Quick Tips

  • 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.

 

  • Hand Surgery Recertification has been replaced by the ABPS Continuous Certification Program.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.
  • 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

 

  • 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

 

  • 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.

 

  • Pearson Testing Centers in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada
  • The Board does not provide a study guide for this examination
  • Administered via an internet-based platform
  • May be taken anywhere with internet access
  • Accessible the entire month of April