Training and Initial Certification

2025 Exam Dates
Applications: June 12 - August 15, 2025
Oral Exam:  June 6 - 7, 2025, Dallas, TX
Written Exam: December 8 - 12, 2025

2026 Exam Dates
Applications: June 15 - August 12, 2026 (subject to change)
Oral Exam:  June 5 - 6, 2026, Dallas, TX
Written Exam: December 7-11, 2026
Board Eligible
The Board will recognize an individual as being "Board Eligible" when he/she/they has an approved application on file with the Board.

Examination Blueprint
The blueprint for the Written and Oral Exams are now available for candidates.

Written Exam Blueprint  
Oral Exam Blueprint

 

10-Year Pass Rate
Click Here to view the Pass Rate for the past 10 years.

Pathways to
Certification

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Exam Dates
and Fees

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Operative
Requirements

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Alternate Pathway

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PULSE 360 Program

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Residency
Requirements

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Examination
Sequence

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Booklet
of Information

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Certification
Policies

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News

ABTS is pleased to announce that format of the Part I (Written) Qualifying Exam has been updated in an effort to improve content coverage and validity, and reduce cognitive load. Beginning in 2025, ABTS’s written exams will include multiple choice questions with three answer options, down from four answer options in previous written exams. ABTS written exams will continue to assess a surgeon’s knowledge of clinical knowledge and surgical skills, and evaluate their competency to ensure they meet standards for safe and effective patient care.

Part I (Written) Exam
The ABTS will be using the 8th edition of the American Joint Commission on Cancer TNM staging system for the Part I (Written) Exam.

Part II (Oral) Exam
The ABTS will be using the 8th edition of the American Joint Commission on Cancer TNM staging system for the Part II (Oral) Exam.

Pearson Testing Center
To learn more about the test taking experience at Pearson Testing Centers, please Click Here.