Qualify for the general surgery oral certifying exam by passing the written QE and attaining an unrestricted and full medical license. Candidates currently in a fellowship program with a full medical license are also eligible. Those with institutional, educational, limited or temporary medical licenses are not eligible.
Go to "My Records" on the ABS website (see Resources) to fill out the exam application; there is also a fee schedule posted. Submit the fee and application to the current address on the application. Check "My Records" for the final assignment date and time. Detailed information regarding the exam and admission materials will be sent to you four to six weeks prior to the exam date.
Study for the CE by using the examination guides and content outlines found on the ABS website (in the publication area found in the left column).
Practice taking the oral exams with a colleague. ABS recommends practicing three hours every week for several months. The content of your answers and your decision-making process should be critiqued by the practice examiner. Take several mock examinations, focusing on clarity, logic, problem-solving and promptness in answering.
Take the general surgery oral exam. Four surgery scenarios will be given during each 30-minute session. Try to remain calm during the exam as you consider various approaches to the scenarios posed; answer to the best of your ability with precision and clarity. Each examiner evaluates independently at the end of each session. Two different examiners grade each session and the score is based on the aggregate evaluation of all six examiners.
Access your scores on the ABS website the following day; they will also be sent to you by mail. Receive the official certificate and your certificate number by mail in three to six months. A verification of certification may be printed out on the ABS website under "My Records," or you may request in writing a copy by fax or email.