ABTS Thoracic Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) Certification in Thoracic Surgery
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ExploreAbout this exam
The American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1948 to provide board certification to surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training, technical skills, and knowledge in the field of thoracic surgery. Initial certification is intended for surgeons who have finished thoracic surgery training and are pursuing primary certification across the specialty's practice areas, including adult cardiac, general thoracic, and congenital cardiac surgery; ABTS also runs a separate congenital initial certification pathway and a continuing certification process for practicing diplomates.
The credential is earned in two stages. Part I is a written examination; the most recently listed administration was December 8–12, 2025, with December 7–11, 2026 published as the next sitting. Candidates who clear the written portion proceed to Part II, an oral examination held in Dallas, Texas (June 5–6, 2026, with June 4–5, 2027 listed as subject to change). Because the oral portion is a face-to-face discussion of cases and operative decisions, preparation should pair broad content review with rehearsed verbal reasoning, not reading alone.
This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the ABTS. Confirm all dates, fees, and eligibility rules directly with the Board before you apply. A practical study sequence is a content inventory across every practice domain, then timed practice weighted toward weak areas, then mock oral sessions under time pressure.
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About ABTS Thoracic Surgery preparation
What is the overall format of ABTS certification?
Certification is a two-part process. Part I is a written examination and Part II is an oral examination; the oral sittings are held in Dallas, Texas. You must clear the written portion before sitting the oral. The published schedule lists the written exam in December and the oral exam the following June.
When are the Part I and Part II examinations offered?
The listed Part I (written) examination runs December 8–12, 2025, with December 7–11, 2026 next. Part II (oral) is June 5–6, 2026 in Dallas, Texas, followed by June 4–5, 2027, which the Board marks as subject to change. Always reconfirm dates on abts.org before booking travel.
How many questions are on the written exam, and how long is it?
The Board's public page does not publish an item count or time limit for the Part I written examination. We therefore state no figure rather than estimate one. Candidates should rely on the current application materials and the Board's examination information sent after registration for the definitive structure and timing.
What score do I need to pass?
No minimum passing score appears on the source page, so none is quoted here. Scoring standards are set by the Board and communicated through its own materials rather than through third-party prep sites. Contact the Board directly if you need the current standard before applying.
What happens if I fail a part - can I retake it?
The source page does not describe a retake policy, number of attempts, waiting periods, or fees. Do not assume a schedule based on other boards. Ask the ABTS directly, or consult the current Continuing Certification Booklet of Information and application materials, which is where procedural rules and eligibility conditions are documented.
I finished training in 2027 - do I need the PULSE 360 review?
Yes, if you are scheduled to complete training between June and August 2027. ABTS requires a formal 360-degree review through the PULSE 360 Survey System as a condition of applying: survey one in August 2026 with debriefing by end of October, and a follow-up survey in January 2027 with debriefing by end of April. ABTS underwrites the cost.
How are CME credits reported for continuing certification?
Self-reporting of CME credits is retired effective December 31, 2027. Beginning January 1, 2028, all CME used for continuing certification must be reported directly by the accredited provider through ACCME PARS (or JA-PARS where applicable). Confirm your activities come from providers that report to the ACCME, or the credits will not be captured.
Do I get CME credit for completing continuing certification?
Diplomates who successfully complete the Continuing Certification process receive 60 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. You do not apply individually, and ABTS covers the cost of electronic certificates. The certificate arrives by email from the AMA to the preferred address on file, so keep your ABTS profile current. The benefit also applies to the 5-Year MOC Milestone.
My certificate lapsed - what changed for regaining it?
Starting January 1, 2026, diplomates whose certification lapsed or expired and who want to regain Board certification must fulfill an updated list of requirements rather than the earlier route. The list is published by the ABTS, and the revised continuing certification policies appear in its Booklet of Information. Review both before starting an application.
How should I study, and what derails candidates most often?
Build a content inventory first, then run timed practice weighted toward weak domains, then drill spoken case answers, since Part II rewards structured verbal reasoning under pressure. The usual failure modes are reading passively without recall practice, over-studying familiar high-volume topics, and reaching the oral exam with no rehearsal of operative decision-making out loud.