Annual Certifying Examination
Once education, prior board certification, and AACS certified fellowship requirements are met, all prospective cosmetic surgeons are required to undergo extensive examination by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery to receive ABCS board certification.
The ABCS Annual Certifying Examination consists of both an oral and written component. The content of both examinations cover the full scope of cosmetic surgery. Topics include technological devices—such as laser and radio-frequency therapy—hair transplant, injectable treatments, body contouring after weight loss, and facial, breast, and body cosmetic surgery procedures. This exam is prepared and psychometrically evaluated by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME); the nationally recognized leader and examination administrator for the osteopathic medical profession.
The ABCS Annual Certifying Examination is designed to evaluate competency in cosmetic surgery by critiquing a combination of a candidate’s knowledge, surgical judgement, technical expertise, and ethics in order to achieve the goal of providing aesthetic improvement.
In this video, ABCS surgeons share their experience as diplomates, why they chose to go through the certification process, and how the fellowship programs have propelled them forward in their cosmetic surgery careers.
Upcoming ABCS Annual Certifying Examination Dates
Session 1
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
| DATE | LOCATION | EXAM |
| Saturday, May 17, 2025 | Pearson VUE Testing Centers (various locations) | Written |
| Saturday, September 13, 2025 or Sunday, September 14, 2025 | Virtual via Zoom | Oral |
Session 2
Application Deadline: June 15, 2025
| DATE | LOCATION | EXAM |
| Saturday, September 13, 2025 or Sunday, September 14, 2025 | Virtual via Zoom | Oral |
| Saturday, November 8, 2025 | Pearson VUE Testing Centers (various locations) | Written |
Session 3
Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
| DATE | LOCATION | EXAM |
| Saturday, November 8, 2025 | Pearson VUE Testing Centers (various locations) | Written |
| Saturday, September 12, 2026 or Sunday, September 13, 2026 | Virtual via Zoom | Oral |
Contact the home office for more information and be sure to indicate the session you wish to take the exams.
