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Specialty Certification Overview
Board certification in obstetrics and gynecology is a voluntary, rigorous process that affirms a physician’s expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality patient care.
It serves as a trusted credential for patients, employers, and peers, signifying that the physician has met nationally recognized standards through comprehensive evaluation and testing.
Get Certified
Full Journey to Specialty Certification
The pathway to Specialty Certification includes completion of advanced training, fulfillment of eligibility requirements, and completion of ABOG’s certification examinations.
Step 1
Step 1
Step 2
Step 2
Step 3
Step 3
Step 4
Step 4
Step 5
Step 5
GET CERTIFIED
ABOG's Two-Step Specialty Certification Process
Learn more about ABOG's Qualifying Exam and Certifying Exam.
Qualifying Examination
Written · Computer-Based
The Qualifying Examination is the first step toward ABOG specialty certification in obstetrics and gynecology. This computer-based examination assesses a candidate's foundational knowledge across obstetrics, gynecology, and office practice, ensuring readiness to advance to the certifying phase of the process.
Format
Computer-based at Pearson VUE
Focus
Foundational knowledge & readiness
Certifying Examination
Oral · Structured Interview
The Certifying Examination is the final step in ABOG specialty certification. This oral examination evaluates a candidate's clinical judgment, decision-making, and application of knowledge through structured cases and review of the candidate's personal practice, as reflected in a case list.
Format
Oral exam at ABOG National Center
Focus
Clinical judgment & case review
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pathways
Alternate Pathway to
Certification
The Alternate Pathway to Certification provides an additional route to ABOG specialty certification for eligible physicians who meet specific practice‑based criteria.
This pathway maintains the same standards of assessment and rigor as the traditional certification process while offering flexibility for candidates with qualifying professional experience.
The Alternate Pathway to OB-GYN certification applies to graduates from OB-GYN residency programs that are accredited by one of the following:
specialty certification
Resources
Everything you need to prepare for and navigate the ABOG certification process.
Dates and Fees
View examination schedules, application windows, and fee structures for initial and continuing certification.
Bulletins
Access official examination bulletins outlining eligibility requirements, policies, and candidate instructions.
Accommodations
Learn how to request testing accommodations and what documentation is required to support your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about eligibility, the application process, examinations, and certification status.
Approved Abbreviations
Reference the official list of abbreviations approved for use during ABOG written examinations.
Exam Pass Rates
Review historical pass rate data for ABOG written and oral examinations across candidate categories.
Certification Standards
OB-GYN Standards
for Certification
ABOG establishes the standards for voluntary certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology and offers certification and continuing certification to qualified candidates. The standards for certification are outlined in blueprints for the Qualifying and Certifying Examinations and are evidence-based on surveys of practicing specialists in periodic job-task analyses. The knowledge, judgment, and skills required reflect the contemporary practice of obstetrics, gynecology, and women's health.
What the Standards Cover
Built on Evidence.
Grounded in Practice.

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