FAQs - Application Process | American Board of Surgery

FAQs - Application Process

Where do I find the application forms?

The online application process for ABS exams is posted each year in early spring under My Records and also under each exam's section of the website. A notice will be posted on the homepage when they become available. Once logged in, you will see your Status of Application page where you will access all of the application forms and check the status of your application.

What is the actual deadline for electronically-submitted application materials— when they are received by the ABS?

Application materials must be submitted online via the ABS website by close of business day on the application deadline. All applicants are responsible for monitoring their application status via their portal to see whether items are missing or incorrect. If you have not received an automated email that your application is complete after 4 weeks, check the Status of Application page via your online ABS portal.

Which items do I have to submit by the initial deadline to avoid the late application fee?

To avoid the late application fee, the following items must be submitted via the ABS website by close of business day on the application deadline: (1) application form ; (2) operative report; (3) signature form; and (4) application fee. Note: The total application fee required is based on when you submitted all required materials via the ABS website.

What do I do if I am having problems with the online application process?

Please send an email to the IT staff or call the ABS office at 215-568-4000.

I submitted the required application materials. How will I know if the ABS received them?

On the Status of Application page, each item will be marked "Received" on the date it was submitted or uploaded online. Once all materials are submitted, you will receive an automated email alerting you that your application is entering the review process. Please allow 3-4 weeks for ABS staff to conduct a comprehensive review of all materials. Once the review is complete and your application is approved, you will receive a second automated email alerting you of the approval status. At that time, the Application Approval section on the Status of Application page will change to "Approved."

My application materials have been received by the ABS—does this mean my application is approved?

No. "Received" means that your application materials have been processed. Your application has not yet been approved. If your application is approved, "Approved" will be stated on the Status of Application page. All applicants are responsible for monitoring their application status via their portal to see whether items are missing or incorrect. If you have not received an automated email that your application is complete after 4 weeks, check the Status of Application page via your online ABS portal.

What do I do once my application is approved?

Once your application is approved, you will be sent instructions on how to register for the upcoming examination. To register, you will go to "Exam Records and Results" under My Records. The name of your exam will show as a link (allow 2-10 business days after application approval for link to appear). Click on this link to go to your exam's registration page. This is where you will complete the online registration form and submit credit card payment of the examination fee.

It has been over four weeks and I have not yet received any notifications from ABS regarding my application status. What should I do?

All applicants are responsible for monitoring their application status via their portal to see whether items are missing or incorrect. If you have not received an automated email that your application is complete after 4 weeks, check the Status of Application page via your online ABS portal.