ABOS Orthopaedic Surgery exam-day guide
ABOS Orthopaedic Surgery · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID the testing provider requires; name must match your registration. Confirm the accepted ID types and name-matching rules with the provider.
Admission/authorization document
Bring any scheduling or admission letter or confirmation the provider issues. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Confirmation of test center or remote-testing setup
Reconfirm your appointment time, location, and arrival instructions. For remote testing, verify the software and system check requirements in advance.
Know what is prohibited and what is provided
Most secure testing environments prohibit phones, watches, notes, and outside materials, and often provide scratch materials. Confirm the specific allowed/prohibited list with the provider.
Review the published exam blueprint and format
Know the number of sections, question format, and whether any portions are timed separately. Use only official ABOS materials for format details.
Plan travel and arrival buffer
Arrive earlier than the check-in time to allow for security screening and ID verification. Confirm the provider's late-arrival policy.
Rest and nutrition plan
Protect sleep in the final days and plan a normal meal before the test; avoid trying new caffeine or medication routines on exam day.
Logistics for breaks and essentials
Confirm the break policy and whether food, water, or medication can be accessed during breaks. Confirm with the provider.
Emergency contact and backup plan
Have a plan for travel delays or technical problems, and know whom to contact if you cannot test as scheduled.
Verify current policies directly
Scoring, pass standards, retake rules, and accommodations change; confirm all specifics with ABOS or the testing provider rather than relying on secondhand information.
Plan the day
Stop introducing new material. Do focused review of high-yield topics and your own weak areas, using only official or reputable sources. Confirm appointment time, location or remote setup, and ID requirements. Protect sleep.
Light review only. Prepare and pack ID, admission documents, and any permitted items. Confirm travel plan and arrival time. Eat a normal meal and get a full night's sleep. Avoid last-minute cramming that disrupts sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate moderately, and arrive early for check-in and security. Leave prohibited items at home or secured. Stay calm and follow staff instructions.
Read each question fully and watch for key qualifiers. Answer confidently known items first if the format allows navigation, flag uncertain items, and manage time across sections. Use scheduled breaks to reset. Do not discuss or reproduce exam content afterward.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID matching your registration; confirm accepted forms with the provider.
Follow all security and conduct rules: no unauthorized materials, no communication devices, and no discussing or reproducing exam content.
Confirm the break policy and timing rules with the provider before test day, and use only permitted breaks.
Understand the scoring and pass standard from official ABOS information; do not rely on unofficial claims.
Request any accommodations well in advance and confirm approval and logistics with the provider.
If a technical or personal issue arises during testing, notify the test administrator immediately and follow their documented process.
Confirm retake and eligibility policies directly with ABOS; these details are not assumed here.