2019 Examination Schedule Information
Updated October 2018
Written Examination
The American Board of Physician Specialties uses computer-based testing administration for all written exams. Our exams are offered at a network of testing centers throughout the U.S. and Canada and are given during three-week-long testing windows (the 1st through the 21st) in May, August, or October of each year, depending upon the specialty.
Registered candidates select the time, date, and testing location that is most convenient for their schedule, which may include evening or weekend hours at select centers.
Registration paperwork is mailed to approved candidates three months in advance of the applicable examination window.
Certification and Recertification Application and Examination Schedule:
Specialty: | Final Due Date for Completion of Application File: | For CBT Exam In: |
Anesthesiology Diagnostic Radiology Emergency Medicine (Recertification Only) Family Medicine Obstetrics Internal Medicine Integrative Medicine Orthopedic Surgery |
December 1, 2018** | May 2019 |
Emergency Medicine (Certification Only) | February 1, 2019** | August 2019 |
Administrative Medicine Dermatology Disaster Medicine Emergency Medicine (Recertification Only) Family Medicine Urgent Care Medicine |
May 1, 2019** | October 2019 |
Please Note:
All applications must be complete before they can be reviewed by the Board. An application is deemed complete when all forms and applicable supporting documentation have been received. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be held until the next board review session, meaning you will not be eligible to sit for your exam until the next test administration window.
**These are final deadlines. For special pricing based on earlier application deadlines for the May, August, and October 2019 specialty examinations, go to ‘Board Certifications’, then to the applicable specialty’s homepage and click on the ‘Exam Process, Dates, and Fees’ page link located in the side menu. Recertification applicants will find the special 2019 pricing by clicking on the ‘Recertification Fee Schedule’ link on the applicable specialty’s homepage.
Oral Certification Examination
Candidates for initial certification must first successfully complete the written examination before they are permitted to take the oral/simulation examination. Oral examinations are not required for every specialty. Oral examinations for applicable specialties are offered once a year in Tampa, FL. Registration will be mailed to approved candidates approximately three months prior to the exam date.
Projected Oral Examination Dates:
Specialty: | Dates: |
Anesthesiology Diagnostic Radiology Family Medicine Obstetrics Orthopedic Surgery |
November 2, 2019
|
Emergency Medicine | April 4-5, 2019 |
Please Note:
The American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) provides alternate testing dates for candidates whose religious practices pose a conflict in taking an examination on the published date. Click here to see the complete policy for accommodations.
For current Initial Certification Written and Oral Exam fees, go to Boards of Certification, then the applicable specialty Board and click on the link to Exam Process, Dates and Fees.
For Recertification application deadlines and fees, click on Recertification Fees
IMPORTANT! Candidates for Written and Oral examinations are responsible for arranging and direct remittance of all related travel and hotel accommodations and expenses. ABPS will not be held responsible for expenses incurred beyond the cost of the exam, including but not limited to travel expenses and lost wages.