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Our Assessment Programs

Otolaryngology Training Examination (OTE)

The ABOHNS Otolaryngology Training Examination (OTE) is a “practice test” recommended for residents and other prospective otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons before they embark on the primary certification process. The OTE consists of 300 multiple choice questions covering the breadth and depth of the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and is intended to assist physicians with a better understanding of their strengths and limitations prior to seeking board certification. Detailed score reports are provided to those who take the exam, which allows for comparison of knowledge to others at their training level.

Primary Certification

After completing accredited residency training, a physician wishing to become board certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery must apply for the primary certification examination process. An applicant must pass both the Written Exam and the Oral Exam to be eligible for board certification. The passing scores on these exams are determined using a psychometrically sound process.

The first phase of the ABOHNS primary certification process consists of the Written Examination. This is a written (computer-based), proctored, closed-book examination. It is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge base across the depth and breadth of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Basic science, physiology, pathophysiology, fundamentals of patient care, gathering and interpreting data, diagnosis, non-surgical management, and surgical management are all comprehensibly covered.

Passing the Written Exam makes one eligible for the Oral Exam. Beginning with the September 2025 Oral Exam, candidates are examined on cases from their practice. A 9-month case collection log and a peer review are required for the Oral Exam application process and eligibility.

Continuing Certification

Once a physician becomes board certified, there are certain activities they need to complete every year to maintain that certification. These requirements broadly fall under the following general categories: 

  • Professionalism and Professional Standing
  • Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment
  • Assessment of Knowledge, Judgment, and Skills
  • Improvement in Medical Practice

While some of the requirements are generalized for all otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons, the Board focuses a majority of the diplomate’s continuing certification requirements on the areas that are relevant to their everyday practice. 

Subspecialty Certification

A doctor who is board certified in the specialty of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery may choose to specialize even further. The process for subspecialty certification is similar to the primary certification process. To obtain a subspecialty certification (subcertification), a physician first participates in an ACGME-accredited subspecialty fellowship training program. Once the fellowship training is completed, the physician follows a process of assessment that may include a written or oral exam. After they pass the required exam, they receive subcertification. One must be board certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery with ABOHNS before applying for a subcertification exam.

The ABOHNS currently offers subcertification for three subspecialties: Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology, Neurotology, and Sleep Medicine. For more information about ABOHNS subspecialties, see What We Certify and Who We Certify.

Focused Practice Designation

A board-certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon may choose to pursue Focused Practice Designation (FPD). This is a designation that signifies a clinical focus within a specific practice area of the primary certification in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Pursuing FPD allows for, but does not require, additional fellowship training.

Working collaboratively with the American Board of Surgery, ABOHNS offers a FPD in Adult Complex Thyroid/Parathyroid Surgery. Eligibility can be achieved either through the training or practice pathways.