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Application Process

The following outlines the essential steps for initiating the ABOG board certification process in OB-GYN. This page specifically covers the application process for the Qualifying Examination (QE), which is Step I in the Specialty Certification process. Candidates must successfully complete the QE before advancing to Step II, the Certifying Examination (CE).

For comprehensive information—including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and exam content—candidates are encouraged to review the bulletin, which outlines requirements, deadlines, and exam content in depth.

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Application Instructions

1 Step One
Log in to your ABOG portal to submit your application
Applications are accepted online only and are available through your ABOG portal. You will need your ABOG ID number, which can be obtained from your residency Program Manager.
- See important Specialty Qualifying Exam Dates and Fees
2 Step Two
Pay the application fee
The application fee must be paid by credit card. All fees are quoted and must be paid in U.S. dollars.
3 Step Three
Verify your name and ID
If your name appears differently on your government-issued ID, you must either:
- Submit a name change request form to update your name with ABOG, or
- Bring an official document (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) to the Pearson VUE testing center on exam day.
- Note: Middle names are not considered in the identification process.
4 Step Four
Watch for your approval email
Once approved, ABOG will send a notification to the email address listed in your portal profile. This email will include instructions for contacting Pearson VUE to schedule your exam.
5 Step Five
Schedule your exam promptly
Seats at Pearson VUE Testing Centers are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Reserve your seat as soon as you receive your approval email.
- Refer to the Dates and Fees page for the last day to reserve a seat before ABOG's seat block is released.
- No refunds will be issued if you are unable to secure a seat at your preferred location.
6 Step Six
Request accommodations if needed
Disability Accommodations
- Submit your request no later than the close of the application period by contacting us.
Lactation Accommodations
If you are lactating, you may request a 30-minute break and extension of your exam if you notify ABOG no later than the close of the application period.
- You should not schedule your seat with Pearson VUE until ABOG sets up the lactation accommodation with Pearson VUE.
- After you receive approval of the lactation accommodation from ABOG, you must call Pearson VUE's Accommodation Department to schedule your seat to take the exam.
- More details on accommodations can be found here.

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1 Step One
Log in to your ABOG portal to submit your application
Applications are accepted online only and are available through your ABOG portal. You will need your ABOG ID number, which can be obtained from your residency Program Manager.
- See important Specialty Qualifying Exam Dates and Fees
2 Step Two
Pay the application fee
The application fee must be paid by credit card. All fees are quoted and must be paid in U.S. dollars.
3 Step Three
Verify your name and ID
If your name appears differently on your government-issued ID, you must either:
- Submit a name change request form to update your name with ABOG, or
- Bring an official document (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) to the Pearson VUE testing center on exam day.
- Note: Middle names are not considered in the identification process.
4 Step Four
Watch for your approval email
Once approved, ABOG will send a notification to the email address listed in your portal profile. This email will include instructions for contacting Pearson VUE to schedule your exam.
5 Step Five
Schedule your exam promptly
Seats at Pearson VUE Testing Centers are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Reserve your seat as soon as you receive your approval email.
- Refer to the Dates and Fees page for the last day to reserve a seat before ABOG's seat block is released.
- No refunds will be issued if you are unable to secure a seat at your preferred location.
6 Step Six
Request accommodations if needed
Disability Accommodations
- Submit your request no later than the close of the application period by contacting us.
Lactation Accommodations
If you are lactating, you may request a 30-minute break and extension of your exam if you notify ABOG no later than the close of the application period.
- You should not schedule your seat with Pearson VUE until ABOG sets up the lactation accommodation with Pearson VUE.
- After you receive approval of the lactation accommodation from ABOG, you must call Pearson VUE's Accommodation Department to schedule your seat to take the exam.
- More details on accommodations can be found here.