For physicians who have completed their residency education outside of the United States, please contact Sonya Parker. The following application instructions are only for those physicians who have completed residency education in the United States.
In order to take the Part I examination, an applicant must have completed orthopaedic surgery residency education by June 30 of the year of the examination. If you will not complete residency by that date, please contact Sonya Parker.
For more information, including a link to the Rules and Procedures, click here. These Rules and Procedures set out the terms and conditions of the ABOS process of voluntary certification in orthopaedic surgery. The ABOS reserves the right to make changes in its rules and procedures at any time and without prior notice. An Applicant must meet the current qualification requirements at the time of application.
If you do not have a username, click on Login at the top of the page and then Create Candidate/Diplomate Login.
Once logged in, follow the prompts to complete the application. Applications must be submitted online by 4 pm ET on October 1, 2023. Complete information must be provided for all items, and each item on the application form must have an entry. If any item in the application does not apply, check NONE.
First Time Takers: When you complete your application, an automated email will be sent to your Program Director . They will have to acknowledge your status and then it will be forwarded to ABOS for processing. The application must be submitted electronically no later than 4 pm ET on October 1, 2023, to avoid the $500 late fee. The late deadline is 4 pm ET on October 15, 2023.
You will receive an automated email notification when the online application is processed by the ABOS office. The ABOS office will not confirm receipt of the application by phone.
Your scheduling permit will be posted to your ABOS Dashboard and you will receive an email in late April informing you that your permit is available. The examination will be administered at Prometric Testing Centers throughout the United States and applicants are responsible for scheduling their examination. You must have your scheduling permit in order to schedule your examination and you will need to have your scheduling permit and a valid ID with photo at the examination.
