The American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) administers this board certification to assess clinical proficiency in thoracic surgery. The exam covers 11 distinct domains, ranging from general thoracic and lung procedures to complex cardiac and congenital heart disease management. It serves as a formal evaluation of a surgeon's expertise in the field, ensuring practitioners meet the standards required for professional certification in thoracic surgery. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge across the full spectrum of surgical interventions to successfully achieve this professional designation.
This certification is intended for surgeons seeking formal recognition of their expertise in thoracic surgery. Candidates should possess clinical experience in both cardiac and general thoracic procedures to address the breadth of the 11 domains covered in the exam.
Review clinical guidelines and surgical literature relevant to the 11 domains. Focus on diagnostic and management protocols for cardiac and thoracic conditions. Utilize official ABTS resources to understand the scope of the 250 questions. Practice time management to complete the 330-minute exam effectively, ensuring familiarity with the breadth of topics from general thoracic surgery to congenital heart disease. Candidates should prioritize understanding patient management scenarios and surgical decision-making processes.
This domain covers the fundamental principles and clinical practices required for general thoracic surgery, focusing on the techniques and patient care standards necessary for outcomes in a variety of thoracic surgical procedures.
This section focuses on the diagnosis and surgical management of various lung-related pathologies, requiring candidates to demonstrate expertise in identifying disease states and applying surgical interventions for patient recovery and health.
This domain addresses the surgical conditions affecting the trachea and bronchial structures, emphasizing the anatomical knowledge and technical skills needed to manage airway obstructions and other related structural diseases within the thoracic cavity.
This area examines surgical approaches to pleural diseases and conditions, covering the management of pleural effusions, empyema, and other space-occupying lesions that require surgical intervention to restore normal thoracic function and patient comfort.
This domain covers the surgical management of mediastinal masses and related conditions, requiring an understanding of mediastinal anatomy and the diagnostic workup necessary to determine the effective surgical approach for various types of tumors.
This section focuses on surgical interventions for esophageal disorders and diseases, including the management of motility disorders, malignancies, and structural abnormalities that require precise surgical techniques to ensure proper esophageal function and patient nutrition.
This domain addresses the surgical repair and management of chest wall and diaphragm issues, focusing on the reconstruction of chest wall defects and the treatment of diaphragmatic hernias or injuries to maintain thoracic integrity.
This domain covers the core principles of cardiac surgical practice, including the physiological considerations and technical requirements for performing cardiac procedures safely and effectively in a variety of clinical settings and patient populations.
This section focuses on the management of acquired heart disease in surgical patients, emphasizing the diagnostic evaluation and surgical treatment of conditions such as coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease in adult patients.
This domain addresses the surgical treatment of congenital heart disease, requiring knowledge of pediatric cardiac anatomy and the complex surgical techniques used to correct structural heart defects present from birth in various patients.
This domain covers general management principles applicable to thoracic surgery patients, including postoperative care, pain management, and the coordination of multidisciplinary teams to ensure recovery and long-term health for patients undergoing thoracic surgical procedures.
Arrive prepared for a 330-minute session. You will encounter 250 questions covering 11 domains. Manage your time carefully across the entire exam duration to ensure all sections are addressed within the allotted time frame, as pacing is important for success.
The ABTS Thoracic Surgery Board Certification exam consists of exactly 250 questions that cover 11 distinct domains of thoracic and cardiac surgery to ensure an assessment of your clinical knowledge and surgical expertise.
Information regarding the specific passing score for the ABTS Thoracic Surgery Board Certification is not publicly disclosed. Please check with the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) for details on their scoring policies and official certification requirements.
The exam is 330 minutes long. Candidates should plan for this duration to complete the 250 questions provided during the testing session, ensuring they have sufficient time to review each question before submitting their final answers.
For information regarding the current certification path and requirements, check with the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) directly to ensure you are following the most recent guidelines and policies for board certification.
Verified 2026-09-13
This page was compiled by reviewing official ABTS exam guides and third-party documentation to summarize the 11 domains and testing parameters for the current certification, ensuring all information remains accurate and aligned with board standards.