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2020 General Surgery Qualifying Exam To Be Administered Virtually

May 7, 2020 Media Contact: Alyson Maloney , 215-568-4000

In response to concerns about the ongoing need for social distancing, the ABS will be delivering the July 2020 General Surgery Qualifying Examination as a web-based, at-home examination. Exam security will be handled by live, video proctoring. This new format requires that the exam be delivered over two days, July 16 and 17, in place of the traditional single-day, eight-hour exam on July 16. All candidates must take the exam on both days.

We are very pleased to be able to make this accommodation to the challenges we all face due to COVID-19. Our intention is that the exam is safer as well as more convenient for all candidates. Further details about technical requirements will be forthcoming. If you have an approved application and have registered for the exam, there is nothing further for you to do at this time. We will communicate with you directly and post updates on our website when they become available.

Candidates who do not wish to take the exam this year have the option to postpone, as always. There are 4 opportunities in 4 years to take and pass the GQE. If you choose to wait, please note that 2020 will be counted as a missed opportunity.  

If you have any questions at this time, please contact the exam coordinator.


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