Congenital Cardiac Surgery Subspecialty

Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Dates
10-year MOC Examination: August 31 to October 27

5-year MOC Application: July 10 - August 31
5-year MOC Late Application: September 1 - 8

CHS Initial Certification Examination Dates
CHS application are now available on candidates' portals.  The deadline is August 15, 2023

Congenital Part I (Written) Exam: December 4 - 8, 2023

Refer to the CHS Initial Booklet of Information
for details regarding the application requirements.  

Certification
Pathway I

Congenital Certification
for Residents
Learn More »

Congenital
MOC

Maintaining Congenital
Subspecialty Certification
Learn More »

Certification
Pathway II

Congenital Certification
for Practicing Surgeons
Learn More »

Synchronization
of Certificates

Primary Thoracic and
Congenital Certification
Learn More »

CHS News

ABTS Oral Exam Orientation Video for Candidates
Candidates for both the Primary and Congenital Oral Examinations are encourage to view an Orientation Video by Dr. Stephen C. Yang, the ABTS Examination Chair, before taking the CHS Certifying Exam.

2-year Congenital Residency Program Change - NEW
Beginning in 2023, all candidates for congenital cardiac surgery subspecialty certification will be required to complete 2 consecutive years of ACGME training in a single program and complete 150 major cases, with a minimum of 50 major cases in the first year of training.  These requirements will be effective for congenital residents who started their training on or after July 1, 2023. Click here  for more information.

Congenital Certification
Refer to Pathway I and Pathway II for Congenital Heart Surgery 
Subspecialty certification.
There is no alternate pathway for the Congenital Heart Surgery Subspecialty certification.

Leave of Absence Policy
Effective February 25, 2022, the ABTS revised its Leave of Absence Policy that effects all congenital cardiac surgery residents, including those in 1-year or 2-year programs. To read more about the new policy, click here.

Synchronization of Certification Dates
The Board approved plans to synchronize the certificate dates of the congenital certificate with the primary thoracic surgery certificate. Read More

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