Each candidate for examination must complete and submit an Application for Examination which may be obtained on the Board’s website www.abcrs.org.  The application must also be accompanied by two recent photographs of the applicant and the required application fee.

As part of the application process, residents must complete a list of all operative procedures performed during their training period. Case log reporting is completed using the electronic software provided by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).  Login instructions and deadline dates are accessible through the ACGME website www.acgme.org. The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery will obtain the information directly from the ACGME.

The acceptability of a candidate for examination depends not only on completion of the requirements listed under “Qualifications of Candidates,” but also on information available to the Board regarding the candidate’s professional maturity, surgical judgment, and technical competence.

In addition to the regular fees, a $100 per hour administrative fee (up to $2000 maximum) will be charged to candidates who create an additional administrative burden to process their application by:

1. Failing to submit all the required documentation in a timely fashion and before the designated deadlines.
2. Submitting an application with unusual circumstances or conditions necessitating extra use of the Board’s administrative resources.

• Certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (Bylaws requirement for all except the appointee from the American Board of Surgery).
• Participation in the Continuing Certification process of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery is required.
• Recertification/Continuing Certification by the American Board of Surgery is strongly encouraged, but not required.
• Experienced clinical surgeon (Bylaws requirement) with at least five years since completion of training.
• Active in the practice and/or the teaching of colon and rectal surgery (Bylaws requirement for all except the appointee from the American Board of Surgery).
• Previous experience as an Associate Examiner is required.
• Strong consideration will be given to individuals who have demonstrated consistent, enthusiastic, and successful participation in Board activities, particularly question writing for the qualifying, certifying and continuous certification examinations.
• An effort will be made to have representation on the Board from both teachers in residency programs as well as those engaged in private practice.
• An effort will be made to have a balance of geographical representation on the Board.
• Not more than one member from any single institution/group practice will be elected to the Board at any one time. A new Board member can be elected from the same institution/group practice as an existing Board member provided the existing Board member has been elected and is actually serving their second term. The above rule does not apply to the Executive Director/Associate Executive Director and does not apply to members who relocate after they are elected.
• The above guidelines do not apply to the Public Member of ABCRS.

A candidate, who has met all the requirements and successfully completed the examinations of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, will be issued a certificate attesting to his/her qualifications in colon and rectal surgery.  The certificate shall be signed by the President or President-Elect and the Executive Director and shall bear the corporate seal of the Board.

The certificate granted by the Board does not confer privilege or license to practice colon and rectal surgery but is evidence that a physician’s qualifications for specialty practice are recognized by his/her peers.  It is not intended to define the requirements for membership on hospital staffs, to gain special recognition or privileges for its Diplomates, to define the scope of specialty practice, or to state who may or may not engage in the practice of the specialty.

Unless the candidate specifies otherwise, the Board forwards the names of candidates who have achieved certification to the American Board of Medical Specialties for professional credentialing and public search of board-certified physicians.  Those certified by the Board are also officially listed on the ABCRS website.

Since 2018, the ABCRS has used the CertLink platform to deliver approximately 12 questions to diplomates quarterly throughout the year. This process replaced the previous 10-year written “Maintenance of Certification” or “Re-Certification” examination. Two quarters each year are knowledge-based multiple choice questions covering topics germane to the practice of colon and rectal surgery. The other two quarters are article-based assessments utilizing current literature.

The CertLink system generates “clones” of questions. Diplomates will receive an additional 3-6 questions in each knowledge-based quarter. Clones are typically delivered for questions that are answered incorrectly in previous quarters. A correctly answered clone question will replace the previous incorrectly answered question for scoring purposes.

The continuing certification process is a five-year cycle. Current diplomates are entered into the process 5 years before their current certificate expires so that they will be able to complete the longitudinal assessment before expiration of their certificate. New diplomates will be entered the January following completion of the certifying examination (oral board examination).

Successful completion of the longitudinal assessment requires answering 70% of questions correctly over 16 quarters (four years). If a diplomate completes 16 consecutive quarters with 70% correct, the fifth year of the cycle is off – free from questions. Diplomates will be re-entered into a new cycle the following year.

Diplomates may request to take off up to four quarters of questions during each five-year cycle (sabbatical). Questions are not scored during a sabbatical quarter. This can be done by submitting a ticket on the CertLink platform or by emailing the board staff at certlink@abcrs.org. For each quarter sabbatical taken, a quarter of questions will be added in the fifth year. Sabbaticals may be requested retroactively. If a sabbatical is not requested and questions are not answered, unanswered questions that quarter will be scored as incorrect.

If a diplomate fails to achieve 70% correct over 16 scored quarters, they will be given 2 more quarters of questions to attempt to bring the overall score up to 70%. If successful, they will be re-entered into the next five-year cycle as scheduled.

If a diplomate fails to reach 70% after the two additional quarters, they will be required to take a remediation in-person examination, currently planned to consist of approximately 120 questions taken from the CertLink question bank. This will be scheduled to occur during one of the ABCRS in-person meetings, most likely in the spring. Travel will be at the diplomate’s expense and an examination fee will be assessed equal to the fee for the qualifying (written) examination. Three yearly attempts to pass the remediation examination with 70% correct will be allowed. If unsuccessful after three attempts, the diplomate will be referred to the ABCRS Standards and Credentials Committee for consideration of a formal re-entry pathway.

Participation in the quarterly assessments is the foundation of continuing certification. Diplomates who fail to answer questions in 8 or fewer of 16 scored quarters will be considered as “non-participating”. If a diplomate fails the CertLink longitudinal assessment due to non-participation, they will be offered the remediation examinations. However, if future five-year CertLink longitudinal assessment cycles are failed (due to non-participation or knowledge deficit), diplomates will not be given the opportunity to maintain ABCRS certification by taking the standard remediation examination and will instead be referred to the Standards and Credentials Committee immediately at the end of that cycle for review. There is no guarantee of allowance of re-entry.

Certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS) carries an obligation for the highest standard of ethical behavior and professionalism. ABCRS maintains that all patients are entitled to quality surgical care delivered in a professional and ethical manner.

General Expectations

The ABCRS Code of Ethics and Professionalism requires that all ABCRS-certified surgeons and those seeking certification by the organization adhere to the following construct at all times:

• Treat patients in a safe and fair manner without bias based on (including but not limited to): race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or religion.
• Demonstrate compassion, integrity, and respect for patients and their families, as well as all other members of the health care team in all types of interactions.
• Respect patient privacy and autonomy.
• Be accountable to their patients, families, and all members of the health care team.
• Refrain from conduct that the ABCRS determines, in its sole judgment, to be inconsistent with the ethical and professional standards of a surgeon.
• Provide the highest level of evidence-based medical care, within their scope of practice, in accordance with the accepted standards of our profession.

Medical License Requirement

Possession of a currently valid, full and unrestricted state medical license is an absolute requirement for certification. Each license held by the surgeon must be unencumbered irrespective of the state in which the surgeon practices.

If a state medical license after final decision by the state medical board is probated, restricted, suspended, or revoked, the diplomate is required to report this change in status to the ABCRS within three (3) months, for review by the ABCRS Standards and Credentials Committee. The committee will determine if any action is required regarding the diplomate’s certificate in surgery. The Standards and Credentials Committee will decide, at its sole discretion, the appropriate status of the certificate and make recommendations as to any related requirements. The committee may or may not take into consideration any related state medical board actions or recommendations.

Reporting Requirements

ABCRS diplomates are required to report any of the following actions to the ABCRS within three (3) months of said action:

• Any potential breach of this Code as well as any alteration in the status of a state or federal medical or drug license or encumbrance on a license.
• Voluntary surrender or restriction of a license to practice medicine.
• Complaint leading to state medical board action.
• Initiated, pending, or threatened disciplinary actions by a licensing jurisdiction, including revocation, suspension, restriction, probation, or denial of a license to practice.
• Any sanction or disciplinary action by a state medical board.
• A finding or verdict of guilt, an admission of guilt, a plea of nolo contendere, acceptance of probation without verdict (PWOV), disposition in lieu of trial, an accelerated rehabilitative disposition (ARD), or criminal conviction of any felony or misdemeanor offense.
• Any ongoing investigation, criminal or otherwise, including for scientific misconduct (e.g., promoting disease misinformation, fabricating scientific data).
• Voluntary or involuntary revocation, suspension, or restriction of privileges to prescribe controlled substances (e.g., DEA license).
• Involuntary termination, suspension, restriction, or denial of participation in any private, federal or state health program (e.g., Medicare or Medicaid).
• Loss, denial, restriction, suspension or revocation of privileges within their place of employment, whether voluntary or involuntary, including hospital staff privileges (or any portion thereof).
• Termination due to cause.

ABCRS-certified surgeons who engage in any of these actions will be subject to review under the ABCRS disciplinary action process. Reporting any of the above actions to ABCRS does not necessarily imply board action. Conduct that is prohibited by this Code shall be reviewed by the ABCRS Standards and Credentials Committee, which will make a determination as to the appropriate action needed, if any. Actions may include suspension, or revocation of certification. All diplomates must cooperate fully in any ABCRS investigation.

ABCRS-certified surgeons who fail to report within the designated time frame may be subject to immediate action on their certificate pending further review.

Diplomates are required to contact the Board to report any violations either via e-mail (abcrsadmin@abcrs.org) or by certified mail.

ABCRS Examinations

Unethical behavior is specifically defined by the ABCRS to include lying, cheating, disclosing examination content or in any other way failing to abide by examination policies as stipulated by the ABCRS.

This would 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, including in any examination review course. This also extends to sharing examination information or discussing an exam while still in progress or at any time thereafter.

Unethical behavior also includes the possession, reproduction, or disclosure of materials or information, including exam 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.

Individuals exhibiting such behaviors may:

• Have their examination scores canceled;
• Be permanently barred from taking ABCRS examinations;
• Be permanently barred from the ABCRS certification process;
• Be reported to state medical boards, and/or legally prosecuted under state or federal law, including theft, fraud, and copyright statutes.

All such determinations shall be at the sole discretion of ABCRS.

All applicants, examinees, and diplomates must fully cooperate in any ABCRS investigation into the validity, integrity, or security of ABCRS examinations.

Appropriate Use of ABCRS Credentials and Logo

A diplomate must only represent their ABCRS certification as qualification of knowledge and/or skills that are directly related to the diplomate’s ABCRS certification.

ABCRS-certified surgeons may not:

• Use ABCRS certification to advertise board certification credentials for clinical practice areas that are outside of what the ABCRS determines as the scope of practice for surgery.
• Promulgate inaccurate or false information that is contrary to the interests of patients and/or adversely impacts public safety.

The seal of the ABCRS is a registered trademark and may not be copied, reproduced, or used in any way without prior consent from the ABCRS. Use of the ABCRS seal or logo for promotional purposes on websites, brochures, letterhead, etc., by diplomates, institutions or others is not permitted under any circumstances.

Only use ABCRS certification in the context of certification that is under the purview of the ABCRS.

Continuing Certification is an evolving process. The requirements outlined below will be modified as new learning and assessment tools are developed.

ABCRS Continuing Certification Timeline

Cycle 1

Year 1

SUGGESTED

• Begin completing 10-16 CertLink questions per quarter
• CertlLink opens January 1. (At the time of CertLink enrollment, you must hold a certificate issued by ABCRS and be current on all other aspects of Continuing Certification including ABCRS annual fees, Part I, Part II and Part IV. Expiration of a certificate will not disqualify a candidate from entering the CertLink process; however, the applicant may not claim certification in the interim.)
  
  

REQUIRED

• Pay annual certification fee by December 31
  
  

Year 2

REQUIRED

• Complete 10-16 CertLink questions per quarter
• Pay annual certification fee by December 31
  
  

Year 3

REQUIRED

• Complete 10-16 CertLink questions per quarter
• Pay annual certification fee by December 31
  
  

Year 4

REQUIRED

• Complete 10-16 CertLink questions per quarter
• Pay annual certification fee by December 31
  
  

Year 5

REQUIRED

• Complete 10-16 CertLink questions per quarter (only if you have yet to finish 16 quarters)
• Pay annual certification fee by December 31
• Verify professional standing by December 31
• Complete 80 AMA PRA Category I CME Credits by December 31
• Enter your clinical practice data in the ABCRS portal by December 31
  
  

Meeting Continuing Certification Requirements

ABCRS Diplomates are not at risk of losing their certification if the following components are completed by the final cycle year’s conclusion:

• Annual ABCRS continuing certification fee (due each year)
• 16 quarters of CertLink questions (due by end of year five)
• Verification of professional standing (due in year five)
• 80 hours of Category 1 CME Credits (due in year five)
• Clinical practice data (due in year five)

The earliest we will accept documentation is January 1 and the latest is December 31.

Continuing certification for diplomates of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS) as mandated by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) requires participation in all aspects of the ABCRS continuous certification process and maintenance of an unrestricted United States or Canadian provincial medical license.  ABMS has given approval to Member Boards to grant exceptions to this licensure requirement for diplomates gaining initial ABCRS certification who then transition to a practice outside of the United States or Canada and who then do not maintain an unrestricted state or provincial medical license.

Diplomates who practice outside of the United States or Canada must apply to the ABCRS for this exception with a written statement detailing the:

1. Diplomate’s training and initial certification;
2. Country in which they currently practice;
3. Country’s medical board policy for professionalism and maintenance of a valid license to practice medicine.
   
   

Diplomates will be required to submit proof of a valid license to the ABCRS annually. Additionally, for an international diplomate to maintain ABCRS certification it is expected that participation in all aspects of the ABCRS continuous certification process will be required, as well as maintenance of an unrestricted medical license in the country where they practice.  Pursuant to the ABCRS self-attestation policy, it is the responsibility of each diplomate who maintains certification to report any changes or actions regarding their license to practice in their professional locale. Furthermore, the ABCRS reserves the right to revoke certification if it is felt that the country’s medical board does not provide appropriate oversight to ensure professional behavior of the diplomate.

The ABCRS supports the re-entry of surgeons to active surgical practice and endorses the following guidelines for surgeons seeking to re-establish their clinical careers. Most surgeons who have stopped practicing fit into one of three categories, which may affect how a specific re-entry pathway is constructed: Voluntary withdrawal from practice, Involuntary withdrawal from practice due to medical issues, or Involuntary withdrawal from practice for performance or professionalism issues.

ABCRS Guidelines on Re-entry to Surgical Practice

The ABCRS supports the re-entry of surgeons to active surgical practice and endorses the following guidelines for surgeons seeking to re-establish their clinical careers.

Most surgeons who have stopped practicing fit into one of three categories, which may affect how a specific re-entry pathway is constructed:

• Voluntary withdrawal from practice
• Involuntary withdrawal from practice due to medical issues
• Involuntary withdrawal from practice for performance or professionalism issues
  
  

A re-entry pathway is warranted if you have been away from surgical practice after two or more years and should address the following elements.

Re-entry Elements

Assessment Of Status of Practice at Departure

You should provide documentation to the Board as to the circumstances leading to withdrawal from clinical practice.  Additionally, you should provide reference letters from the chief of surgery and chair of credentials committee who were at the primary practice location, during the time of your departure from practice. The letters must specifically address any issues relevant to surgical practice such as malpractice history, professionalism or patient care issues. Proof of a full (unrestricted) valid medical license in the state in which the individual will practice must be provided.

Re-Entry Pathway Constructed by a Local Physician Champion

It is the applicant’s responsibility to identify a local physician champion. If this champion consents to serve in this role, they will need to be confirmed by the ABCRS. The local physician champion must be a diplomate of the ABCRS participating in continuing certification and should construct specifics of a re-entry pathway that include assessment of the six competencies: medical knowledge; patient care; professionalism; communication; practice-based learning; and systems-based practice. This represents the proctoring plan.  Medical knowledge will have individualized assessment based on factors such as duration of clinical inactivity. The local physician champion may either serve as or identify a proctor who will assess these competencies. Individualized pathways may warrant additional assessment depending on circumstances. Individuals who withdrew involuntarily from practice may require assessment of physical and/or mental health status by a specialist.

Proctoring Plan

The Proctoring plan must be documented and submitted to the Board for prior approval. The duration of proctoring will be individualized based on factors such as complexity of anticipated clinical practice and amount of technical activity during the period of inactivity. The focus on the medical knowledge competency must include individualized assessment based on factors such as duration of clinical inactivity. If the Physician Champion is not also serving in the role of Proctor, a local proctor, who must be a diplomate of the ABCRS participating in continuing certification, must be identified and agree to serve in this role for the duration of the trial period. The proctor will provide a final assessment based on direct observation. If, due to extenuating circumstances, a suitable physician champion or local proctor cannot be identified, an appeal may be submitted to the Board for adjudication.

Outcomes Assessment

The hospital should complete a Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) per Joint Commission guidelines within six months of beginning independent practice.

Continuing Certification Requirements

You will be required to come into compliance with the ABCRS Continuing Certification Program and must meet requirements as needed based on your individual situation.  If you seek to re-enter practice, consult with the ABCRS regarding your situation prior to developing a re-entry plan based on the guidelines above. The ABCRS will review and may request additional plan elements prior to approval and implementation, as well as track the outcome of all re-entry plans. To initiate this process, contact the ABCRS office at abcrsadmin@abcrs.org.

Compliance and Re-entry to Continuing Certification

In order to reverse the revocation and re-enter Continuing Certification:  All past due fees and Continuing Certification requirements must be fulfilled up to that point; 2) A reinstatement fee of $500 must be paid. You cannot recertify until re-entry requirements are met.

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 and a candidate is required to pass this examination before being permitted to take the Oral Examination which is given in the fall.

Examinations are conducted at times and places determined by the Board, and this information may be obtained from the Board office.  It is also published on the ABCRS website (www.abcrs.org). Written Examinations are conducted at national testing centers and Oral Examinations are held in person at a site determined by the Board.

Part I – Written Examination

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 computer test of multiple-choice questions covering the spectrum of colon and rectal surgery and the body of basic science pertinent to it.

Part II – Oral Examination

The Oral Examination is conducted by members of the Board and its designated examiners.  Its objective is to evaluate the candidate’s clinical experience, problem solving ability and surgical judgment, and to ascertain the candidate’s knowledge of the current literature on colon and rectal diseases and surgery.  Each candidate will undergo three 30-minute oral examinations by three two-member examining teams.

Examination Results

The Board makes every effort to be as prompt as possible in notifying candidates of their examination results, and letters of notification may be expected from four to six weeks following each examination.

The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery supports the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The Board will make a reasonable effort to provide Board applicants who have documented disabilities with modifications in its examination process which are appropriate for such disabilities but which do not alter the measurement of the skills or knowledge which the examination process is intended to test.

(A) Examiners

There shall be the following categories of examiners:

(1)  Board Examiners shall consist of all current members of the Board of Directors. They shall conduct the oral examination in a manner designated by the Examination Committee.

a.  Non-Board of Directors who serve on Board Committees will typically be invited to administer the oral examination, at the discretion of the Board.

(2) Senior Board Examiners may consist of former members of the Board (with the exception of the appointees from the American Board of Surgery) who continue to be engaged in the active practice and/or the teaching of colon and rectal surgery, and who are not beyond 72 years of age. Retirement from clinical practice is allowed as long as there is active teaching in the field. They must be certified by and maintain the certificate of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery and maintain an active medical license.   Senior board examiners retired from clinical practice must remain Continuing Certification compliant, including having a current valid medical license.  They shall conduct oral examinations at the discretion of the Examination Committee and may continue to serve in this capacity as long as they comply satisfactorily with the above-stated requirements, as determined by the Board.  They shall not be limited in number.

(3)  Associate Examiners shall consist of experienced clinical surgeons who are active in the practice and/or the teaching of Colon and Rectal Surgery, and who are certified by and maintain the certificate of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.  Certification by the American Board of Surgery in the past does not mandate maintenance of the certificate of the American Board of Surgery.  They shall be selected by approval of the Board.  The number of Associate Examiners will be determined by the Oral Examination Committee and approved by the Board. Associate Examiners shall conduct the oral examinations in a manner designated by the Examination Committee.

(4)  Senior Associate Examiners shall consist of former Associate Examiners who continue to be engaged in the active practice and/or the teaching of Colon and Rectal Surgery, and who are not beyond 72 years of age. As with Senior Board Examiners, retirement from clinical practice is allowed as long as there is active teaching in the field.  Retired senior associate examiners must remain Continuing Certification compliant, including having a current valid medical license.    They must have satisfactorily completed two full terms as Associate Examiners.   They may continue to serve in this capacity as long as they comply satisfactorily with the fore-going requirements, as determined by the Board.  They shall not be limited in number.

(B) Other officers, non-Board of Director committee members, associates, deputies or consultants may be appointed to administer the oral examination at the discretion of the Board.  These appointees shall consist of experienced clinical surgeons who are active in the practice and/or the teaching of Colon and Rectal Surgery, and who are certified by and maintain the certificate of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.  The determination of the number of these officials, as well as their powers and their duties, resides with the Board.

(C) Members no longer engaged in active practice

Associate Examiners, Other officers, non-Board of Director committee members, associates, deputies, or consultants are expected to be experienced clinical surgeons who are active in the practice and/or the teaching of Colon and Rectal Surgery, and who are certified by and maintain the certificate of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.  The Board must be notified if there is a change in this status.  The Board will review these occurrences at the next Board meeting to determine the disposition and/or removal from Board activity participation.

Application Fee

A nonrefundable fee of $400 shall accompany the application by August 15th.

Written Examination Fee (Part I)

A fee of $1,200 is due and payable upon notification of approval to take the Written Examination.  A fee of $1,400 will be charged ($200 late fee) for any written examination fee received between January 16th – January 19th.

Oral Examination Fee (Part II)

A fee of $1,200 is due and payable when the candidate is notified of approval to take the Oral Examination. Deadline is June 1st. A $1,400 will be charged ($200 late fee) for any oral examination fee received between June 2nd – June 8th.

Re-Examination Fee

Fees for re-examination are the same as shown above for each examination.

Withdrawal from Examination

A candidate who withdraws must notify the Board office at least ten business days before a scheduled examination.  A candidate, who fails to appear for examination or withdraws without giving at least ten days notice as defined above, will forfeit $200 of the designated examination fee and will have to resubmit the forfeited amount before being admitted to the next scheduled examination.

Late Applications

Recognizing that a situation may arise that prevents an applicant from meeting the August 15th deadline; the Board has a provision for late applications.  Late applications are those received from August 16th – September 10th each year.  There is a non-refundable late application fee of $200 bringing the total processing fee to $600.  No applications will be accepted if received after September 10th.

Additional Fees

In addition to the regular fees, a $100 per hour administrative fee (up to $2000 maximum) will be charged to candidates who create an additional administrative burden to process their application by:

1. Failing to submit all the required documentation in a timely fashion and before the designated deadlines.
2. Submitting an application with unusual circumstances or conditions necessitating extra use of the Board’s administrative resources.

Fees are subject to change as directed by the Board.

Once certification is achieved by the candidate, they are considered a diplomate of the board. Each diplomate is asked to pay annual dues until retirement to help defray expenses incurred by Board activities. Fees are based on the actual expenses incurred in office administration and in conducting the continuous certification process. 

The Directors of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS) recognize both the potential usefulness and hazards of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Currently, we believe that the potential hazards of AI outweigh the potential benefits as they relate to ABCRS examination creation.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools by Item (Question) Writers

The use of generative AI tools for ABCRS item creation or modification is strictly prohibited. This includes the use of all generative AI tools, including but not limited to text generators, image generators, and video generators.

This policy is enacted to ensure that assessment content is accurate and reliable, to ensure that the security of ABCRS assessments is maintained, and to ensure that ABCRS assessment content may be protected by copyright and other intellectual property protections.

If diplomates are found to have utilized generative AI tools for ABCRS item creation or modification, they may be prohibited from future participation in ABCRS item creation or exam administration, at the discretion of the Board.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools by Examination Candidates

The use of generative AI tools by candidates/diplomates taking any ABCRS examination is prohibited. This includes the use of all generative AI tools, including but not limited to text generators, image generators, and video generators. This applies to ABCRS examinations for initial certification, continuous certification, or re-entry.

If candidates/diplomates are found to have utilized generative AI tools when taking an ABCRS examination, their case will be referred to the ABCRS Standards and Credentials Committee for adjudication. Sanctions may include loss of ABCRS certification (for diplomates), or prohibition from progression toward initial certification (for candidates).

The Board considers an individual’s record not in the public domain.  When a written inquiry is received regarding an individual’s status, a general but factual statement is provided which indicates the individual’s location within the examination process.

1. The ABCRS requires a minimum of 48 weeks of full-time clinical activity in a program accredited by the ACGME’s Review Committee on Colon and Rectal Surgery (RC-CRS) during the 1-year residency, regardless of whether all minimum case numbers have been reached.  Included in clinical activity is time spent presenting at or attending appropriate conferences. The remaining four weeks of the year are considered non-clinical time that may be used for any purpose, such as vacation, interviews, illness, etc.
   
   
2. This ABCRS policy is in effect regardless of local policies which may allow additional leave.
   
   
3. Extended illness, maternity or paternity leave, or other exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  Requests for exceptions should be submitted in writing to the Executive Director of ABCRS and will be reviewed by Standards and Credentials Committee.

A candidate shall comply with the current regulations of the Board, regardless of the time of filing applications.  Decisions pertaining to fulfillment of requirements are made by the Board upon review of the candidate’s formal application.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. A candidate shall appear personally and submit to the required examinations.
2. A candidate shall limit the majority of his/her practice to colon and rectal surgery.
3. A candidate may be required to deliver to the Board sufficient case reports to demonstrate proficiency in colon and rectal surgery.
4. A Curriculum Vitae produced by the candidate shall be submitted to the Board upon request.
5. The moral and ethical fitness of a candidate must be satisfactory to the Board and in conformity with the Statements on Principles of the American College of Surgeons, and the Principles of Medical Ethics of the American Medical Association. Practices not conforming therewith may result in rejection of an application or in deferral of examination until such matters have been resolved.
   
   

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

1. 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 ABS certification. Click on the link below for the complete ABS policy: American Board of Surgery Information for International Medical Graduates.
2. A candidate must possess a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States, Canada or be engaged in full-time practice in the United States federal government for which licensure is not required.  A candidate may be rendered ineligible for certification due to any limitation, suspension, or termination of any license held by the candidate, including, but not limited to, any disciplinary action by any medical licensing authority; by entry into a consent order; by voluntary surrender, in lieu of disciplinary action while under investigation for same; or suspension of license; provided that a candidate shall not be disqualified solely on the basis of a limitation, suspension or termination of a license by a medical licensing authority in any jurisdiction where the candidate does not practice, and where the action of such jurisdiction is based upon and derivative of a prior disciplinary action taken by another jurisdiction, provided that the candidate has a full and unrestricted license in each jurisdiction in which the candidate practices, and provided further that any jurisdiction granting the candidate a full and unrestricted license was made aware of and took into account any outstanding disciplinary restrictions and/or license restrictions in other jurisdictions in granting such full and unrestricted license.  Entry into and successful participation in a non-disciplinary rehabilitation, mental health program or diversionary program for chemical dependency authorized by the applicable medical licensing authority shall not, by itself, disqualify a candidate from taking a certification examination.
3. A candidate 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).
4. A candidate must achieve certification by the American Board of Surgery before being admitted to the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery Oral Examination (Part II).

The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery hereby establishes the following policy with regard to reconsideration and appeals of decisions adverse to diplomates, candidates, and potential candidates. Information related to diplomates’ professionalism and professional standing will be kept confidential until any actions are finalized by the Board.

1. Questions or Complaints: Any diplomate, candidate, or potential candidate who considers an action of the Board adverse to his/her interest to be wrong or to be based upon unfairness, inconsistency or inequality may request reconsideration.  If reconsideration results in affirmation of the adverse decision or in another adverse decision, the diplomate, candidate or potential candidate may appeal that decision.
   
   

            1.1       A candidate who fails a written examination may request, in writing, that his/her examination be re-scored to verify the accuracy of the results as reported to him/her.  There shall be no further appeal of a failure of a written examination.

            1.2       An oral examination is subject to questions of fraud or misconduct by the examiner(s) but is not subject to questions of content of the examination, the sufficiency or accuracy of the answers given or any other matter.

2.     Reconsideration: A request for reconsideration must be made in writing to the Board office within 60 days of the date of notice from the Board of the action in question.  The request shall be accompanied by such documentation as the requestor considers appropriate.  The request for reconsideration will be reviewed by a Reconsideration Committee consisting of at least the President, Secretary, and appropriate Examination Committee Chairman prior to the next regular Board meeting.  The Reconsideration Committee will report its decision to the Board.   Within 30 days following the meeting of the Board, the requestor shall be notified in writing of the Reconsideration Committee’s actions and the reasons, therefore.
   
   

2.1       The decisions of the Reconsideration Committee shall be considered final unless the requestor, within 30 days of the date of notice from the Reconsideration Committee, gives written notification to the Board that a personal appeal is planned.  This written notification shall include a request for a hearing and shall set forth the reasons for disagreement with the findings of the Reconsideration Committee.

3.     Personal Appeals: When a request for a personal appeal is received, a hearing shall be scheduled before an ad hoc appeals committee at the time of the next regular scheduled Board meeting. If an earlier meeting is required, the appellant shall be responsible for all expenses incurred.  The appellant shall be notified in writing at least 30 days prior to the meeting of the time and location at which he/she should appear.
   
   

            3.1       The Appeals Committee, appointed by the President, shall consist of three (3) current or former members of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery who did not participate in making the adverse reconsideration decision.

            3.2       Prior to the hearing, the Appeals Committee may ask the appellant to make available information or documents relevant to the adverse reconsideration decision.  Failure of the appellant to provide such information or documents may be independent grounds to affirm the reconsideration decision.

            3.3       The appellant shall appear at the hearing in person and may be accompanied by legal counsel.  A representative of the Reconsideration Committee shall present oral and written evidence as he/she desires to support the decision of the Reconsideration Committee.  The appellant and members of the Appeals Committee shall have the right to question the representative of the Reconsideration Committee and any other witness concerning the evidence presented.  The appellant may present such oral and written evidence as he/she desires to challenge the decision of the Reconsideration Committee. Members of the Appeals Committee shall have the right to question the appellant and any other witness concerning the evidence presented.

            3.4       Upon completion of the hearing, the Appeals Committee, in closed session, shall make a determination by majority vote. Its decision will be presented to the Board.

            3.5       The determination made by the Appeals Committee of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Inc., shall be final and binding upon the Board and the appellant, and shall be transmitted to the appellant in writing within 30 days of the close of the hearing.

RE-EXAMINATIONS

A candidate who has failed either the written or oral portion of the examination may be re-examined after one year has elapsed.

A candidate who fails to pass either the written or oral portion of the examination may repeat that part of the examination twice, thus offering the candidate three opportunities to pass each part of the examination.

A candidate who fails to pass either the written or oral portion of the examination three times may not repeat the examination without requesting readmission to the Board’s certification process and completing the Standard or Alternative Pathway shown below.

REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING ADMISSIBILITY TO EXAMINATIONS

A candidate must apply to the Board’s certification process within three years after the completion of approved colon and rectal training.

Special Re-entry Policy

Candidates who apply after the prescribed three-year period (late applicants) must observe the Board’s special re-entry policy.  The requirements include: submission of updated background and training information, a current list of operative procedures with Minimum Colorectal Case Numbers (Surgical Management: anorectal procedures – 12, colorectal abdominal procedures – 24, endoscopy – 37, Disease Management: anorectal – 20, colorectal abdominal – 20), documentation of 100 Category I CME credit hours (two years prior to the application date), and a $350 processing fee (in addition to the regular application fees).   Late candidates will undergo a Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) search to ensure there are no restrictions pending against their license.  Also, verification from the Chief of Surgery from their institution/hospital will be requested attesting to the ethical/moral standing of the applicant.  Pending approval of these requirements, the applicant may submit the standard Application for Examination (along with the required fees) to the Board. Complete details may be obtained by writing the Board office.

For all certification applicants, August 15th prior to the examination date is the deadline for receipt of late entry application materials and the $750 application fee ($400 regular & $350 special processing fee).

The entire Board certification process must be successfully completed within seven years following approval of the formal application.  In addition, a candidate whose application for examination has been approved, but who does not take the examination within three years, must submit a new application.

In exceptional or unusual circumstances, the Board (through its Standards and Credentials Committee) may, at its discretion, waive one or more of these limitations.

Regaining Admissibility

Individuals who seek certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery and have lost their admissibility may request readmission to the Board’s certification process.  The following pathways have been established to allow such individuals to regain admissibility.  These pathways apply to candidates who:

• Failed to pass either the Written (Part I) or Oral (Part II) Examination on three occasions.

• Exhausted their seven-year time limit in which to successfully complete both the written and oral examinations.
  
  

Standard Pathway

The “standard pathway” which is detailed below and outlined on www.abcrs.org entails a formal full time four-month training period in an ACGME approved colon and rectal surgery residency program. Each request for readmission will be considered on an individual basis. The guidelines below govern the retraining process:

1. All applicants requesting additional training must hold a valid, registered, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a state, territory or possession of the United States or in a Canadian province. They must continue to be licensed throughout the certification process.  Applicants must hold a current certificate from the American Board of Surgery.
2. The additional training period is four months in duration and must be conducted in a full-time ACGME approved colon and rectal surgery residency program. All such training must be approved (in advance) by the Board.  A list of programs can be found on our website at http://www.abcrs.org/residency-programs/.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact Program Directors to determine their willingness to participate.
3. The Program Director will serve as the preceptor and will assign duties and responsibilities to the Trainee with assistance from the faculty.
4. The curriculum must be comprehensive, but also should place special emphasis on any specific areas of weakness identified in the Trainee’s prior examinations. The program will emphasize patient management and clinical problem-solving skills.  The use of patient care algorithms is recommended to demonstrate appropriate data collection with logical application toward diagnosis and therapy in a systematic manner.
5. The program will require the Trainee to actively participate in daily patient rounds and new patient evaluations in the office and hospital settings.
6. The Trainee’s attendance will be mandatory at departmental teaching conferences such as: (1) Tumor Boards, (2) Morbidity/Mortality Conferences, (3) Preoperative Conferences, (4) Pathology Conferences, etc. The Trainee should be actively involved in the conferences.  The Program Director should assign primary responsibility for appropriate teaching and presentations by the Trainee.
7. Operative experience is not necessary but is permitted if the Preceptor feels it is appropriate for teaching and does not take from the experience of the accredited residents.
8. The Trainee should keep up-to-date with current colon and rectal literature and complete the latest ASCRS CARSEP program, review the latest edition of the ASCRS Textbook of Colon and Rectal Surgery and other educational offerings on the ASCRS U unified educational portal as an adjunct to their education. The Trainee should be quizzed for cognitive content at regular intervals, but preferably, at the end of the second, third, and fourth months.  These efforts should be monitored and critiqued by the Program Director.
9. The Trainee will be evaluated by the Program Director at regular intervals. An evaluation form must be submitted to the Board at the end of the second month, and at the completion of the training period.
10. Following successful completion of training, physicians must apply for readmission to the certification process within one year. They must take the examination within two years following approval of their application for readmission.  A fully completed Application for Examination and required fee must be submitted by August 15 of each year.  A timetable listing subsequent examination dates is available on abcrs.org. 
11. The Credentials Committee of the Board will review all applications in the fall of the application year. Following the review process, applicants will be informed of their acceptance/rejection for examination.  Regardless of their previous failure domain (Part I or Part II), readmitted physicians will be required to take and pass both the Written (Part I) and the Oral (Part II) Examinations to achieve certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.
12. Once an applicant is accepted for examination, all of the Board’s established rules and regulations governing its examination process must be observed. This information is published on the ABCRS website.
13. Candidates will have seven years to complete the examination process following completion of their retraining and official approval for examination. If they fail to pass the written or oral portion of the examination within three attempts during that time interval, they will not be eligible for additional retraining or reentry into the ABCRS certification process.
    
    

Alternative Pathway

      The “Alternative Pathway” is intended to allow applicants to acquire and demonstrate adequate knowledge at their own pace.  It encourages pursuit of Board certification with less adverse impact on their practice and does not require a formal retraining period.  To begin the alternate pathway, an applicant must submit the following:

1. Completed application for re-admissibility.
2. All applicants requesting additional training must hold a valid, registered, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a state, territory or possession of the United States or in a Canadian province. They must continue to be licensed throughout the certification process. 
3. Applicants must hold a current certificate from the American Board of Surgery.
4. Documentation of 100 hours of CME activity within the last 24 months, of which 60 hours must be Category I.
5. Verification of completion of the most recent version of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Education Program (CARSEP). This program may be used to satisfy the requirement for Category I CME.
6. Reference letter from the Chief of Surgery or Chair of the hospital credentials committee where the majority of the applicants’ work is done.
7. An operative case log for the most recent 12-month period. Minimum Case Numbers are as follows: Surgical Management:  Anorectal Procedures – 12; Colorectal Abdominal Procedures – 24; Endoscopy – 37; Disease Management: Anorectal – 20; Colorectal Abdominal – 20.  Cases as described in the Minimum Case Numbers are to demonstrate that the applicant is practicing as a Colorectal Surgeon.
8. The Alternate Pathway Re-admission fee is $2,000 and includes the application and examination fee. The fee is payable to the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery and must be submitted by August 15 of each year.
9. Following approval of the above requirements by the Board’s Credentials Committee, the applicant will be required to successfully complete the Colon and Rectal In-Training Exam (CARSITE).
   1. The CARSITE will be offered once each year. The exact date will be determined by the Board.
   2. If the initial attempt at passing the examination is unsuccessful, the applicant may retake the examination the following year. The re-exam fee will be $600.00.
10. Upon successful completion of the Re-Admission Examination, the applicant will be admitted to the Board’s certification process and will be eligible to take the Written (Part I) Examination at the next prescribed time interval. A timetable listing subsequent examination dates is available on www.abcrs.org. Applicants will have a total of seven years to successfully complete the written and oral examinations.

Diplomates of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery must accurately state their certification status at all times. This includes descriptions in curriculum vitae, advertisements, publications, directories and letterheads. Diplomates with expired time-limited certification or those whose certification is suspended or revoked may not claim Board Certification and must revise all descriptions of their qualifications accordingly. When a physician misrepresents certification status, the Board may notify local credentialing bodies, licensing bodies, law enforcement agencies and others.

The Board shall require each Candidate and each Diplomate to provide complete information concerning any and all restrictions placed on his/her license within 60 days after its imposition.  Such information shall include, but is not limited to, the identity of the state medical board imposing the restriction as well as the restriction’s duration, basis, and specific terms and conditions.  The Candidate/Diplomate has the affirmative obligation to advise the Board of all restrictions and to inform it when such restrictions expire or are otherwise removed.

Candidates/Diplomates who are discovered not to have made disclosure shall be required to show cause why their Candidate/Diplomate status should not be withdrawn, deferred or otherwise sanctioned.  The Board may defer further consideration or reinstatement until such disclosure is satisfactorily made.

NOTE: The Board shall periodically review the database of the Federation of State Medical Boards to identify any Candidates/Diplomates who have failed to disclose license restrictions.

The ABCRS offers a certification status of “Retired” to diplomates who are no longer active in practice in any capacity. If you are still active in an administrative role, this status is not for you.

If you are a retired surgeon who would like to take advantage of this certification status, please submit your request to abcrsadmin@abcrs.org. Your records will be put under internal review, and if you meet the necessary criteria, you will be given the status of “Retired”.  To be eligible for this status, a diplomate must have:

• Had a valid medical license
• Had no disciplinary actions against your license or ABCRS Certificate
• Were compliant with the Continuing Certification program at the time of retirement, if applicable.
• The above list is not exhaustive, and there are other factors that may affect the application of this status. Surgeons who are certified by more than one ABMS board should be aware that, upon approval of this status with ABCRS, diplomates will also be listed as retired with other Member Boards. Diplomates who need to maintain an active status with other ABMS Boards should not apply for this status until retired in all areas of practice.

Any certificate issued by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS) may be subject to sanction such as revocation or suspension at any time that the directors shall determine, in their sole judgment, that the diplomate holding the certificate was in some respect not properly qualified to receive it or is no longer properly qualified to retain it. At its discretion, the Board may revoke a Diplomate’s certificate for cause, including, but not limited to:

1. The diplomate did not possess the required qualifications and requirements for examination, whether or not such deficiency was known to the Board or any committee thereof prior to examination or at the time of issuance of the certificate.
2. The diplomate made an intentional and material misrepresentation or withheld material information in the application to either part of the examination or in any other representation to the Board or any Committee thereof.
3. The diplomate made a misrepresentation to the Board or any third party as to his or her status as a diplomate of the Board.
4. The diplomate engaged in irregular behavior in connection with an examination of the Board (as described under Irregular Behavior), whether or not such behavior had an effect on the performance of the candidate on an examination.
5. The diplomate was convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude and, in the opinion of the Board, having a material relationship to the practice of medicine.
6. There has been a limitation, suspension, termination or voluntary surrender, in lieu of disciplinary action, of any license or of any right associated with the practice of medicine, including the imposition of any requirement of surveillance, supervision, or review due to a violation of a medical practice act or other statute or governmental regulation, disciplinary action by any medical licensing authority, entry into a consent order, or voluntary surrender of license.
7. A diplomate has failed to comply with the terms and conditions of the Board’s Continuous  Certification program.
   
   

RESPONSIBILITY OF CANDIDATE/DIPLOMATE

The Board shall require each Candidate and each Diplomate to provide complete information concerning any and all restrictions placed on his/her license within 60 days after its imposition.  Such information shall include, but is not limited to, the identity of the state medical board imposing the restriction as well as the restriction’s duration, basis, and specific terms and conditions.  The Candidate/Diplomate has the affirmative obligation to advise the Board of all restrictions and to inform it when such restrictions expire or are otherwise removed.

Candidates/Diplomates who are discovered not to have made disclosure shall be required to show cause why their Candidate/Diplomate status should not be withdrawn, deferred or otherwise sanctioned.  The Board may defer further consideration or reinstatement until such disclosure is satisfactorily made.

NOTE: The Board shall periodically review the database of the Federation of State Medical Boards to identify any Candidates/Diplomates who have failed to disclose license restrictions.

The Board does not use or sanction the terms “Board Eligible” or “Board Qualified.”  The standing of an individual with the Board varies according to the current status of credentials and will be so reported.

Beginning with those candidates who passed the certifying examination in 1990 and thereafter, the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery will issue time-limited certificates.  Certificates will be valid for five years from the date of certification.  Diplomates who previously held a time unlimited certificate and were required to complete a re-entry program for reasons related to professionalism concerns shall, upon satisfactory completion of the re-entry program, be issued a time limited certificate valid for five years.

NOTE: Time-limited certification will not affect Diplomates holding certificates issued prior to 1990.

CONTINUING CERTIFICATION (CC)

All time-limited certified diplomates must participate in ABCRS Continuing Certification and be enrolled into the Certlink^® computer-based assessment platform which was launched in 2018.  Newly certified Diplomates are enrolled in the CertLink program in January following the date of certification. The ten-year recertification examination has been eliminated in favor of this Continuing Certification assessment based on quarterly administration of questions on a five-year cycle.  Please visit www.abcrs.org for Continuing Certification requirements.