once they take their first Continuous Certification Assessment in that specialty. See our annual fee policy for additional information.
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 assessment window. Diplomates will receive up to two weeks to complete each assessment.
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.
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
- Ethics and Professionalism Attestation
- Practice improvement activities
- CME
- Annual fee
As long as a diplomate is meeting these requirements, they may register to take a Continuous Certification Assessment.
The online registration process for all Continuous Certification Assessments will be available via the ABS surgeon portal annually in early August. Diplomates who are due for an assessment will be contacted via email throughout the year to remind them of the upcoming assessment. Diplomates should keep their contact information up to date, especially their email address. Diplomates may update their account at any time.
Diplomates are encouraged to check that all registration items have in fact been completed. Registration is complete once all fees are paid, the attestation is signed, and all necessary requirements are marked in green. In most cases, registration is approved automatically. If there are any issues with submitted items, 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.
Once the assessment window is open, diplomates will be notified by email and may then choose their own start date. Diplomates are 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 from the ABS portal and does not restart at any point.
In most cases, registration is approved automatically. If the automated system finds any issues with submitted items, 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 is suggested that they 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. 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 may be granted a grace year to retake the assessment in 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 from the ABS portal and does not restart at any point.
ABS encourages diplomates to do their best on all assessment attempts. 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 may be granted a grace year to retake the assessment the following year without loss of certification status. Diplomates who are currently in a grace year and do not pass their assessment will not receive an additional grace year. These diplomates will lose their certification at the end of the grace year and must enter the lapsed pathway to regain their certification.
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.
Certification statuses for all diplomates will be updated once results have been validated – at least eight weeks after the close of the assessment window but before Dec. 31 of that year.
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 at least eight weeks after the close of the examination window but before Dec. 31 of that year. Diplomate certification statuses will be updated around the same time that score reports are released.
Grace Year
ABS encourages diplomates to do their best on all assessment attempts. 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 may be granted a grace year to retake the assessment the following year without loss of certification status. Diplomates who are currently in a grace year and do not pass their assessment will not receive an additional grace year. These diplomates will lose their certification at the end of the grace year and must enter the lapsed pathway to regain their certification.
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 on the assessment should ensure that their ongoing 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 are not required to share the details of the event, explain why they were unable to complete the assessment, nor 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. However, if the diplomate is in their grace year, they must complete and pass the assessment that year to remain certified; an additional grace year will not be extended the following year.
Diplomates who are in the lapsed pathway do not receive any grace years. See our lapsed certificates 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 extended another grace year for the following 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 their 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, diplomates who are currently in a grace year and do not pass their assessment will not receive an additional grace year at that time. These diplomates will lose their certification at the end of the grace year and must enter the lapsed pathway to regain their certification.
Using the grace year does not reset the schedule of when assessments are due. For example, if a diplomate fails the assessment in 2024 and passes during the grace year in 2025, their next regularly scheduled assessment is due in 2026.
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 specialty may do this if there is a preference for the assessments to fall in the same year or in alternate years.
Lapsed Diplomates
Diplomates who have allowed their certification to lapse 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.
Once a diplomate has fulfilled all of their program requirements, they may register to take a Continuous Certification Assessment. Recently lapsed diplomates or diplomates with other ABS certificates will already have many of the requirements fulfilled.
Diplomates enrolled in the lapsed pathway must take and pass two extra assessments during the 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.
Certification statuses for all diplomates will be updated once results have been validated – at least eight weeks after the close of the assessment window but before Dec. 31 of that year.
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 period, 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 Continuous Certification 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 Continuous Certification credit 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 ID# when you register for the activity, which can be found in your ABS portal on the Personal Profile page. If you have questions about this process, please contact the accredited CME provider to inquire about how to claim credit for a specific activity. Please do not contact the 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 Continuous Certification eligibility for a specific activity.
All accredited AMA PRA Category 1TM CME activities are eligible for ABS Continuous Certification credit. Some activities may also meet the requirements to grant CME 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 Continuous Certification requirements.