An otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon is a physician who has been prepared by an accredited residency
program to provide comprehensive medical and surgical care of patients with diseases and disorders that affect the
ears, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems and related structures of the head and neck.
The ABOto certification process consists of two phases: a computerized qualifying examination, and an oral certifying examination.
All candidates must take the qualifying examination which is offered in the fall of each year. The exam is administered at local computerized testing centers through-out the United States. Candidates who meet or exceed the passing score on the qualifying exam are then allowed to sit for the Oral Certification Exam in the spring. Candidates who do not achieve the passing score on the qualifying exam may reapply the subsequent year to retake the exam.
All candidates who achieve a passing score on the qualifying exam then take the Oral Certification Exam on either a Saturday or Sunday in the spring. Candidates are given three consecutive opportunities to take and pass the oral exam. If a passing score is not achieved after three exam cycles, the candidate must reapply to take the written exam.
