Applying for the Qualifying Examination (QE)
The ABOMS Qualifying Examination (QE) is a secure, valid computer-based examination administered to Board applicants to test their knowledge in central principles of the specialty. The QE is the first step in becoming Board Certified. The examination is made up of 300 questions covering 11 subject areas. Of those questions, 30 will be pretest questions, which means they will not be scored. An applicant who does not take or pass the QE within the two-year period will result in a void application and will regain “Candidate” status upon successfully completing the Qualifying Examination.
Four Ways to Apply for the QE
To learn more about the requirements for submitting a QE application, read below and download the 2026 Qualifying Examination Handbook. For any current senior residents interested in applying, download the 2026 Fast-Track Qualifying Examination Handbook. For any foreign-trained applicants, download the 2026 Foreign Trained QE Handbook.
All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of application acceptance status.
Ready to Apply?
If you have taken the OMSITE or are retaking the QE, you may already have an account. Log in to your account in order to apply. Please review your profile to ensure all information is filled in and up-to-date. Applicant’s name must match that of their government-issued identification.
Select "forgot password" if you're not sure if you have an account set up. If you do not have an account, then you may create one using the same link above.
Fast Track for Senior Residents
- Part 1
- Application Fee of $675.00 USD
- Examination Fee of $1,600.00 USD
- Photocopy of Government Issued Identification
- Signed approval forms from program director
- Part 2
- Photocopy of unrestricted dental/medical license
- Signed verification form from Program Director confirming program completion date
- Photocopy of OMS certificate
- OMS Training Background
- Record of Operative Experience from the last 12 months.
First Time Application Requirements
- Application Fee of $675.00 USD
- Examination Fee of $1,600.00 USD
- OMS Training Background
- Verification of OMS Training from Program Director confirming program completion date
- Photocopy of OMS Certificate
- Photocopy of unrestricted dental/medical license
- Photocopy of Government Issued Identification
- Photocopy of OMS certificate
Re-Application Requirements
- Application Fee of $675.00 USD
- Examination Fee of $1,600.00 USD
- Photocopy of unrestricted dental/medical license
- Photocopy of OMS certificate
- Proof of 30 hours of Category I Continuing Education Credits from the last 12 months
- Photocopy of Government Issued Identification
Foreign Trained Alternative Pathway
- Application Fee of $1,365.00 USD
- Examination Fee of $1,600.00 USD
- Photocopy of unrestricted dental license
- Photocopy of Government Issued Identification
- Record of Operative Experience (ROE) from the last 12 months
- Copy of original and translated verification of your foreign dental degree and OMS training certificate/degree by an approved credentials evaluation agency
- Proof of a minimum of 156 weeks of progressive training as a full-time resident in a single CODA-accredited US or Canadian oral and maxillofacial surgery program
- 52 weeks (of the 156) must be at a senior resident level
- Fellowship or concurrent time served as faculty cannot be counted towards fulfilling the 156 weeks requirement
QE FAQ
Do you have questions regarding the QE? Check out our frequently asked questions section!
Policies and Statements
Read about the ABOMS Policies and Statements regarding privacy, special needs accommodations and more.
Our History and Mission
ABOMS has been in existence since 1945, serving as the only certifying board for the OMS specialty.