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
More information can be found in each application's handbook.
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
Ready to Apply?
If you have taken the OMSITE or are retaking the QE, you may already have an account. Please log in to your account in order to apply. 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.
Please note that the applicant’s name must match that of their government issued identification. The QE application fee will also be required at this time. Upon submission of demographic information and application fee, a confirmation email with sign-in information will be sent to the email address on file.
Examination Fee
Once all application requirements have been successfully submitted and approved, applicants are required to submit the Examination Fee and Intent to Take Examination to confirm participation in that year’s examination.
Application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. The examination fee is refundable should the application not be approved.
To learn more about the requirements for submitting a QE application, download the 2025 Qualifying Examination Handbook. For any current senior residents interested in applying, download the 2025 Fast-Track Qualifying Examination Handbook. For any foreign-trained applicants, download the 2025 Foreign Trained QE Handbook.
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.