Who We Certify

Residency Graduates from the U.S.

To be eligible for board certification in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, a physician must successfully complete specialized training in an ACGME-accredited residency program. All requirements for the ABOHNS published in the Booklet of Information, which is updated annually, must be met by Exam Candidates. The ABOHNS does not recognize training from ACGME-International accredited programs for board certification. 

For more information about the certification process, see Our Assessment Programs. If you are a prospective Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Surgeon seeking more details about your requirements, please log into your ABOHNS Physician Portal or contact your residency program director.  

International Physicians

Canadian Physicians

Canadian physicians interested in pursuing board certification from the ABOHNS can do so beginning in 2020. The details are described in the ABOHNS policy addressing candidacy for those who complete Royal College accredited residency training in Canada (Canadian Policy)

To begin the application process, all Canadian physicians must complete a short online pre-approval form to ensure their eligibility. Pre-approved physicians will then be invited to complete the full application. The pre-approval form is available March 1 through early May of each year.

Other International Physicians

The ABOHNS has a pathway to board certification for physicians who have graduated from Otolaryngology programs outside the U.S. and Canada. The requirements are described in the ABOHNS Specially Qualified Pathway Policy.