Part I Written Examination

Requirements

To qualify for Part 1 of the certifying examination of the American Board of Spine Surgery, applicants must first have passed at least the Part 1 written examination of, or be certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, or equivalent and must further qualify as follows:

1. Successful completion of a twelve-month approved spine fellowship program or have resident training and experience deemed by the American Board of Spine Surgery to be equivalent to a twelve-month approved spine fellowship program.
2. Must possess a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or be engaged in full-time practice in the United States federal government for which licensure is not required.
3. Must cause to be provided to the Board two letters of recommendation evaluating the character, ethical and professional standards, and the demonstrated clinical and surgical skills of the applicant. Such letters must be written by the director of the residency program, the director of the spine fellowship program, the Chief of Surgery or equivalent at a hospital where the applicant holds staff privileges, or other person in a position of authority who is familiar with the applicant’s work and is knowledgeable and qualified to evaluate and comment on the applicant’s performance.

Fee

$950.00

Schedule

The Part I Written Examination is given three times each year in order to allow time to apply for the Part II Oral Examination if warranted. Please check the website, www.ptcny.com/test-sponsors/ABSS/, for the exact dates and application deadlines.

Handbook and Application Forms

Application Cover Letter:  It is important to get a copy of the Application Cover Letter to assist you in preparing supporting documentation to accompany your application.  Download ABSS Application Cover Letter.

Handbook and Application Form for the Part I Written Examination is available online as PDF form. Download ABSS Handbook and Application PDF

Part II Oral Examination

Requirements

To be eligible to take Part 2 of the certifying examination, candidates must first be approved to take, and be scheduled for, Part 1.

After qualifying, candidates must demonstrate that they meet the following requirements, as well as comply with the procedures established by the Board of Directors in the Rules and Procedures published in the Booklet of Information for applicants:

1. The candidate must hold full and unrestricted license to practice medicine.
2. The candidate must demonstrate that his/her certification by the American Board of Neurosurgery, the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, or equivalent is still current.
3. Must provide 2 letters of recommendation fitting the criteria outlined in Section 3 above if taking PART II more than 1 year following completion of PART I.
4. Must be able to demonstrate 2 years of having been actively engaged in the practice of spine surgery.

It shall be the responsibility of the applying candidate to obtain from the ABSS Board office the necessary application forms and examination schedules for Part 2 of the examination.

Fee

$1,500.00

Schedule

Part II Oral Examination is given once each year as a virtual meeting. Please check the website, www.ptcny.com/test-sponsors/ABSS/, for the exact date and application deadline.

Handbook and Application Forms

Application forms for the Part II Oral Examination may only be obtained by request from the Executive Office. Contact ABSS for Part II Oral Examination Forms