ABOS Orthopaedic Surgery Part II exam-day guide
ABOS Orthopaedic Surgery Part II · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID form your admission materials specify; the name must match your registration. Confirm acceptable ID types with the provider.
Admission/registration confirmation
Print or download your scheduling permit or confirmation and any candidate instructions. Confirm whether a printed copy is required with the provider.
Know your test center location and logistics
Confirm the address, parking, transit, and arrival time in advance. Verify your assigned center and reporting time with the provider.
Arrival buffer
Plan to arrive well before your reporting time to allow for check-in and security screening. Confirm the required arrival window with the provider.
Layered clothing
Test centers are often cold; dress in layers and follow any dress-code or pocket/locker rules. Confirm the center's policy with the provider.
No prohibited personal items in the testing room
Phones, smartwatches, notes, and study material are typically barred from the secure area. Confirm the current prohibited-items list with the provider.
Lunch, water, and a snack
Bring food and drink appropriate to your scheduled break, following center rules on where items may be stored. Confirm break-food policy with the provider.
Comfort items if permitted
Earplugs or similar may or may not be allowed; confirm with the provider before relying on them.
Review logistics for any computer-based interface
If the exam is computer-delivered, familiarize yourself with the interface and any provided tutorial. Confirm format details with the provider.
Rest and a realistic study taper
Stop heavy new-material review the day before; prioritize sleep and a light review of high-yield frameworks.
Confirm scoring and reporting expectations
Understand how results are reported and when; confirm specifics with the provider rather than relying on secondhand information.
Backup plan for transportation or illness
Know the provider's policy on late arrival, rescheduling, and illness. Confirm these policies with the provider in advance.
Plan the day
Taper new content. Do focused review of high-yield frameworks, practice pacing, and logistics. Confirm your test center, reporting time, and ID requirements with the provider.
Lay out ID, confirmation, clothing, food, and transportation plan. Do a light review only. Prioritize sleep and avoid cramming new material.
Eat a normal meal, arrive early, complete check-in and security per center instructions, and secure personal items as directed.
Read each question fully, manage your time against the section clock, use breaks as allowed, and flag and return to uncertain items if the interface permits. Confirm break and flagging rules with the provider.
Rules to check
Bring the exact ID required by the provider; name must match your registration. Confirm acceptable ID with the provider.
Follow all test-center security and prohibited-item rules; store personal items as directed. Confirm current rules with the provider.
Breaks are typically taken at scheduled points and may be monitored; confirm break timing and duration with the provider.
Do not discuss, record, or reproduce exam content; exam materials are confidential. Confirm the specific confidentiality agreement you sign with the provider.
Follow the provider's policy on late arrival, rescheduling, and illness; do not assume a make-up option exists.
Understand how the exam is scored and reported before test day; confirm scoring and reporting details with the provider.
If you have an approved accommodation, confirm its logistics with the provider in advance and follow check-in instructions.
Report any technical or environmental problem to the proctor immediately and follow their instructions.