FAQ

Applications and Case Lists are due by February 1 for that year’s examination.

There is an application fee of $925 and an examination fee of $925.

The Examination Blueprint can be helpful when preparing for the Examination. You should also review the examination tutorial prior to the day of the examination.

Examinees will be at a Pearson Vue Test Centers for 4 1/2 hours which includes test taking, break, and tutorial time. There are 175 total items. You can view an Examination Overview by clicking on this link.

• One-year ACGME accredited fellowship in surgery of the hand.
• Submit a one-year Case List that meets required number of cases in 5 of 9 surgery of the hand categories.
• Successful completion of the 175 question examination.
• Subspecialty certificate will expire when general certificate expires.
• Diplomate will then take a combined examination for recertification going forward.

The ABOS has announced a new initiative to allow surgeons to take their Subspecialty Certification Examinations earlier in their careers, making the process of obtaining Subspecialty Certification less burdensome. The changes will be effective for the 2025 Examinations, offered on August 5, 2025.

Currently, surgeons must be ABOS Board Certified before they are eligible to apply for a Subspecialty Examination. With the change, Candidates are eligible to take their Subspecialty Examination after successfully completing an ACGME-accredited fellowship. This allows them to be assessed when their knowledge is at its peak and their practice demands are at their lowest.

Passing the Examination is just one step in the process of obtaining Subspecialty Certification. The requirements for earning Subspecialty Certification will not change, just the order. Candidates must achieve primary Board Certification by the ABOS before they can submit an Application, Case List, and Letters of Recommendation as part of the certification process.