Training & Initial Certification

Learn more »

SESATS

Learn more »

Congenital Cardiac Surgery 

Learn More »

Maintenance of Certification

Learn More »

Public

Learn more »

November Oral Exam
The American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) has a limited number of seats available for the November 12-13 Oral Exam, which will be virtual.  The Board will open these seats up to candidates who were not successful on the September 2021 Oral Exam. If you would like to sit for the November 12-13 dates, rather than next spring, please contact Jennifer Hausman at [email protected] by October 25, 2021 (hard deadline).  A random drawing will be held if there is more interest than seats available.  

If you end up sitting for the November exam, please note it will count towards one of your allotted opportunities to take the exam.  The ABTS will officially notify candidates if they are selected for the November exam.  All November exam fees still apply.

Primary Certification Part II (Oral) Exams 
The ABTS plans to administer the Part II (Oral) Primary Exam to candidates who became eligible in December 2020 or May 2021 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.

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]

Internet Explorer (IE) is no longer supported by this website. Microsoft Edge is not recommended.
Please use Chrome or Firefox as your browser.
2021 Upcoming Deadlines


  • MOC 10-year Exam
    		   September 1–October 29
     
    MOC 5-year Applications Due   October 25, 2021
    MOC 5-year Late Applications Due   October 26 - November 1
    MOC 5-year SESATS Due (Primary Cert.)   February 11, 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