Overview

Hand Surgery Subspecialty Continuous Certification

Recertification

• Hand Surgery Recertification has been replaced by the ABPS Continuous Certification Program. Diplomates who receive an initial Hand Sub-specialty certificate from the ABPS or ABS will automatically be entered into the ABPS Continuous Certification program.

• Hand Sub-specialty Diplomates must complete the 30-question Hand Module of the Self-Assessment Activity annually to satisfy the Knowledge Assessment requirement of the Continuous Certification program. Successful completion of eight assessments within a ten-year cycle (or four in a five-year cycle) will renew the certificates in both Hand Surgery and primary Plastic Surgery.

• Expiration of the diplomate’s primary plastic surgery certificate automatically causes expiration of the Hand Subspecialty Certificate.

• Renewal of the Diplomate’s Hand Subspecialty certificate, after the first cycle, through ABPS can only be performed by successful completion of the ABPS Continuous Certification requirements. The ABPS will not accept completion of the recertification exam through ABS or ABOS.

Hand Surgery Continuous Certification

• REQUIRED
  • Must have received the Hand Surgery Subspecialty certificate by the ABPS, ABOS or ABS
  • Must participate in the Hand Module of the ABPS Continuous Certification program which includes 30-question annual assessments administered online by the ABPS in Hand Surgery and a Professionalism Registration form
  • Must have a valid Primary Plastic Surgery Certificate and be current on all Continuous Certification requirements for those diplomates participating in the Continuous Certification program of the Board.
  • ABS diplomates are not required to maintain primary certification in general surgery to obtain or maintain the hand subspecialty certificate.
  • Current, full and unrestricted medical license. Must not be current subject of any disciplinary action or sanctions
  • Actively engaged in practice of hand surgery by holding full operating, admitting hospital privileges in hand surgery
  • All accreditation certificates from non-hospital outpatient surgical facilities
  • 3 satisfactory Peer Evaluations
• Case Lists are NOT required for Hand Recertification

REFERENCES

2026 HSE Booklet of Information for Recertification

2026 HSE Cover Letter for Recertification