About the OCE
The final step to becoming a Board-Certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon is taking the Oral Certifying Examination (OCE). Once a Candidate has successfully completed their Qualifying Examination (QE), they are eligible to begin their application for the OCE.
The OCE is an oral-based examination designed to test a Candidate’s clinically applicable knowledge and judgment. The examination consists of three sections each with four twelve-minute cases for a total exam time of 144 minutes.
Eligibility & Application
Each Candidate has three consecutive years following successful completion of the QE in which they can take and pass the OCE. A Candidate who does not take and pass the OCE within the three-year period must re-apply for Board Certification. OCE application requirements include:
- Verification of Hospital Staff Privileges Appointment
- Verification of Current Licensure
- Professional Headshot for Badge Image
- Application Fee of $465 (waived for Candidates on their second and third attempt)
- Examination Fee of $2,935
2027 OCE Dates
It is the Candidate’s responsibility to be aware of and meet all deadlines.
| Applications Open | June 10, 2026 |
| Applications Due | September 23, 2026 |
| Exam Day Information Emailed | Mid-December |
| 2027 OCE in Raleigh, NC | February 1-5, 2027 |
| Notification of Exam Results | March 2027 |
Disclaimer: ABOMS reserves the right to change certification or application requirements and deadlines for future examinations. The Board may, at its discretion, approve or deny any Candidate for examination or certification who does not fully satisfy application or credentials requirements.
For more information, please download the 2026 Oral Certifying Examination Handbook.
If you have any questions about seeking Certification, please contact the administrative office at info@aboms.org or 312.642.0070.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions, please contact the administrative office at info@aboms.org.
The ABOMS Oral Certifying Examination (OCE) is an oral based exam designed to test a Candidate’s clinically applicable knowledge and judgment. The examination is made up of three sections each with four twelve-minute cases for a total exam time of 144 minutes.
Applications for the OCE open June 10 and close September 23. Candidates must meet all eligibility requirements in order apply for the exam.
The OCE application fee is $465 and the examination fee is $2,935. All fees are non-refundable.
Candidates must have the ability to manage patient care at a hospital where they maintain privileges to perform core oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures. A hospital is an institution primarily engaged in providing, by or under the supervision of physicians, in patient diagnostic and therapeutic services or rehabilitation services; and is accredited by the Joint Commission or approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Privileges at an ambulatory surgery center are acceptable if it is associated with a hospital where the Candidate maintains surgical privileges.
Candidates that are actively enrolled in an ADA accredited fellowship may use their hospital privileges they have as part of their fellowship. Candidates must provide documentation from the institute verifying their enrollment in the fellowship that includes their start and anticipated end date. An individual with limited licensure, which permits practice only under supervision, such as a “resident license” or a “fellowship license”, is not enough to satisfy the licensure requirement.
Candidates must use the ABOMS approved form labeled Verification of Hospital Staff Privileges and upload the completed the document to their application. Pending privileges are not accepted.
The category of staff appointment a Candidate holds on the medical staff of a hospital does not matter as long as the individual has current privileges that permit them to perform core procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
All required application documents should be uploaded as part of the online application available in an eligible Candidate's profile.
ABOMS requires a photo for identification purposes to use on the day of your examination. All photos must be uploaded to the Candidate’s profile. The photo will be added to the Candidate’s badge which will be worn during the examination.
The OCE is administered at a testing facility in Raleigh, North Carolina.
No, you will be assigned a date and time of your exam. All Candidates are required to arrive to Raleigh the night before their examination.
A designated Candidate hotel will be shared via email prior to your exam. While staying at this hotel is recommended, it is not required. Candidates are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses. On the day of the exam, all Candidates must check in at the designated Candidate hotel at their assigned check-in time.
No, changes cannot be made to your assigned exam date. If you would like to request a certain date, please contact the ABOMS administrative office immediately for consideration.