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ABS Surgery MOC Requirements 2026

Overview

The American Board of Surgery (ABS) uses a 2-year Continuous Certification Assessment cycle with annual participation requirements. Newly certified diplomates (2018 or later) are automatically enrolled, and those with expiring time-limited certificates must enroll.

MOC Requirements

Four-part Continuous Certification Process:

Part Component Description
1 Enrollment/Registration Register for first assessment
2 Initial Assessment Complete first assessment
3 Ongoing Requirements CME, registry participation, licensing
4 Future Assessments Every 2 years following initial

Continuous Certification Assessment

Primary assessment method:

  • Administered annually in 10-week window (late summer to mid-fall)
  • 2026 window: August 25 - November 3
  • Can save progress and continue within 2-week completion window
  • Focus on latest and most important developments in surgical practice
  • Fee: $285 per assessment year

Fees

Item Cost
Annual fee $285
CC Assessment Included in annual fee
CC Readmission Examination $1,700

Pathways by Diplomate Type

Newly Certified Diplomates (2018+)

  • Automatically enrolled
  • General surgery: First assessment due two years after academic year of initial certification
  • Vascular, pediatric, complex surgical oncology, surgical critical care: First assessment due two years after initial certification

Time-Limited Certificate Holders

  • Must enroll in CC Program to remain certified
  • Enrollment complete after:
    • Requirements met
    • Annual fee paid
    • Attestation signed
  • Passing assessment marks entrance into CC process

Key Deadlines

Requirement Timeline
2026 CC Assessment August 25 - November 3, 2026
Assessment frequency Every 2 years
Grace year Available in alternating year if necessary
Ongoing requirements CME, registry/quality assessment, license info

Ongoing Requirements

Between assessments, must stay current on:

  • CME completion
  • Registry/quality assessment participation
  • License information updates

myABSPortal

Track all requirements:

  • Check status anytime
  • View when items are due
  • Submit required information

Assessment Features

  • Access to all assessment reference materials
  • Can save and resume progress
  • 2-week completion window once started
  • Covers current surgical developments

Representation of Certification Status

  • Diplomates must accurately state certification status at all times
  • Applies to diplomates, candidates, and those in recertification process

Regaining Certification

Lapsed Pathway

Available for those with lapsed certifications

Readmission Examination

  • Pearson VUE testing centers
  • Fee: $1,700
  • For surgeons ineligible for lapsed pathway

Tips for ABS MOC

  • Mark the assessment window — August 25 - November 3 for 2026
  • Use grace year wisely — Available in alternating years
  • Stay current between assessments — CME and registry participation required
  • Check myABSPortal — Know your specific deadlines

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