2018 Specialty Recertification Exams | American Board of Surgery

Important Message Regarding 2018 Recertification Exams in Vascular Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, and SCC

May 29, 2018

As previously announced, as part of the ABS Continuous Certification Program, a new assessment process is being introduced in 2018 for general surgery. Registration for that assessment will open on Aug. 1.
A similar 40-question, online, open-book assessment will be offered as of 2019 for vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, and surgical critical care. More details will be available later this year.
The 2018 registration process is now open for the traditional recertification exams in vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, and surgical critical care. Diplomates with certificates expiring in 2018, 2019 or 2020 in these specialties should note the information below.

Diplomates with certificates expiring in 2018 in vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, or surgical critical care will need to pass the traditional recertification exam to continue their certification. Certificates will not be extended. However, as the new assessment is not yet available, upon passing the 2018 exam, they will receive a certificate valid for 10 years. They will still need to continue to meet the other requirements of Continuous Certification.

Diplomates with certificates expiring in 2019 or 2020 in vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, or surgical critical care are encouraged to wait until the new assessment is available. If they opt to take the 2018 exam, upon passing they will be required to enter the new assessment process by 2020. They will not be offered a 10-year certificate.

Diplomates with lapsed certificates in vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, or surgical critical care who opt to take the 2018 exam will be required to enter the new assessment process by 2020. They will not be offered a 10-year certificate.

Diplomates with certificates expiring in 2018 are encouraged to use the links below to learn more about the exam and the online registration process.

Vascular Surgery Recertification Exam

Pediatric Surgery Recertification Exam

Surgical Critical Care Recertification Exam

The American Board of Surgery is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1937 for the purpose of certifying individuals who have met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge in the field of surgery. Surgeons certified by the ABS have completed at least five years of surgical training following medical school and successfully completed a written and oral examination process administered by the ABS. They must then maintain their board certification through ongoing learning and practice improvement activities.
The ABS offers board certification in general surgery, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, surgical critical care, complex general surgical oncology, surgery of the hand, and hospice and palliative medicine. It is one of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties.