FAQ - Peds CMF (C&CF) CAQ

Certificate of Added Qualifications in Pediatric Craniomaxillofacial Surgery (Cleft and Craniofacial)

Planning on or curious about taking this CAQ? Here are answers to your most frequently asked questions. If you have further questions, please contact the main office at info@aboms.org or 312-642-0070.

Frequently Asked Questions 

This certificate is designed for oral and maxillofacial surgeons certified by ABOMS who have demonstrated significant qualifications in this specialized area, and who conduct a practice with emphasis on, and commitment to, this focused component of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

The examination contains 45 questions in cleft surgery, 35 questions in craniofacial surgery and 20 questions on associated conditions. These topics are broken down in detail in the CAQ Pediatric Craniomaxillofacial Surgery (Cleft and Craniofacial) Blueprint.

2024 applications are open June 3-August 2, 2024. The examination will take place on November 2, 2024.

ABOMS will notify you on September 2, 2024, to inform you whether or not your CAQ application has been accepted.

The 2024 examination will take place on November 2, 2024 at Prometric testing centers around the country. It will also be offered remotely. Once you are approved to take this examination, you will have two opportunities to take and pass the exam before needing to re-apply.

This examination, along with any other CAQs, will take place every two years. If you are not ready to apply this year or if you need to take the examination again, you will have the opportunity in the fall of 2026.

All applicants (whether holding an unlimited or time-limited Diplomate Certification) who successfully pass the CAQ Examination will be issued a ten (10) year time-limited CAQ Certification. The effective date of the certification period will be January 1st of the year following the examination.

There is a $500 application fee and $1500 examination fee for this CAQ. Once you become certified, you will also pay a yearly $50 certification maintenance fee in addition to your regular Annual Registration Diplomate fee of $300.

ABOMS will notify you on September 2, 2024, to inform you whether or not your CAQ application has been accepted.

2024 applications are open June 3-August 2, 2024. The examination will take place on November 2, 2024.

Didn't get your question answered? See the 2024 CAQ Pediatric Craniomaxillofacial Surgery (Cleft and Craniofacial) Handbook for more information. Please email info@aboms.org for any further questions.