Top 11 Surgeon Certifications

Certifications are important for surgeons in the job market because they provide evidence of a surgeon’s qualifications and expertise. They demonstrate that the surgeon has achieved a certain level of proficiency and is competent to practice their specialty. Certifications also show potential employers that the surgeon is committed to staying current on new developments in the field, which can be beneficial when competing for positions or negotiating salary. Finally, certifications may give a surgeon access to certain privileges, such as hospital privileges or insurance contracts, which can have an impact on their career opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications available to surgeons, and how they can contribute to advancing their career.

What are Surgeon Certifications?

Surgeon certification is a process by which surgeons demonstrate their knowledge and skill in a particular field of surgery. This type of certification helps to ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care from experienced and knowledgeable surgeons. Surgeons must pass rigorous tests and exams to become certified, demonstrating their proficiency in specific areas such as general surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, plastic surgery and more. Certification also requires continuing education to keep up with changing medical protocols and procedures. In addition to providing assurance of the surgeon's capabilities, certification can help patients make informed decisions about their care by verifying the surgeon's qualifications for performing certain types of procedures.

Pro Tip: When selecting a surgeon for a procedure, make sure to check their certification status. Ask about their qualifications, training, and experience with the specific procedure you need. Additionally, research their background and qualifications online to ensure they have the appropriate certifications from a recognized medical board.

Related: What does a Surgeon do?

Top 11 Surgeon Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Surgeons today.

1. American Board of Surgery (ABS)

The American Board of Surgery (ABS) is a non-profit, independent organization that certifies surgeons who have met certain educational, training, and professional qualifications. The ABS was established in 1937 with the goal of improving the quality of surgical care by recognizing those surgeons who demonstrate excellence in their practice.

It takes approximately seven to eight years to become board certified by the ABS. This includes completing an accredited general surgery residency program, passing both written and oral examinations, and completing at least one year of post-residency fellowship training in a subspecialty area of surgery such as cardiothoracic or vascular surgery.

In order to become board certified by the ABS, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as medical school transcripts, board certification documents from other organizations (if applicable), letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors, and proof of participation in continuing medical education activities. Applicants must also pass a background check and pay an application fee.

The cost for applying to the ABS varies depending on whether you are a first-time applicant or a re-certifying applicant. For first-time applicants, the fee is $1,800; for re-certifying applicants it is $1,500. In addition to this fee there may be additional costs associated with taking the examinations and/or obtaining supporting documentation required for application submission.

2. American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS)

The American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS) is a professional organization that certifies surgeons who have completed specialized training in osteopathic surgery. The AOBS is recognized by the American Osteopathic Association and the American Board of Medical Specialties as a specialty board for osteopathic surgeons.

To become certified by the AOBS, an applicant must first complete a residency program in an accredited osteopathic surgical specialty. After completing the residency, applicants must pass both written and oral examinations administered by the AOBS. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and medical ethics. The oral examination focuses on clinical knowledge and decision-making skills related to patient care.

It typically takes two to three years to complete all requirements for certification from the AOBS. Applicants should also expect to pay fees associated with registration, testing, and other administrative costs throughout this process. The total cost of certification can range from $2,000-$5,000 depending on individual circumstances.

In addition to passing exams and paying fees, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements including being licensed to practice medicine in one or more states; having graduated from an accredited college of osteopathic medicine; and having completed at least five years of postgraduate training in an approved surgical specialty.

Once certified by the AOBS, osteopathic surgeons are eligible for board certification from other organizations such as the American Board of Surgery or the American College of Surgeons. This allows them to practice their specialty in any state where they are licensed.

3. Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) is a professional organization that sets standards for medical training, credentials and practice in Canada. It is the only national medical specialty organization in the country. The RCPSC is responsible for accrediting post-graduate medical education programs and certifying physicians who have met its standards for specialty training.

The process of becoming certified by the RCPSC typically takes about five to seven years after completing medical school. This includes two to three years of residency training, followed by two to four additional years of fellowship or subspecialty training. During this time, candidates must complete examinations and assessments set out by the RCPSC in order to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in their chosen field.

To become certified by the RCPSC, applicants must first register with their provincial or territorial college of physicians and surgeons. They must then apply to take the Royal College certification exams, which are offered twice a year at various locations across Canada. Candidates must also submit an application package that includes supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of reference and proof of identity.

The cost of applying to take the Royal College certification exams varies depending on where you live and what type of exam you are taking. In general, fees range from $400-$1,000 CAD per exam session.

4. American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS)

The American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) is an independent, non-profit organization that certifies thoracic surgeons in the United States. The ABTS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and is one of 24 medical specialty boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties.

To become certified by the ABTS, a surgeon must have completed a minimum of five years of postgraduate training in thoracic surgery and have passed both written and oral examinations. The written exam consists of multiple choice questions on topics such as general thoracic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, chest wall reconstruction, esophageal surgery, lung cancer surgery, congenital heart defects and other diseases related to the chest. The oral examination focuses on clinical knowledge and judgment skills related to thoracic surgical practice.

It typically takes approximately two years to complete the certification process for ABTS certification. During this time period, applicants must complete all required training and pass both written and oral exams.

The cost for ABTS certification varies depending on the applicant's situation but generally ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD for application fees plus any additional fees associated with taking the exams or attending review courses.

5. American College of Surgeons (ACS)

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a professional association of surgeons that was established in 1913 to improve the quality of care for surgical patients. The ACS is dedicated to advancing the practice of surgery and improving patient outcomes through education, research, and advocacy.

To become a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), an individual must meet certain requirements, including:

• Completion of an accredited residency program in general surgery or one of its subspecialties.
• Passing the American Board of Surgery certification examination.
• Demonstrating professional standing and ethical conduct.
• Participating in continuing medical education activities and community service programs.
• Active membership in local, regional, or national surgical societies.
• Submission of letters from two current Fellows attesting to the applicant's qualifications for Fellowship.

It typically takes about two years to complete all the necessary requirements for Fellowship in the ACS. Once all requirements are met, applicants must submit their application materials to the ACS Council on Membership for review and approval. There is no fee associated with applying for Fellowship; however, once approved, there is an annual dues payment required to maintain membership status.

6. Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of patients through the education, training and assessment of surgeons. It is the only college in Australia and New Zealand that sets standards for surgical practice, educates and trains surgeons, and accredits surgical training programs.

To become a Fellow of RACS, you must complete a rigorous program of medical education and training which typically takes at least 10 years. This includes completing a medical degree from an accredited university; completing core surgical training; passing the Fellowship Examination in General Surgery (FRCS); completing advanced specialist qualifications; and gaining experience as a consultant surgeon.

In order to be eligible for admission to RACS, applicants must have successfully completed their medical degree from an accredited university, completed core surgical training (CST) in Australia or New Zealand, passed the FRCS exam with a minimum score of 70%, gained experience as a consultant surgeon in their specialty area, and obtained approval from the relevant state or territory health authority.

The cost of becoming a Fellow of RACS varies depending on your individual circumstances. The cost may include fees associated with obtaining your medical degree; fees associated with obtaining core surgical training; examination fees for the FRCS exam; registration fees with RACS; and any other associated costs such as travel expenses or accommodation costs.

7. European Board of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (EBTCVS)

The European Board of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (EBTCVS) is an independent, non-profit organization that sets standards for training and certification in the field of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. It was established in 1998 by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). The EBTCVS is recognized by the European Union as a professional body for thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons.

To become certified by the EBTCVS, a surgeon must first complete a minimum of five years of postgraduate training in cardiothoracic surgery. This includes two years of general surgery, two years of cardiothoracic surgery, and one year of advanced cardiothoracic surgery. After completing this training, the surgeon must pass an examination administered by the EBTCVS to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in this specialty.

The cost to take the exam varies depending on where it is taken. Generally speaking, it costs between €500 and €1,000 to take the exam. Once a surgeon has passed the exam they are granted certification from the EBTCVS which is valid for six years.

In order to maintain their certification, surgeons must participate in continuing medical education activities every three years and re-take the examination every six years.

8. American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is a non-profit organization that certifies plastic surgeons who have completed the necessary educational, training, and examination requirements to practice plastic surgery. The ABPS is recognized by the American Medical Association as the only board for certifying physicians in plastic surgery.

It takes at least six years of post-medical school training and education to become certified by the ABPS. This includes completing a three-year residency in general surgery, followed by a two or three year accredited residency in plastic surgery. After completing their residencies, applicants must pass both written and oral examinations administered by the ABPS before they can be certified.

To get certified, applicants must submit an application to the ABPS along with all required documents such as medical school transcripts, proof of residency completion, letters of recommendation from other board-certified plastic surgeons, and any other relevant materials. Once all documents are received, they are reviewed by the ABPS and if approved, applicants will be invited to take the written and oral exams.

The cost for getting certified varies depending on several factors such as how many times you have taken the exam previously and what type of exam you are taking (written or oral). Generally speaking, it typically costs around $2,000-$3,000 for first time applicants to take both exams.

9. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) is a professional medical institution located in Dublin, Ireland. It was founded in 1784 and is one of the oldest medical institutions in the world. The college offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, nursing, health sciences and healthcare management.

It takes four years to complete an undergraduate degree at RCSI. The course consists of two years of pre-clinical studies followed by two years of clinical studies. During the pre-clinical period, students are taught basic science subjects such as anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. During the clinical period, students learn about diagnosis and treatment techniques for various diseases and conditions.

To get admission into RCSI you need to have completed 12th grade with good grades in biology or related subjects. You also need to take the International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT). This test measures your aptitude for medical studies and assesses your knowledge of scientific principles. You will also need to submit a personal statement outlining why you are interested in studying medicine at RCSI.

The cost of attending RCSI depends on your nationality and residency status. EU/EEA citizens pay €6,000 per year while non-EU/EEA citizens pay €20,000 per year for tuition fees. Additionally there are other costs associated with studying at RCSI such as accommodation fees, living expenses etc., which vary depending on individual circumstances.

10. American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS)

The American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS) is a nonprofit organization that certifies otolaryngologists, who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. The board was established in 1924 to ensure that those practicing otolaryngology have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide quality care.

To become certified by the ABOHNS, an individual must pass both a written examination and an oral examination. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, medical ethics and jurisprudence. The oral examination includes case presentations and clinical simulations. Both exams are administered twice a year in April and October.

To be eligible for certification through the ABOHNS, individuals must complete an accredited residency program in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery or a fellowship in one of its subspecialties. They must also hold a valid medical license from their state or country.

The cost of taking the ABOHNS examinations varies depending on when they are taken. For example, if taken during the early registration period (which ends approximately two months prior to each exam date), the fee is $1,400 for both exams combined; if taken during regular registration (which ends approximately one month prior to each exam date), the fee is $1,800 for both exams combined; and if taken during late registration (which ends approximately two weeks prior to each exam date), the fee is $2,100 for both exams combined.

11. International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS).

The International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS) is an international, non-profit medical society dedicated to the advancement of minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery. ISMICS was founded in 2001 to promote education, research, and communication among cardiothoracic surgeons who practice minimally invasive cardiac and thoracic surgery. The society provides a forum for members to exchange ideas and share best practices in order to improve patient care and outcomes.

ISMICS membership is open to any qualified physician or healthcare professional with an interest in minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery. Membership is free of charge, but requires completion of a short application form. Once approved, members receive access to the ISMICS website which includes educational resources such as webinars, journal articles, newsletters, and more. Members also have the opportunity to attend ISMICS annual meetings and conferences where they can learn from experts in the field and network with other professionals.

The cost of attending ISMICS conferences varies depending on the location and type of conference. Generally speaking, registration fees range from $50-$300 USD per person for single-day events or up to $1000 USD per person for multi-day events. Additionally, travel costs may be incurred if attending an event outside of one’s home country.

Overall, joining ISMICS is a great way for healthcare professionals interested in minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery to stay up-to-date on advances in the field while networking with peers around the world.

Do You Really Need a Surgeon Certificate?

The answer to whether you need a surgeon certificate depends on the type of medical procedure you are undergoing. In general, if you are having a surgical procedure, then it is likely that you will need a surgeon certificate. This document is issued by a qualified surgeon and states that the doctor performing the surgery is fully qualified to do so. The certificate also outlines any special qualifications or training that the doctor may have completed in order to be able to perform the surgery safely and successfully.

Having a surgeon certificate is important for two reasons: firstly, it helps protect patients from inexperienced or unqualified doctors who may not be able to provide safe and effective treatment; secondly, it can help ensure that insurance companies cover all costs associated with the procedure. Without this document, there is no guarantee that an insurance company will pay for any part of the medical bills related to your treatment.

In some cases, other medical professionals such as dentists may also require a surgeon certificate before they can carry out certain procedures. This could be because some treatments require more technical expertise than others and therefore require additional training or qualifications in order to be performed safely. For example, many orthodontic treatments such as braces and crowns may require a surgeon certificate before they can be carried out by any professional.

So in conclusion, whether or not you need a surgeon certificate will depend on what type of medical procedure you are having and who is performing it. If in doubt, always check with your doctor or dentist prior to undergoing any medical treatment so that you can be sure that everything is done correctly and safely.

Related: Surgeon Resume Examples

FAQs About Surgeon Certifications

Q1. What is a surgeon certification?

A1. A surgeon certification is a formal recognition that a medical professional has achieved the highest level of training and experience in their field. It is typically awarded by a board or other organization after the individual has completed an extensive education and training process, as well as demonstrating proficiency in their specialty.

Q2. Who can become certified as a surgeon?

A2. Generally, any licensed medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who has completed an accredited residency program may be eligible to become certified as a surgeon.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified as a surgeon?

A3. The amount of time required for certification varies depending on the speciality and the individual's prior experience and training, but typically takes several years to complete all requirements for certification.

Q4. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

A4. Becoming certified can give surgeons access to higher-paying jobs, increased respect from peers and patients, and an edge when competing for positions in their field. It can also provide additional opportunities for professional growth and development, such as continuing education courses or research projects.

Q5. How often must surgeons renew their certification?

A5: Generally, most certifications need to be renewed every five to ten years depending on the specialty and organization providing the credentialing services. Renewal usually requires retaking exams or completing continuing education courses related to the specialty area in order to maintain current knowledge and skill levels in that particular field.