Orthopedic Surgery  Application & Exam Fee Schedule

Effective August 2020

The following is pricing for the application and written examination fees for initial certification in Orthopedic Surgery.

The application fees vary based on the date the complete application is received by ABPS.

The application fee must be paid at the time of application. For full details regarding the online application submission process, click here.

Application Dates and Fees

Application Fee Schedule for May Exam
Complete Application & Payment
Received By:
Application Fee:
October 31 $500
November 1 – December 1 $995

All deadlines are as of 11:59 p.m. ET (Eastern Time) on the dates listed above. Candidates are encouraged to apply early to ensure they meet published deadlines.

Failure to submit a complete application by the final deadline of December 1 will delay the Board’s review of your application materials, and consequently preclude you from taking the exam in this administration window.

The application fee is non-refundable.

Written Examination Dates and Fees

The American Board of Physician Specialties uses computer-based testing administration for all written examinations. Our Orthopedic Surgery exams are offered at a network of testing centers throughout the U.S. and Canada and are given during a three-week period in May of each year. The May testing period runs from May 1 through May 21.

Registration forms will be mailed to approved candidates in February for the May exams. Once registered, candidates can then select the time, date, and testing location that is most convenient for their schedule, which may include evening or weekend hours at select centers.

May  Exam Fee Schedule
Registration Forms & Payment
Received By:
Exam Fee:
March 8 $1,200
March 9 – March 31 $1,450

All deadlines are as of 11:59 p.m. ET (Eastern Time) on the dates listed above. It is the candidate’s responsibility to be aware of and comply with registration deadlines. In fairness to all candidates, ABPS adheres firmly to its published deadlines for registration and late registration for its exams.

Oral Certification Examination

Candidates for initial certification in Orthopedic Surgery must first successfully complete the written examination before they are permitted to take the oral examination. Oral examinations for applicable specialties are offered once a year in Tampa, FL.

The 2024 Oral Examination in Orthopedic Surgery will be held virtually (via Zoom) on November 1-2, 2024.  Registration forms are mailed to approved candidates approximately three months prior to the exam date and the fee is $1,600.

Payment Methods

Payment must be made by credit card. ABPS accepts American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover.

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.

Retake Fees

Candidates are permitted to take both the written and oral examinations (applicable only to the specialties requiring oral examinations), as many as three times in order to pass. The retake fee for initial certification written exams is $800. Candidates are required to pay the full exam fee for each oral exam attempt.

Certification Management  Fee (CMF)

Once certified, all ABPS Diplomates are required to remit a Certification Management Fee (CMF) beginning with the first annual billing cycle after certifying.  The CMF is an annual fee that supports the management and governance of the ABPS certification and recertification programs. The fee also supports day-to-day operations of each specialty board, including maintenance of certification standards, board administration, advocacy and brand awareness. Additionally, the CMF defrays the cost to advise and attest to a physician’s board certification status with hospitals and managed care organizations. The current CMF for Orthopedic Surgery diplomates is $895.

Save the Date
House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
Innovation & Overcoming Challenges
June 10-15, 2022
Patient Care Is Our Priority

Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

On October 18, 2007, President George W. Bush released Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21 (HSPD-21), calling on our nation, among other initiatives, to “collectively support and facilitate the establishment of a discipline of disaster health”. It is a great testament to the wisdom and foresight of the American Board of Physician Specialties that it immediately set to work and created, within the short span of only one year, an educational blueprint and set of certification examinations, both written and oral, for a new subspecialty of disaster medicine—and it is why I chose to be part this vital initiative and this wonderful organization. This is but one of the many innovative programs initiated by the American Board of Physician Specialties over the years, and why I am proud to support its work on behalf of our nation’s public health.

Art Cooper, MD
Disaster Medicine
When the American Board of Physician Specialties offered to host the American Board of Integrative Medicine, ABPS became a landmark organization working to move medicine into the twenty first century. Certifying physicians who have completed rigorous academic training in Integrative Medicine ensures that the field of Integrative Medicine will continue to develop academically, clinically, and professionally. The leadership of ABPS continues to impress me - they are diligent in constantly innovating to provide certifications for physicians who want to advance their careers and their areas of expertise. I am honored to be a part of this organization.

Ann Marie Chiasson, MD
Integrative Medicine
There are many ways board certification advances a physician career. ABPS Board examination verifies your accuracy, precision, and reflects your mastery of your residency training verifying your expertise. ABPS Board certification demonstrates your level of expertise beyond your practice experience, primary education degrees, and training which are necessary for insurance reimbursement and practice privilege requirements. Attaining your ABPS Board Certification will clarify your purpose, secure your practice growth, and expand into leadership positions. Board certification can serve as an indication of a physician’s commitment to medicine, beyond the minimal standards and competency of training, their measurement to quality of care, and attaining an award for excellence.

Chris Kunis MD
Internal Medicine
When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine
The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine