When 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 the ABOS on their website and communicated to eligible candidates directly. For 2026 and 2027, candidates should check the ABOS website for confirmed dates as they are announced.

Registration deadlines typically fall several months before the exam date, and the case list submission deadline is even earlier. Missing these deadlines means waiting for the next available cycle, which can delay your board certification by 6 months or more. Mark every deadline on your calendar the moment dates are announced.

The exam is a single-day event. You will complete all four 30-minute sessions in one day at the designated exam location. Plan to arrive the day before, get a solid night of sleep, and treat the exam day as a marathon of sustained focus. Candidates who travel the morning of the exam or stay up late reviewing notes consistently perform worse. Ortho Board Prep helps candidates build a structured preparation timeline that works backward from their specific exam date, ensuring every milestone is hit.