ABOS 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 that tests breadth of orthopedic knowledge. Part II is a live oral examination that tests how you apply and communicate that knowledge in real time, under pressure, discussing your own surgical cases.

The written exam rewards comprehensive knowledge and test-taking strategy. You can second-guess yourself, change answers, and work through questions at your own pace. The oral exam rewards composure, organized thinking, and the ability to defend your clinical decisions face-to-face with experienced examiners. There is no going back, no multiple choice, and no time to look things up. When an examiner asks why you chose a particular surgical approach, you must answer clearly and confidently in that moment.

The preparation strategies for each exam are also completely different. Part I preparation is largely about reading — textbooks, review courses, question banks. Part II preparation is largely about doing — organizing case files, presenting cases out loud, practicing under realistic examiner pressure. Many candidates make the mistake of preparing for Part II the same way they prepared for Part I: more reading, more note-taking, more passive review. This approach misses the point entirely. The oral exam is a performance, and you train for a performance by performing. Ortho Board Prep focuses exclusively on Part II preparation because the skills required — case presentation, composure, and examiner management — demand practice, not just study.