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Hand Surgery Subspecialty Certification

Initial Certification

• The Hand Surgery Examination is a joint examination among the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Surgery.
• Representatives from the 3 boards construct a fair examination covering various aspects of hand surgery. 
• Includes only those procedures performed on the upper extremity.

Recertification

• Hand Surgery Recertification has been replaced by the ABPS Continuous Certification Program. Diplomates who receive an initial Hand Sub-specialty certificate from the ABPS will automatically be entered into the ABPS Continuous Certification program. Hand Sub-specialty Diplomates must complete the Hand Module of the Self-Assessment Activity to satisfy the Knowledge Assessment requirement of the Continuous Certification program. Successful completion of eight assessments within a ten-year cycle will renew the certificates in both Hand Surgery and primary Plastic Surgery.

Initial Hand Surgery Certification Application & Case List

• REQUIRED:
  • Be a diplomate of the ABPS
  • Be in active practice for at least 15 months by the time of the exam following the completion of formal training
  • Commitment to practice of plastic surgery and/or hand surgery
  • Active, admitting hospital privileges in plastic surgery/hand surgery
  • All state medical licenses
  • All accreditation certificates from non-hospital outpatient surgical facilities.
  • 3 Peer Evaluations
  • Completion of ACGME-accredited, 12-month hand surgery fellowship
• Case Lists are required for initial Hand certification only
  • Minimum requirements: 125 cases in 15-months. 
  • Specific anatomy and category classification requirements must also be met.
  • Refer to Hand Surgery Booklet of Information.

Hand Surgery Recertification Application/Registration

• REQUIRED
  • Diplomate of the ABPS with a Hand certificate
  • Current on Continuous Certification requirements (if applicable)
  • Commitment to practice of plastic surgery and/or hand surgery
  • Active, admitting hospital privileges in plastic surgery/hand surgery
  • All state medical licenses
  • All accreditation certificates from non-hospital outpatient surgical facilities
  • 3 Peer Evaluations
• Case Lists are NOT required for Hand Recertification
• Refer to Hand Surgery Booklet of Information

Registration Form (Initial Cert only)

• Once the application is approved, the Registration Form will become available
• REQUIRED:
  • Online Registration Form with credit card payment
  • Hospital appointment letters verifying active, admitting privileges in plastic surgery/hand surgery from all hospitals held during the examination.

Where is the Hand Examination administered?

Initial Certification

• Pearson Testing Centers in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada
• The Board does not provide a study guide for this examination

Recertification

• Administered via an internet-based platform
• May be taken anywhere with internet access
• Accessible the entire month of April