Applicants fulfilling the eligibility requirements must obtain a current dated application from the ABCS General Office or on-line. The application must be completed in its entirety and must include all requested documentation.
The completed application and application fee shall be submitted to the General Office by the application deadline. Applications that are incomplete by the deadline or received after the deadline will not be considered. All applications and accompanying materials submitted to the ABCS become the property of the ABCS and will not be returned or copied. All materials submitted shall be no larger than 9 inches by 11 inches.
The Credentials Committee will approve and recommend qualified candidates for examination.
There is a mandatory annual sustaining fee, which every diplomate must pay to remain in good standing. (If a candidate fails to pay this mandatory annual sustaining fee, they must return their certificate upon the written request of the ABCS) (Section amended per Board of Trustees meeting dated August 14, 2008)
For information about fees and application materials, contact:
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
419 Ridge Road, Suite CMunster, IN 46321
Phone (219) 836-8585
Toll-free (866) 907-3100
Fax (219) 836-5525
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The following is a general content outline for the 2011 ABCS written examination scheduled for April 9-10, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. at the Chicago O'Hare Airport Hilton Hotel.
2011 ABCS Written Examination Content
Topic Approximate percentage of written test items
- Breast 10-14%
- Body Contour 4-8%
- Liposuction 10-14%
- Facial 31-35%
- Dermatology 15-18%
- ACLS 8-12%
- Surgical Principles 8-12%
Please note approximately 30% of the ABCS written items will be at the "recall of facts/recognition" level; 40% of the questions wil be at the "application" level; and about 30% of the items wil be at the "problem solving/synthesis/evaluation" level.
This is furnished as a study guide and identifies the topics in which you should be familiar. The written examination consists of (1) four hour session. Download application booklet in PDF format ABCS Examination Application Booklet (1150Kb) pdf
