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American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part I Written Examination

600 questions

About this exam

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part I Written Examination is a certification examination for physicians pursuing initial board certification in orthopaedic surgery in the United States. It is generally taken after completion of an eligible orthopaedic surgery residency and approval of an application under ABOS requirements; it is not an entrance exam for residency. Candidates should confirm current eligibility and application steps with the ABOS, since requirements and timelines can change by examination year.

The exam assesses broad knowledge needed for orthopaedic practice, including musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanics, bone biology and fracture healing, orthopaedic imaging, and fracture classification and trauma principles. Questions may also draw on diagnosis, treatment decisions, and the range of orthopaedic subspecialties. Preparation is demanding because candidates must apply foundational knowledge across varied clinical scenarios, not simply memorize isolated facts. A structured review plan, timed multiple-choice practice, and careful analysis of missed questions can help identify gaps and improve clinical reasoning.

How to prepare for the ABOS Part I Written Examination

  1. Review the current ABOS examination materials and candidate handbook first, then use them to map your study schedule to the published requirements and topic guidance.
  2. Build a broad review plan for anatomy and biomechanics, bone biology and fracture healing, imaging, trauma classification, and other major areas of orthopaedic practice; revisit weaker subjects regularly.
  3. Use timed question sets to practice applying knowledge to clinical scenarios, and keep an error log that records why each answer was missed and what concept needs review.

FAQ

Who is eligible to take the ABOS Part I Written Examination?

It is intended for physicians seeking initial ABOS certification in orthopaedic surgery, typically after completing an eligible residency. Eligibility depends on ABOS requirements and application approval, so check the current official candidate materials for details.

What is the format of the ABOS Part I exam?

Part I is a written examination that assesses orthopaedic knowledge through questions requiring recall and clinical application. Check the current ABOS candidate handbook for the examination format and administration details applicable to your year.

What subjects should I study for the ABOS Part I Written Examination?

Prepare across the breadth of orthopaedic surgery. Core areas include musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanics, bone biology and fracture healing, orthopaedic imaging, and trauma principles, alongside diagnosis and management across orthopaedic subspecialties. Use current ABOS guidance to shape your review.