ABOS Part II FAQ: Your Questions Answered

The ABOS Part II oral examination is one of the most high-stakes tests in orthopedic surgery. Whether you're just starting to plan or deep into preparation, here are clear answers to the questions candidates ask most.

How many cases do I present?

Case selectors assign 12 cases from your submitted case list. These are the cases you'll present and defend during the exam. The quality of your case list matters — a well-organized, clearly documented list gives selectors better material to work with and gives you stronger cases to present.

For a deeper look at case list preparation, see our guide on how to pass the ABOS Part II.

How is the exam structured?

The exam consists of four 30-minute testing periods with 5-minute breaks between each. Two examiners evaluate you during each period. Each period covers a different subset of your assigned cases — so you'll present and discuss cases across all four sessions.

The format is conversational, not a monologue. Examiners will ask follow-up questions, challenge your reasoning, and explore your decision-making process. Preparation should reflect this — practicing silent reading is not the same as practicing under live questioning.

How is the exam scored?

You are evaluated across 9 scoring categories on a 0–3 scale. To pass, you need an average score of 2 or higher. The full scoring rubric is published by ABOS at abos.org/certification/part-ii/scoring-rubric.

Understanding the rubric is essential. A score of 2 means you demonstrate a “satisfactory” level of competence — not perfection, but sound clinical reasoning and the ability to defend your decisions. We break down each category in our ABOS scoring rubric breakdown.

What if I fail?

If you do not pass, you have 5 years to retake the Part II exam before needing to redo Part I. That window gives you time to regroup and address the specific areas that fell short — but most candidates benefit from starting preparation again sooner rather than later while the experience is still fresh.

Failing is more common than people admit. The published failure rate hovers around 17%. If it happens to you, the path forward is structured practice — particularly mock oral exams that target the scoring dimensions where you lost points.

When are results available?

Results are posted online after the exam. The exact timeline varies from year to year — ABOS does not publish a fixed date in advance. Most candidates report receiving results within several weeks of the exam, but check the ABOS website for the most current information.

Where is the exam held?

The ABOS Part II exam is held in Chicago, each July. Plan travel and accommodations early — hotels near the testing center fill up quickly as the exam date approaches.

How long should I prepare?

Most successful candidates dedicate 2–3 months of structured preparation. This doesn't mean 2–3 months of casual reading. It means organized case review, regular mock oral practice, and deliberate work on presentation skills and composure.

The first month is typically focused on organizing your case summaries and reviewing clinical content. The second and third months should be heavily weighted toward live practice — presenting your cases out loud, under exam-like conditions, with someone challenging your reasoning.

Do I need mock exams?

Yes. Mock oral exams are the single most effective preparation method for the Part II. Reading and reviewing cases builds knowledge, but the oral boards test performance — your ability to present clearly, respond to pushback, and maintain composure when pressed on your decisions.

You cannot simulate this by studying alone. You need someone across the table asking difficult questions, interrupting your flow, and forcing you to think on your feet. The more realistic the practice environment, the more prepared you'll be on exam day.