ABA APPLIED Exam: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Exam Information

What is the ABA APPLIED “Oral Board” Exam?

The ABA APPLIED Exam is the final step in the board-certification process for anesthesiologists. It follows completion of an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency and passing the Basic and Advanced exams. It consists of two parts: the Standardized Oral Examination (SOE) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Together, these evaluate your ability to apply medical knowledge, make sound clinical decisions, and communicate effectively in real-world scenarios. Resources:

• ABA APPLIED exam
• ABA board certification
• ABA APPLIED exam info

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What is the difference between the ABA Basic, Advanced, and APPLIED Exams?

• Basic Exam: Written, multiple-choice; typically taken after CA-1 year. Assesses fundamental anesthesia knowledge.
• Advanced Exam: Written, multiple-choice; taken after residency completion. Covers advanced clinical topics.
• APPLIED Exam: Final step; SOE + OSCE; tests judgment, decision-making, and communication.

Resources:

• ABA Basic exam
• ABA Advanced exam
• ABA APPLIED exam

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When should I register for the ABA Advanced and APPLIED Exams?

Advanced exam:

• 2026 Winter (Jan 16–17)

- Standard Registration: Sept 24–Nov 19, 2025 - Late Registration: Nov 20–Dec 4, 2025

• 2026 Summer (Jul 17–18)

- Standard Registration: Mar 25–May 20, 2026 - Late Registration: May 21–Jun 4, 2026

APPLIED Exam:

• 2026 Exam Registration: Aug 27–Sept 24

Resources:

• ABA Advanced Registration Dates and Fees
• ABA APPLIED Registration Dates

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When are the ABA Advanced and APPLIED Exams offered?

• Advanced Exam: Offered twice per year, usually July and February.
• APPLIED Exam: Offered multiple times throughout the year at designated ABA testing centers.

- 2025 APPLIED dates: Mar 3–7, Mar 31–Apr 4, Apr 28–May 2, May 19–23, Sept 8–12, Oct 20–24. Resources:

• ABA APPLIED Exam dates

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How are APPLIED exam dates distributed?

After registering, examinees rank preferred exam weeks. Assigned exam weeks are announced in late November. ~Two months before the assigned week, examinees receive their specific exam date within that week. Resources:

• ABA APPLIED registration and dates info

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How do I register for the ABA Advanced and APPLIED Exams?

Register via the ABA portal at ABA.org using ABA GO. Log in, select the exam, and complete payment before the deadline. Resources:

• ABA APPLIED exam registration
• ABA GO Login
• ABA Policy Book

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What is the cost of the ABA Advanced Exam?

Beginning in 2026, the Advanced Exam fee is approximately $975 (standard registration). Retake fee: $830. Resources:

• ABA Advanced exam fees

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What is the cost of the ABA APPLIED Exam?

As of 2025, the APPLIED Exam fee is $2,500 (fees subject to change). This covers both SOE and OSCE. Resources:

• ABA exam fee adjustment announcement

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Can I get a refund if I cancel or reschedule my ABA exam?

The ABA has strict cancellation policies. Cancellation fees:

• Advanced Exam: $500
• APPLIED Exam: $1,750
• SOE or OSCE only: $875

Resources:

• ABA APPLIED exam cancellation policy and fees

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Preparation & Strategy

How long should I study for the ABA APPLIED Exam?

Residency programs typically incorporate mock orals throughout training. Most candidates study 3–6 months independently, depending on schedule and familiarity with oral-board style. Regular timed practice and mock exams are strongly recommended. Resources:

• CSA APPLIED exam resources

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What resources are best for ABA oral-board preparation?

Common elements of a successful plan:

• Practice cases with peers or mentors
• Commercial oral-board prep courses
• Simulated examiner-led sessions like On Call Board Prep
• ABA exam blueprints and sample cases from the ABA website

Resources:

• ABA SOE and OSCE content outline and sample questions

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How is the ABA APPLIED Exam scored?

• SOE: Two examiners independently score each case.
• OSCE: Scored via standardized checklists by examiners.

Final results combine both sections. Passing requires satisfactory performance across domains such as judgment, application of knowledge, and communication. Resources:

• ABA APPLIED Exam scoring info
• ABA Policy Book

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What is the pass rate for the ABA APPLIED Exam?

Pass rates vary by year but historically range ~70–85%. The ABA publishes annual statistics. Resources:

• 2024 Exam Results

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What happens if I fail the APPLIED Exam?

You may retake the exam during the next available cycle (up to 3 times). Resources:

• ABA Exam Policy Book

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Exam Day Logistics

How is the ABA APPLIED Exam administered (in-person vs virtual)?

The APPLIED Exam is conducted in person at ABA testing centers in Raleigh, NC. Virtual administration is not currently offered. Resources:

• ABA APPLIED Exam candidate experience
• ABA APPLIED Exam what to expect

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What should I bring on exam day?

• Government-issued photo ID
• Personal items are restricted; review ABA guidelines before arrival.

Resources:

• ABA APPLIED Exam what to expect

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What should I expect during the ABA APPLIED session?

• SOE: Two examiners present clinical cases. The exam consists of two 35-minute sessions. You explain evaluation, management, and rationale.
• OSCE: Rotations through stations involving communication, professionalism, technical skills, and systems-based practice.

Resources:

• ABA APPLIED exam FAQ

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On Call Board Prep Specific

How can On Call Board Prep help me prepare?

On Call Board Prep provides realistic examiner-style simulations of the APPLIED Exam. Practice under exam-like conditions, receive structured feedback, and build confidence for high-pressure scenarios.

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Do you offer trial sessions or sample cases?

Yes. We offer sample sessions and practice cases so you can experience the format before purchasing a full package.

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How do I schedule a practice exam with On Call Board Prep?

There’s no scheduling needed — you can run a mock oral board exam anytime, anywhere.