How long do you have to pass ABOS Part II?

After passing the ABOS Part I written examination, candidates have a 5-year window to complete the Part II oral exam (fellowship time is excluded from this window). You can sit for the oral exam during any available exam cycle within that period. If you do not pass within the 5-year window, you must restart the entire certification process, including re-taking Part I.

The timeline is tight enough that candidates should not delay. Most orthopaedic surgeons take the Part II exam within the first available cycle after completing their practice requirement period. Waiting too long creates unnecessary risk, your case list ages, your recall of specific cases fades, and the pressure compounds with each passing cycle.

Planning your preparation timeline is essential. From the moment you know your exam date, you should be working backward: case list compilation, case summary preparation, mock oral practice, and final review. Most successful candidates dedicate 3 to 6 months of focused preparation. Ortho Board Prep helps candidates structure this timeline and ensures no preparation milestone is missed.