ABTS Congenital Cardiac
ABTS Congenital Cardiac Surgery Initial Certification
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The ABTS Congenital Cardiac Surgery Initial Certification is a board certification credential for surgeons who have completed approved training in congenital cardiac surgery, or who qualify through the alternate pathway. It is designed to assess the knowledge, judgment, and operative readiness needed to care for neonates, infants, children, and adults with congenital heart disease. The process has two parts: a written examination (Part I) and an oral examination (Part II) held in Dallas, TX. Content spans five domains: neonatal and infant congenital cardiac surgery; pediatric and adult congenital cardiac surgery; perioperative and intensive care management; diagnostic imaging, catheterization, and physiology; and professionalism, ethics, and systems-based practice. Preparation should be broad rather than topic-crammed. Build a working command of congenital physiology and imaging, rehearse perioperative decision-making, and practice oral case discussions that require defending an operative plan and its alternatives. Review ethics and systems issues as they appear in real congenital practice, not as an afterthought. Confirm current application windows, examination dates, and eligibility details with ABTS, because dates are subject to change. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with ABTS.
What you'll study
About ABTS Congenital Cardiac preparation
What is the exam format?
Part I is a written examination. Part II is an oral examination held in Dallas, TX. The source lists separate dates for each part, and the oral dates are marked subject to change. Candidates should confirm the current schedule and any format details directly with ABTS.
How long is each part?
The retrieved ABTS page does not state a duration for Part I or Part II. Do not assume a time limit from other exams; confirm the current timing and testing rules with ABTS before you plan your test-day schedule.
When is the application window?
The source lists June 15–August 12, 2026 for one initial certification cycle, marked subject to change. It also shows later cycle dates. Treat any window as cycle-specific and verify it on the ABTS site before applying.
Where is the oral exam held?
The oral examination is held in Dallas, TX, according to the ABTS dates listed in the source. The June 5–6, 2026 oral examination is specifically identified with Dallas, TX; later oral dates are also marked subject to change.
What topics should I study first?
Start with congenital physiology, imaging, and catheterization, because they support operative and perioperative decisions. Then integrate neonatal/infant and pediatric/adult congenital surgery by lesion. Add intensive care and professionalism/ethics/systems topics through cases rather than isolated reading.
How difficult is the exam?
The source does not publish a difficulty rating or pass rate. Difficulty is best judged by the breadth of the five content domains and the oral defense of management plans. Prepare for both factual recall and higher-order judgment, not just memorization.
What are common failure modes?
Common risks include studying by isolated facts rather than by lesion, neglecting perioperative and imaging physiology, and being unable to defend an operative plan or its alternatives orally. Ethics and systems topics are also easy to defer; integrate them into case preparation.
Can I retake the exam?
The retrieved ABTS page does not state a retake policy, number of attempts, or waiting period for this credential. Confirm retake and reapplication rules directly with ABTS before making plans; do not rely on another specialty’s policy.
What does the oral exam test?
The source does not publish a detailed oral blueprint. The five listed domains suggest case-based discussion of neonatal/infant and pediatric/adult congenital surgery, perioperative management, imaging and physiology, and professionalism/ethics/systems. Prepare to explain choices and alternatives.
Is this page official?
No. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ABTS. Use it for organization and practice, and verify eligibility, dates, fees, and policies against ABTS’s official materials.