Examination – Part I Written Exam

To achieve certification by The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, a candidate must pass a Written Examination (Part I) and an Oral Examination (Part II). The Written Examination is offered in the spring of each year and a candidate is required to pass this examination before being permitted to take the Oral Examination which is given in the fall of each year. Examinations are conducted at times and places determined by the Board and this information may be obtained from the Board office. Written Examinations are held at Pearson VUE Testing Centers in the United States.

Professional Qualifications  Click here  Qualifications
A candidate must have completed an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited residency program in colon and rectal surgery following completion of an approved ACGME or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) general surgical residency program that ultimately leads to American Board of Surgery certification.

All candidates must have a current valid registered full and unrestricted license to practice medicine, and must continue to be licensed throughout the certification process.

All candidates must successfully complete the Qualifying Examination of the American Board of Surgery before being admitted to The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery Written Examination (Part I).

Part I – Written Examination – Scheduled for Wednesday, March 15, 2023: The Written Examination is an assessment of a candidate’s knowledge of the theory and practice of colon and rectal surgery including elements of radiology and pathology. The written portion of the examination is a six hour test of multiple choice questions covering the spectrum of colon and rectal surgery and the body of basic science pertinent to it. The ABCRS Written Examination is protected under federal copyright law.

How to apply for Part I Written Examination 

Please read the below instructions to indicate whether or not you plan to take the examination in March if you have received notification that your application has been approved. New Applicants see Application for Exams

Taking the ABCRS 2022 Written Examination 

$1200 Written Exam Fee – Due by January 15, 2023 (At this point your application has been approved)

Between January 16th- January 19th a $200 late fee will be required along with your $1200 Written Exam Fee. No payments will be accepted after January 19, 2023.

Payment Method – Check or Money Order, Submit to:

American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery
20600 Eureka Road, Suite 600
Taylor, MI  48180

Payment Method – Credit Card:

• Log on to www.abcrs.org
• Click on Login
• Type in your user name and password
• Click on Pay Fees

What to Expect – Upon receipt of your payment, we will indicate that you are “Taking” the 2023 ABCRS Written Examination in our database.  Instructions to register at Pearson VUE Testing Center  will be emailed in mid-November.

Click here  “What to Expect”  for information regarding Pearson VUE Testing Center.  Also…. Click here Professional and Regulatory Candidate Rules Agreement 1.3 

The ABCRS has contracted with Pearson VUE testing centers for a number of years to administer the Qualifying (Written) examination. The COVID pandemic has tested us all in innumerable ways. Pearson VUE is a federal contractor that needs to abide by all federal mandates regarding vaccination and social distancing. As such you may be required to show proof of vaccination to enter some testing facilities or may need to have special seating assignments or masking requirements if unvaccinated. Additionally, it is the goal of ABCRS that candidates can take the Qualifying Examination in their local community but depending on demand and distancing requirements candidates may need to travel outside their local community to sit for the examination. Please consult the Pearson VUE website page Pearson VUE COVID update for the latest testing requirements. We strongly urge you to schedule your appointment as soon as possible to secure a spot at the testing center most convenient to you.

Receipt of Payment  As soon as your payment is received and posted, you can obtain a receipt by following the below instructions:

• Log on to www.abcrs.org
• Click on Login
• Type in your user name and password
• Click on Submit
• Click on Financial
• Click on Receipt

ABCRS Profile Update  It is important that you keep your profile updated on our website, especially your email and mailing address to ensure you receive future communication.

• Log on to www.abcrs.org
• Click on Login
• Type in your user name and password
• Click on Submit
• Click on Edit
• Enter update as needed
• Click on Submit

Not Taking the ABCRS 2023 Written Examination  If you do not plan to take the 2023 Written Examination in March, please notify the ABCRS administrative office at abcrsadmin@abcrs.org.

Previous Candidates – Application Approved
All previous candidates that have been notified of application approval, must contact the Board office at 734-282-9400 with their intention to take the Written Exam. The $1200 Written Exam fee is due by January 15. See Fees for instructions.