Annual Certifying Examination

Once education, prior board certification, and AACS certified fellowship requirements are met, all prospective cosmetic surgeons are required to undergo extensive examination by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) to receive board certification.

Scope of the Exam

The ABCS Annual Certifying Examination consists of both an oral and written component. The content of both examinations cover the full scope of cosmetic surgery. Topics include technological devices—such as laser and radio-frequency therapy—hair transplant, injectable treatments, body contouring after weight loss, and facial, breast, and body cosmetic surgery procedures. This exam is prepared and psychometrically evaluated by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME); the nationally recognized leader and examination administrator for the osteopathic medical profession.

The ABCS Annual Certifying Examination is designed to evaluate competency in cosmetic surgery by critiquing a combination of a candidate’s knowledge, surgical judgement, technical expertise, and ethics in order to achieve the goal of providing aesthetic improvement.

Hear from ABCS Surgeons

In this video, ABCS surgeons share their experience as diplomates, why they chose to go through the certification process, and how the fellowship programs have propelled them forward in their cosmetic surgery careers.

Upcoming ABCS Annual Certifying Examination Dates

Application Deadline → Written Exam → Oral Exam

Non-Refundable Application Fee of $515.00 due at the time of application

Candidates who do not complete the oral exam within the same calendar year as their written exam will be scheduled for the next available administration cycle.

Contact the home office for more information and be sure to indicate the session you wish to take the exams.