Qualifying Examination

Your First Step to Becoming Board Certified

The Qualifying Examination (QE) is a secure, valid computer-based examination administered to Board applicants to test their knowledge in central principles of the oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) specialty. The examination is made up of 300 multiple-choice questions (including 30 pretest questions which will not be scored) covering 11 subject areas and is designed to test competency in OMS. An applicant who does not take or pass the QE within the two-year period will result in a void application.  

See the 2026 Qualifying Examination Handbook and the QE Blueprint for more information.

Applicant Structure

First time applicants are individuals applying for their first ABOMS QE after graduating from a CODA-accredited OMS program. Surgeons who do not meet this requirement may consider applying for the ABOMS Fast Track for senior residents or the ABOMS Foreign Trained Alternative Pathway.

The ABOMS Fast Track for senior resident allows applicants, in their last year of residency, to take the QE prior to graduating from their OMS program.  See the 2026 Fast Track Qualifying Examination Handbook for more details. 

The ABOMS Foreign Trained Alternative Pathway allows internationally trained applicants an opportunity to take the QE by meeting different requirements that hold the same caliber as the application for individuals taking the examination for the first time. Please review the 2026 Foreign Trained Handbook for more information..

Once you have successfully completed the Qualifying Examination, you will have three consecutive years to take and pass the Oral Certifying Examination. 

2027 QE Timeline

It is the Applicant’s responsibility to be aware of and meet all deadlines.

Applications Open	June 10, 2026
Applications Due	September 9, 2026
Exam Scheduling	September 24 – November 19, 2026
Exam Adminstration	January 9 - 16, 2027
Notification of Exam Results	March 2027
Fast Track Results Applications Open	June 15, 2027
Fast Track Results Applications Due	August 24, 2027
Fast Track Notification of Exam Results	Upon Approval of Results Application

 

Fees

• Application
  • $695 for Fast Track & First Time Applicants
  • $1,650 for Foreign Trained Applicants
  • Waived for Repeat Applicants
• Examination: $1,650

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