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How Many Attempts Are Needed to Achieve General Surgery Board Certification?
Kenneth L Abbott1, Daniel E Kendrick2, Xilin Chen2
1Center for Surgical Training and Research, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Journal of Surgical Education
|September 20, 2020
Summary
Most surgeons achieve American Board of Surgery (ABS) certification within two attempts. However, failing the qualifying exam (QE) or certifying exam (CE) twice significantly reduces the likelihood of ultimate board certification.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Professional Certification
Background:
- Surgical trainees face pressure to obtain board certification from the American Board of Surgery (ABS).
- Passing the written qualifying exam (QE) and oral certifying exam (CE) within seven years is required for certification.
- Outcomes for surgeons failing QE or CE are not well-documented, impacting informed decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize board certification outcomes for general surgery trainees.
- To analyze the success rates of candidates who fail the qualifying exam (QE) or certifying exam (CE).
- To inform candidates, policymakers, and stakeholders regarding examination failure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of American Board of Surgery (ABS) records.
- Included surgeons who completed general surgery residency between 2000 and 2013.
- Examined board certification attempts and success rates.
Main Results:
- Out of 14,483 surgeons, 94% achieved certification within the 7-year window.
- 97% passed the QE and 97% passed the CE within two attempts.
- 67% of those failing an exam twice ultimately obtained certification.
Conclusions:
- The majority of surgeons achieve ABS general surgery board certification within two attempts.
- Failing either the QE or CE twice decreases the probability of eventual board certification.
- Understanding these outcomes aids in supporting surgical trainees facing examination challenges.
