Hand Surgery Exam

Announcement: Change of Timing for Initial Hand Surgery Examination Beginning in 2025

The Hand Surgery Examination (HSE) is developed and administered by the Joint Committee on Hand Surgery. The Joint Committee consists of Directors from the American Boards of Orthopaedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, and Surgery.

The examination was first administered in 1989, and subsequent examinations are administered annually.

The examination consists of multiple-choice questions designed to evaluate the diplomate's cognitive knowledge of clinical Hand Surgery and the basic science relevant to Hand Surgery. 

DEFINITION OF HAND SURGERY

Hand Surgery is the special field of medicine that includes the investigation, preservation, and restoration by medical, surgical, and rehabilitative means of all structures of the upper extremity directly affecting the form and function of the hand and wrist.

REFERENCES:

2024 HSE Booklet of Information

2024 HSE Booklet of Information for Recertification

2024 HSE Cover Letter for Certification

2024 HSE Cover Letter for Recertification

Hand Surgery Exam Process & Requirements

Important Dates & Deadlines