ABS Computer-Based Testing

The American Board of Surgery (ABS) is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1937 to provide board certification and Maintenance of Certification to surgeons who have met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge. The ABS offers computer-based testing through Pearson VUE for its examinations in general surgery, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, complex general surgical oncology, and surgical critical care.

Registration

Before scheduling an exam appointment, you must have already:

1. Registered for your examination through the ABS website
2. Have a copy of your Examination Admission Authorization letter, available from the ABS website once your exam registration has been approved

Scheduling your exam appointment

Your Examination Admission Authorization letter includes the date range in which you can take your exam. You are responsible for booking your appointment within that timeframe.

Create your Pearson account

You will need a Pearson account before you can schedule your exam. When creating your account, use the same name, phone number, and email address that you provided to ABS in your application. You will also be asked to enter your candidate ID. Please note that account creation may require up to 24 hours. You will be notified by email when your account is activated.

Schedule, reschedule, or cancel your appointment

You are responsible for managing your own exam appointment. Appointments can be scheduled up to one business day in advance, and test center availability is offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Please be aware that many test centers will fill up prior to the exam window

After you schedule

Once your appointment is confirmed, Pearson will send you a confirmation email that includes your exam date and time, the test center address, and important policies to review before test day. 

You will receive a confirmation email whenever you schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment.

You will need to bring with you to the test center two valid forms of ID: One must have your photo, name and signature; the other must have at least a name and signature, or name and photo. The name on the IDs must match the name on your authorization letter.

Please note that the ABS does not receive your scheduling information; you should contact Pearson with any questions regarding your exam time or location. Good luck on your exam!