What skills do you actually need to pass your Certifying (Oral) Examination?
The American Board of Surgery — which sets the standard for general surgery and all surgical subspecialty Certifying Examinations — publishes a list of "Essential Attributes of a Certifiable Surgeon." Dr. Argy translates that list of 7 bullet points into a concrete set of skills that reveal the sophisticated nature of the exam. The Checklist is based on content from Dr. Argy's book, Demystifying the Surgery Certifying Examination, now in its Revised 2nd Edition.
Intellectual understanding does not automatically mean acquired skills. Learn what the Essential Attributes truly mean — and what it takes to implement them under the stress of the exam.
Enter your name and email and we'll send you the Checklist of Essential Exam Skills — a clear, practical guide to what the exam is really assessing and the skills you need to demonstrate.
It's the ideal first step toward preparing with confidence, clarity, and control.