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 three cases drawn from the candidate's own surgical case list. That means 12 of your submitted cases will be discussed in total. The ABOS selects these 12 cases in advance and notifies you before exam day, so you will know which cases to prepare for, but you must still be ready to discuss any case on your list during the submission process.

Each session follows the same structure: the examiner briefly introduces the case (using your own operative details), then asks you to walk through your evaluation, decision-making, surgical technique, and management of complications. The examiners are not trying to trick you. They are assessing whether you think like a competent, independent orthopaedic surgeon. They want direct, organized answers, not a lecture.

The exam is intentionally conversational. Examiners will probe with follow-up questions, challenge your reasoning, and sometimes present hypothetical complications. The key is composure. Candidates who answer the question asked, avoid volunteering unnecessary information, and stay calm under pressure consistently perform well. Tools like Ortho Board Prep help candidates practice these exact scenarios with structured mock examinations that mirror the real format.