2024 Examination Schedule
Written Examinations
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: | Due Dates for Completion of Application File: | For CBT Exam In: |
Anesthesiology Diagnostic Radiology Emergency Medicine (Recertification Only) Family Medicine Obstetrics Integrative Medicine Orthopedic Surgery |
Applications due: October 31, 2023
Late Deadline: December 1, 2023** |
May 2024 |
Emergency Medicine (Certification Only) | Applications due: December 15, 2023
Late Deadline: February 1, 2024** |
August 2024 |
Administrative Medicine (no exam in 2024) Dermatology Disaster Medicine Emergency Medicine (Recertification Only) Family Medicine Interventional Pain Management Internal Medicine |
Applications due: March 31, 2024 Late Deadline: May 1, 2024** |
October 2024 |
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.
**Applications submitted by the Late Deadline are subject to a higher application fee. The late deadline is our final deadline for applications for the 2024 exams.
To see our initial certification application and exam fee schedules for the May, August, and October specialty examinations, go to ‘Board Certifications’, then to the applicable specialty’s homepage and click on the ‘Exam Process, Dates, and Fees’. Recertification applicants will find the fee schedule by clicking on the ‘Recertification Fee Schedule’ link on the applicable specialty’s homepage.
Oral Certification Examinations
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. 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 (Surgical Qualification) Orthopedic Surgery |
Fall 2024 (November 1-2) |
Emergency Medicine |
Spring 2024 (April 4-5) |
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.