Training & Initial Certification

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SESATS

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Congenital Cardiac Surgery 

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Maintenance of Certification

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Public

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News

Adult Cardiac At-Large Director Position Nominations
The ABTS is pleased to announce that is it currently accepting nominations for an Adult Cardiac At-Large Director position. To read more about the At-Large Director position, Click here. Nominations are due by September 1, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. 

Primary Certification Part II (Oral) Exams 
The ABTS plans to administer the Part II (Oral) Primary Exam on September 24-25, 2021 to candidates who were eligible for the June 2019 exam.  Candidates who became eligible in December 2020 or May 2021 will be given the Part II (Oral) Exam on November 12-13. Click here for more details about the virtual exam format. 

New Edition of SESATS Now Available: SESATS XIII (13)
Order SESATS 13 here.
The newest edition of SESATS, XIII, is now available. SESATS is a comprehensive online tool used to study and review the essential aspects of cardiac and thoracic surgery. This latest version features 400 brand new questions with instant access to the items, in-depth critiques, real-time abstracts, and linked references. Completion of this online activity permits one to claim up to 70 AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits.

2021-2022 Certification Applications
The ABTS accepted applications for the 2021-2022 certification cycle. Eligible candidates had access to the application on their ABTS portal, via the "Sign In" link located at the top of this page.  The deadline for submitting applications was Monday, August 16, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.

New Leave of Absence Policy for Residents
Effective October 3, 2020, the ABTS adopted a new Leave of Absence Policy that will affect all residents in both thoracic surgery and congenital cardiac surgery residency programs. To read more about the new Leave of Absence Policy, Click here.


Board Office
 Due to COVID-19, the American Board of Thoracic Surgery will be limiting the number of staff available. Until further notice, please be aware your call may take up to 48 hours to be returned. For a quicker response to your inquiries and/or questions, please send an email to the following email addresses: for SESATS questions: [email protected], for MOC questions for Primary Certification: [email protected] or [email protected], for Congenital Subspecialty Certification questions: [email protected], for all other questions and/or inquires: [email protected]

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2021 Upcoming Deadlines


  • MOC 10-year Exam
    		   September 1–October 29
     
    MOC 5-year Applications Due   July 8 – September 10
    MOC 5-year Late Applications Due   September 11–October 1
    MOC 5-year SESATS Due (Primary Cert.)   January 14, 2022
    MOC 5-year Congenital Applications Due   September 9–October 25
     
    Certification Part II (Oral) Exam for 2020 candidates   September 24 – 25
    Certification Part II (Oral) Exam for 2021 candidates   November 12 – 13
    Certification Part I (Written) Exam   December 13 - 17
     
    Congenital Part I (Written) Exam   December 13 - 17