Subspecialty Certification in Hand Surgery

Written Exam

1.  In order to take the Hand Surgery Subspecialty Written Exam, applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited fellowship in Surgery of the Hand.

2. The Hand Surgery Subspecialty Written Exam is offered once per year, generally every fall. The application period opens in March/April, and applications are due in August/September.

Become Board Certified

3. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will be required to:

• Attain certification in Orthopedic Surgery through the AOBOS or in General Surgery or Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery through the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS).
• Have a caseload of which at least 50% is in operative hand surgery and must have been in the active practice of hand surgery for at least two years.
• Hold full operating privileges in a hospital or surgery center.
• Hold a valid, active license to practice medicine in a U.S. state, commonwealth, District of Columbia or U.S. territory.
• Adhere to the AOA Code of Ethics.

Candidates who have achieved a passing grade on the exam and fulfilled the requirements listed above will be recommended by the AOBOS for osteopathic subspecialty board certification in Hand Surgery to the AOA.

4. You will receive a letter from the AOA via email once certification has been approved.

5. You are now board certified. You will receive your certification in the mail within 90 days.

6. Your subspecialty certification in Hand Surgery will remain active for 10 years following date of issue provided you successfully complete Osteopathic Continuous Certification requirements.

Osteopathic Continuous Certification

7. Maintain active licensure.

8. Participate in lifelong learning and continuing medical education.

9. Complete the cognitive assessment.

10. Complete the practice performance assessment.