The ABA APPLIED Exam includes the Standardized Oral Examination (SOE) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). For 2027, expect your exam week assignment in late November 2026 and your exact day and time by email about two months before your exam week. ABA scheduling timeline
2027 exam weeks
| APPLIED exam week | Estimated appointment email |
|---|---|
| March 1–4 | Early January 2027 |
| March 22–25 | Late January |
| April 12–15 | Mid-February |
| May 17–20 | Mid-March |
| September 13–16 | Mid-July |
| October 25–28 | Late August |
Email windows are estimates based on the ABA’s two-month guideline. Official exam dates
When candidates received their exam week assignments in years past
| Exam year | Historical week assignment dates |
|---|---|
| 2026 | By Wednesday, November 19, 2025. A candidate reported receiving their sixth-choice week. Candidate report |
| 2025 | By Wednesday, November 13, 2024. A candidate reported their last-ranked week. Candidate report |
2027 registration and scheduling
| Milestone | Date or detail |
|---|---|
| Primary registration | September 2–30, 2026. Eligible candidates rank all six exam weeks in ABA GO. Submission timing does not affect week assignments. |
| Exam week assignment | Late November 2026. September registrants receive their assigned week. A first-choice week is not guaranteed. |
| Exact exam day and time | About two months before the assigned week. The ABA emails each candidate their appointment date and time. |
| Second registration window | Early 2027. This window is intended for candidates who do not meet eligibility requirements during the September window. Candidates who qualify in September and miss the deadline have no guaranteed seat. |
| Missing registration notice | Contact the ABA at coms@theaba.org or 866-999-7501 to confirm eligibility. |
Last checked November 11, 2026. Official ABA registration details
2027 APPLIED Exam registration FAQ
When can I register for the 2027 APPLIED Exam?
Register in ABA GO September 2–30, 2026. Eligible candidates who complete registration during this window are guaranteed a 2027 appointment.
How do I check my eligibility?
You need a passing ADVANCED Exam score. Look for an ABA email and a registration link in your ABA GO dashboard. If the email is missing, contact coms@theaba.org.
Why does the ABA use a registration window?
It gives eligible candidates equal access to all six exam weeks. Everyone submits preferences before the ABA assigns weeks.
Does registering on the first day improve my chances?
No. Register any time during the September window. Submission time has no effect on your week assignment.
What if I miss September registration?
An early 2027 window serves newly eligible candidates, including January ADVANCED passers and candidates who need a retake after weeks 5 or 6 of the 2026 APPLIED Exam. If you qualify in September and miss the deadline, a 2027 seat is no longer guaranteed.
How does the ABA use my ranked preferences?
Rank all six weeks. After registration closes, the ABA uses those rankings in a randomized assignment process. You may receive any of the six weeks.
What happens after I submit my rankings?
Your rankings are final. To see them, select View beside your APPLIED registration in ABA GO, then Ranked Choice Selection. Watch your email for your week in late November and your appointment time about two months before that week.
Can I change my assigned week?
For a medical or military reason, email APPLIEDExam@theaba.org with independent documentation. With approval and an available seat, you can change weeks once for free. Otherwise, the full cancellation fee applies. Electronic payments are nonrefundable.
Do fellows need a spring date to take a subspecialty exam?
Policy Book section 5.10A allows eligible ACGME fellows pursuing initial certification to take ACA, CCM, PA or PM in the same year as their scheduled APPLIED Exam and bank the result. The ABA validates it once you earn anesthesiology certification within your candidate eligibility period.
How do I bring medication or a device to the exam?
Email APPLIEDExam@theaba.org at least two weeks before your exam week starts. Specify the medication, medical device or mobility aid you need.
When can I request a nursing break?
Submit your request 90–120 days before your exam week starts. If you take both components, you can request 45 extra minutes beyond the usual 15-minute break.
Why is there an eighth OSCE station in 2027?
The ABA is testing two station designs under exam conditions to evaluate how they assess skills used in anesthesiology practice.
Who takes the pilot station?
Every 2027 APPLIED candidate completes one clearly identified pilot scenario in airway management or team-based skills. Staff provide instructions.
Does the pilot affect my exam score?
No. The ABA uses pilot scores only to evaluate the station designs.
Where can I find more details about the pilot?
The ABA plans to release additional candidate materials later in 2026. Check its APPLIED registration page for updates.
Source: American Board of Anesthesiology, 2027 APPLIED Exam registration.