ABS Announces Nontraditional Pathway to Certification

American Board of Surgery (08/27/25)

The American Board of Surgery (ABS) introduced a "nontraditional pathway" to certification for U.S.-based surgeons who trained outside of an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited program but who have completed equivalent surgical training. This pathway is designed for actively practicing U.S.-based surgeons who are otherwise ineligible for ABS certification. It requires sponsorship from their current institution and adherence to defined eligibility criteria. The educational process involves a multi-phase examination sequence, consisting of the Admissibility Examination, the Qualifying Examination, and the Certifying Examination. Applicants must remain at the same institution throughout the process and complete all exams within 7 academic years. Once certified, they must participate in the ABS Continuous Certification Program to maintain their credentials. Re-entry into the pathway is not permitted if the process is not completed, and appeals are not allowed.

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