ABOS Part II Oral Boards — Complete Guide
Definitive answers to the most common questions about the ABOS oral boards, from a board-certified orthopedic surgeon.
Exam Basics
What is the ABOS Part II oral exam format?
The ABOS Part II oral examination consists of four 30-minute sessions conducted over a single day. In each session, two examiners present th...
Read answerHow is the ABOS Part II scored?
The ABOS Part II oral exam is scored using a standardized rubric with 9 distinct dimensions. Each dimension is scored on a 0 to 3 scale by b...
Read answerWhat are the ABOS Part II case list requirements?
The ABOS requires candidates to submit a comprehensive case list from their independent surgical practice. This list must include a minimum ...
Read answerHow many cases do you need for ABOS Part II?
The ABOS requires a minimum case volume across specified categories, but the exact numbers and category breakdowns are updated periodically ...
Read answerHow long do you have to pass ABOS Part II?
After passing the ABOS Part I written examination, candidates have a defined window to complete the Part II oral exam. The Board allows cand...
Read answerWhat happens if you fail ABOS Part II?
Failing the ABOS Part II oral exam is not the end of the road, but it does narrow your path significantly. Candidates are allowed up to 3 to...
Read answerPreparation
How to prepare for ABOS oral boards
Preparation for the ABOS Part II oral boards is fundamentally different from preparing for the written exam. Part I tests knowledge recall. ...
Read answerWhat do ABOS oral board examiners look for?
ABOS examiners are board-certified orthopedic surgeons who have been trained to evaluate candidates using the standardized 9-dimension scori...
Read answerHow to present a case at ABOS oral boards
Presenting a case at the ABOS oral boards should follow a structured, efficient format. Think of it like a deposition, not a grand rounds pr...
Read answerHow many mock oral exams should I do before ABOS?
The short answer: as many as you can, with a practical minimum of 6 to 10 full mock sessions before exam day. Each session should simulate t...
Read answerHow to organize case files for ABOS Part II
Organizing your case files is one of the most time-consuming parts of ABOS Part II preparation, but it directly impacts your exam performanc...
Read answerHow much time does ABOS Part II prep take?
Most candidates who pass the ABOS Part II oral exam dedicate 3 to 6 months of focused preparation, with a total time investment of roughly 8...
Read answerExam Day
What is the ABOS Part II pass rate?
The ABOS Part II oral exam has an overall pass rate of approximately 96%. This means roughly 4% of candidates — about 1 in 25 — do not pass ...
Read answerWhen is the ABOS Part II exam? (2026/2027)
The ABOS Part II oral examination is offered twice per year, typically in July and October. The exact dates for each cycle are published by ...
Read answerWhere is the ABOS Part II exam held?
The ABOS Part II oral examination is traditionally held at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. This has been the primary exam venu...
Read answerHow to handle examiner pushback at ABOS oral boards
Examiner pushback is not a sign that you gave the wrong answer. It is a deliberate part of the examination process designed to test your com...
Read answerWhat are common reasons for failing ABOS Part II?
The most common reasons for failing the ABOS Part II oral exam have remarkably little to do with clinical knowledge. The vast majority of ca...
Read answerWhat are the 9 ABOS scoring dimensions?
The ABOS Part II oral exam evaluates candidates across 9 standardized scoring dimensions. Each dimension is scored from 0 to 3 by both exami...
Read answerAfter the Exam
What is the ABOS Part II retake policy?
The ABOS allows candidates up to 3 attempts to pass the Part II oral examination. If you fail on your first attempt, you are eligible to reg...
Read answerABOS Part II vs Part I — what's different?
The ABOS Part I and Part II examinations test fundamentally different competencies. Part I is a computer-based, multiple-choice written exam...
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