Congenital Cardiac Surgery Subspecialty

Continuing Certification Dates
Application: March 1 to May 17, 2024
Continuing Certification Examination:  August 26 to October 31, 2024

CHS Initial Certification Examination Dates
CHS Application:  June 17 to August 15, 2024
CHS Part II (Oral) Exam:  June 7, 2024 in Dallas, TX
CHS Part I (Written) Exam: December 9-13, 2024

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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