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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News

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. 

Primary and Congenital Heart Surgery Written Exams Results
Results for the Primary and Congenital Heart Surgery Written Exams that were administered in December 2020 were mailed to candidates in late February.  Please contact the Board if you have not received your results.

Registration for the May 2021 Written Exam
The registration process for the May 2021 Part I (Written) Primary Exam is now open. Eligible candidates can now pay the exam fee on the ABTS portal and can contact Pearson to arrange a testing seat. The exam will be administered on May 17-29, 2021. 

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.

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.

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: sesats@abts.org, for MOC questions for Primary Certification: moc@abts.org or mvalencia@abts.org, for Congenital Subspecialty Certification questions: agardner@abts.org, for all other questions and/or inquires: info@abts.org.

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2021 Upcoming Deadlines



  • MOC 10-year Applications Due
    		   March 1 – April 30
    MOC 10-year Late Application Due
    		   May 1 – 17
    MOC 10-year Exam
    		   September 1-October 29
     
    MOC 5-year Applications Due   June 28 – September 10
    MOC 5-year Late Applications Due   September 11-October 1
    MOC 5-year SESATS Due (Primary Cert.)   January 14, 2022
     
    Certification Part I (Written) Exam   May 17 – 29
    Certification Applications Due   May 17 – August 16
    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
     
    Congenital Part II (Oral) Exam   May 14 – 15
    Congenital Initial Applications Due   May 17 – August 16
    Congenital Part I (Written) Exam   December 13