EBEORL-HNS
European Board Examination in Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (E.B.E. ORL-HNS)
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 European Board Examination in Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (E.B.E. ORL-HNS) is a non-profit association operating under the umbrella of the UEMS (Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes). It was established in 2008 by the UEMS ORL Section and Board with the aim of harmonising specialist knowledge across Europe. The examination assesses the professional knowledge and competence of specialists across Europe and consists of two parts, designed to evaluate both theoretical understanding and clinical decision-making skills: Part I is a written exam and Part II is an oral exam. Importantly, the European Board Examination is not intended to replace national end-of-training examinations. Instead, it serves as a complementary and internationally recognised standard, ensuring consistency in training outcomes across different healthcare systems. By providing a unified benchmark, it supports the free movement of specialists between member countries, reinforces trust in professional competence, and contributes to high-quality patient care throughout Europe. Candidates should begin from the official syllabus and exam regulations, then work through the recommended bibliography listed in the preparation resources section of the official website. The UEMS ORL Section and Board also publishes European Training Requirements and a training log-book, and a separate formative Progress Test in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery is offered at the level expected of a newly qualified specialist. Always confirm current dates, fees and eligibility directly with the examination administration before applying.
What you'll study
About EBEORL-HNS preparation
What are the two parts of the exam and what does each assess?
Part I is a written exam and Part II is an oral exam. Together they are designed to evaluate both theoretical understanding and clinical decision-making skills. The official site publishes a separate overview page for each part, plus a syllabus and exam regulations, so read those before planning revision.
Does passing this exam replace my national end-of-training examination?
No. The organisers state the European Board Examination is not intended to replace national assessments. It is a complementary, internationally recognised standard that ensures consistency in training outcomes across different healthcare systems. Several European countries already run national end-of-training examinations, and those remain in place.
Who is the exam aimed at?
It assesses the professional knowledge and competence of specialists in Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery across Europe. The related Progress Test is set at the level expected of a newly qualified specialist. Check the exam regulations and candidate section for the precise eligibility and documentation requirements before you apply.
How much does it cost, how long does it take, and what is the pass mark?
Those details are not given on the pages summarised here, so treat any figure you see elsewhere with caution and verify it with the examination administration. What is confirmed is the two-part structure: a written Part I and an oral Part II covering theory and clinical decision-making.
What happens if I fail - can I retake it?
The retake policy is not stated in the material summarised here. Contact the EBEORL-HNS administration directly for the rules on resitting a failed part, any limits on attempts, and whether results from one part carry over. Do not rely on forum posts or older documents for this.
How should I structure my preparation?
Start with the official syllabus and exam regulations, then work through the recommended bibliography. The UEMS ORL Section and Board also publishes European Training Requirements and a log-book. Because Part II tests clinical decision-making, rehearse structured case reasoning out loud rather than only reading - that is the skill the oral format probes.
What is the Progress Test and is it part of the exam?
The Progress Test in Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery is a separate formative, comprehensive knowledge assessment set at the level expected of a newly qualified specialist. It was developed within the framework of the European Board Examination to support harmonised knowledge and competencies. It is a development tool, not a substitute for sitting the examination.
Where can I confirm dates and application details?
Use the official EBEORL-HNS website, which has a candidates section covering registration and application, preparation resources, and a recommended bibliography. The site lists a coordinator and an administration contact. Fill in personal details accurately on the application form, since certificates are issued from them and cannot be modified later.
Is this page affiliated with the exam organisers?
No. This is independent study material and makes no claim of official affiliation with the UEMS, its ORL Section and Board, or the EBEORL-HNS. Always treat the official website and direct correspondence with the administration as the authoritative source for regulations, deadlines and results.