Where 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 venue for many years, and most candidates will take their oral boards at this location. The ABOS may occasionally use additional or alternative venues, so always confirm the location through your official exam notification.

The Palmer House Hilton is centrally located in downtown Chicago with easy access from both O'Hare and Midway airports. Most candidates stay at the exam hotel itself, which eliminates transportation stress on exam day. Book your room early — the hotel fills up quickly during exam weeks, and staying on-site means you can walk from your room to the exam in minutes.

Plan to arrive the evening before your exam. Use that evening for light review of your quick-reference sheets, but do not cram. The exam tests composure and organized thinking, not last-minute memorization. Get a full night of sleep, eat a solid breakfast, and arrive at the exam room early. Ortho Board Prep recommends treating the logistics as seriously as the content preparation — exam day stress from travel problems or poor sleep directly impacts your performance.