In 1981 the APTA House of Delegates approved board certification in the area of orthopaedics. The first orthopaedics specialist certification examination was administered in 1989. As of June 2015, ABPTS has certified 10,566 orthopaedics specialists.

Initial Certification Deadlines

The 2017 Certification Application Submission Site is open.

• July 31, 2016: Application Deadline
• August 31, 2016: Reapplication Deadline
• November 30, 2016: Initial Certification Exam Fee Deadline

Test Dates

February 27 - March 18, 2017: 2017 Exam Dates

Eligibility

• Minimum Eligibility Requirements (.pdf)

Application

• Specialist Certification Application Instructional Video

  It is recommended that first-time specialist certification applicants review this tutorial. This video guides applicants through the process of submitting a professional development portfolio (PDP) through the ABPTS online application.

• Candidate Guide (.pdf)

  Before completing the application process, please read the entire general information and minimum eligibility sections of the candidate guide.

• Online Application

  Please allow up to 6 weeks for application review following online submission.

• ABPTS Examination Deferment

  All certification candidates have the option of deferring their examination to the following year.

Status

• Check Your Application Status

Governance

• Specialty Council

Resources

• Descriptions of Specialty Practice

  Note: Updated Description of Specialty Practice and Self-Assessment tool will be available by the end of May 2015.

• Examination Outline: Orthopaedics
• Examination Preparation Materials
• Examination Tutorial
• What Activities Constitute Direct Patient Care?
• Presentation: Enhancing Professional Development Through Certification (.ppt)