ABCRS diplomates attain the highest level certification in and continue developing their expert qualifications through our Continuing Certification program. As a diplomate, you will be recognized nationally and internationally as a specialist in the management of colon and rectum diseases.
At our core, we are committed to protecting and promulgating the acknowledged expertise of ABCRS diplomates in caring for patients with colon and rectum diseases.
Candidates must apply within three years of completing approved colon and rectal training. We require that the entire certification process be successfully completed within seven years following approval of your formal application. A valid, registered full and unrestricted license to practice medicine is required throughout the certification process.
If your application has been approved but you do not take the examination within three years, you will be required to submit a new application.
The ABS qualifying exam must be successfully completed before being admitted to the ABCRS certification process.
The written examination is a six-hour, multiple choice test that assesses your knowledge of the theory and practice of colon and rectal surgery, including elements of radiology and pathology.
ABS Certification is required before you are eligible to participate in the oral exam.
Date | Fees and Description |
|---|---|
August 15, 2024 | Deadline for receipt of application materials, $400 application fee, and for Operative Log to be submitted to ACGME. |
August 16 – September 10, 2024 | Late applications accepted ($200 late application fee will be required). |
September 10, 2024 | No application will be accepted if received after this date. |
September 2024 | Credentials Committee reviews applications. Applicants will be notified of acceptance for Written Exam shortly after Committee Review Process. |
January 15, 2025 | Deadline for receipt of $1200 Written Examination fee. Instructions on Written Examination procedure sent to candidates. |
January 16 – January 19, 2025 | Late fees accepted. $200 late fee will be required along with $1200 payment. |
January 19, 2025 | No payment will be accepted if received after this date. |
March 5, 2025 | Written Examination – Pearson VUE |
April 2025 | Notification of Written Examination results. Oral Examination information sent to successful candidates. |
June 1, 2025 | Deadline for receipt of $1200 Oral Examination fee. |
June 2 – June 8, 2025 | Late fees accepted. $200 late fee will be required along with $1200 payment. |
June 8, 2025 | No payment will be accepted if received after this date. |
August 2025 | Instructions on Oral Examination procedure sent to candidates. |
September 20, 2025 | Oral Examination – Oral Examination – Dallas, TX |
October 2025 | Notification of Oral Examination results. |
Unethical and unprofessional behavior is denoted by any dishonest behavior, including: cheating; lying; falsifying information; misrepresenting one’s educational background, certification status and/or professional experience; and failure to report misconduct. The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery has adopted a “zero tolerance” policy toward these behaviors, and individuals caught exhibiting such behaviors risk being permanently barred from certification, reported to state medical boards, and/or legally prosecuted for copyright or other violations.
Unethical behavior is specifically defined by the ABCRS to include the disclosure, publication, reproduction or transmission of ABCRS examinations, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, verbal or written, electronic or mechanical, for any purposes. This also extends to sharing examination information or discussing an examination while still in progress. Unethical behavior also includes the possession, reproduction or disclosure of materials or information, including examination questions or answers or specific information regarding the content of the examination, before, during or after the examination. This definition specifically includes the recall and reconstruction of examination questions by any means and such efforts may violate federal copyright law. All ABCRS examinations are copyrighted and protected by law; the ABCRS will prosecute violations to the full extent provided by law and seek monetary damages for any loss of examination materials.
