Certification: Primary Certification in General Surgery

American Osteopathic Board of Surgery external site

142 E. Ontario St. Chicago, IL 60611-2864

The ABS considers certification in surgery to be based upon a process of education, evaluation and examination. The ABS holds undergraduate and graduate education to be of the utmost importance and requires the attestation of the residency program director that an applicant has completed an appropriate educational experience and attained a sufficiently high level of knowledge, clinical judgment and technical skills, as well as ethical standing, to be admitted to the certification process.
Individuals who believe they meet the ABS' educational, professional and ethical requirements may begin the certification process by applying for admission to the Qualifying Examination (QE). The application is reviewed and, if approved, the applicant is granted admission to the examination.
Upon successful completion of the QE, the applicant is considered a candidate for certification and granted the opportunity to take the Certifying Examination (CE). If the candidate is also successful at this examination, the candidate is deemed certified in surgery and becomes a diplomate of the ABS.

The certification has an education level of an Associates of Arts or Associates of Sciences degree or higher and has a work experience requirement of more than 2 years, or requires obtaining a ‘core’ level certification from the same organization.