ABOHNS Sleep Medicine
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ExploreAbout this exam
The ABOHNS Sleep Medicine subspecialty certification is a credential for otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons who wish to demonstrate advanced knowledge in sleep medicine as it applies to their specialty. It is intended for practicing surgeons who evaluate and manage sleep-disordered breathing, especially obstructive sleep apnea, and related conditions in both adults and children. The exam covers the breadth of sleep medicine with an otolaryngology emphasis: normal sleep and circadian regulation, diagnostic testing including polysomnography and home sleep apnea testing, adult and pediatric sleep-disordered breathing, central apnea and hypoventilation, insomnia, hypersomnias, parasomnias and movement disorders, comorbidities, and surgical and non-surgical management, plus practice-related considerations such as upper airway anatomy and perioperative care. Preparation should begin with a structured review of a current sleep medicine textbook and the ICSD and AASM scoring manual, followed by focused reading on airway surgery outcomes and patient selection. Active recall with case-based questions is more effective than passive reading. Because the exam is otolaryngology-specific, candidates should integrate sleep medicine principles with surgical decision-making. The official ABOHNS website publishes current details on exam format, timing, fees, and retake policy.
What you'll study
About ABOHNS Sleep Medicine preparation
What is the format of the ABOHNS Sleep Medicine exam?
The exam is multiple choice. The official ABOHNS website publishes the current number of questions, time allotted, and any section breakdown. Candidates should consult that site for the most up-to-date specifications before planning their test-day strategy.
How difficult is the exam?
It is a subspecialty certification exam, so it assumes solid otolaryngology knowledge and tests sleep medicine at a consultant level. Questions often require applying guidelines to clinical scenarios rather than recalling isolated facts. Most candidates need dedicated study beyond their residency and fellowship training.
If I fail, can I retake the exam?
Retake policies are set by ABOHNS and can change. The official website publishes the current rules on eligibility, waiting periods, and fees for re-examination. Check there for the authoritative answer rather than relying on secondhand information.
How much time should I allow for preparation?
Most candidates benefit from a structured 3- to 6-month plan, especially if sleep medicine is not their daily focus. Allocate more time to high-yield areas such as adult obstructive sleep apnea, diagnostic testing, and surgical management, and reserve the final weeks for case-based practice questions.
In what order should I study the domains?
Start with normal sleep and diagnostic testing to build a foundation, then move to adult and pediatric sleep-disordered breathing, which carry the most weight. Follow with central apnea, insomnia, hypersomnias, parasomnias, and comorbidities. Finish with surgical management and practice-related topics, integrating cases as you go.
What are common reasons candidates fail?
Common pitfalls include underestimating pediatric sleep-disordered breathing, confusing central and obstructive events on polysomnography, and neglecting non-surgical management and perioperative considerations. Rote memorization without applying guidelines to scenarios is also a frequent weakness. Practice with case-based questions helps expose these gaps early.
Does the exam emphasize surgery over medical sleep medicine?
The exam is otolaryngology-focused but covers the full breadth of sleep medicine. Surgical management is one domain, not the majority. Candidates should be comfortable with medical management, diagnostic testing, and comorbidities as well, since these topics appear throughout the exam.
Where can I find the current exam schedule and fees?
The official ABOHNS website is the authoritative source for application deadlines, exam dates, fees, and test-center logistics. Because these details change, this page does not list them. Always verify directly with ABOHNS before making travel or payment plans.