General surgery: board certification, CME and credentials

Last verified October 7, 2026. Rules change; confirm with your board before you rely on this page. This is general information, not legal advice.

Board certification

Assessment: Continuous Certification Assessment every other year Source: ABS: Ongoing certification requirements
CME: 125 credits over a rolling 5 years for continuously certified diplomates; time-limited certificates: 150 Category 1 credits in 5 years, including 50 self-assessment Source: ABS: Ongoing certification requirements
Fee: $285 a year Source: ABS: Ongoing certification requirements

DO If you are a DO with an AOA board certification

DOs certified by an American Osteopathic Association board

Cycle: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027 Source: AOA: CME FAQs
Credits: 120 credits per 3-year cycle for non-time-limited certificates; time-limited certificates follow their board's numbers Source: AOA: CME FAQs
Your board's numbers: Each AOA board sets its own CME split Confirm with your board Source: AOA: CME FAQs
Reporting: AOA-accredited sponsors report for you; other credit you add yourself in the AOA Physician Portal Source: AOA: CME FAQs

Physicians in general surgery often keep these. Your state, hospital or employer decides which you need.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Renewal: Every 3 years Source: 21 CFR 1301.13 (registration period, fee, renewal window)
Fee: $888 per registration Source: 21 CFR 1301.13 (registration period, fee, renewal window)
Window: Renew no more than 60 days before it expires Source: 21 CFR 1301.13 (registration period, fee, renewal window)
Per state: A separate registration in each state where you prescribe Source: 21 CFR 1301.12 (separate registrations for separate locations)

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Training: 8 hours on substance use disorders, once Source: DEA letter to registrants on the MATE training requirement (March 27, 2023)
When: Affirmed on your next DEA registration form Source: DEA letter to registrants on the MATE training requirement (March 27, 2023)

American Heart Association

Valid: 2 years, through the end of the month Source: AHA course card information
Skills: Includes an in-person, hands-on skills session Source: AHA course card information

CAQH (DataSpring)

American Heart Association

Valid: 2 years, through the end of the month Source: AHA course card information
Skills: Includes an in-person, hands-on skills session Source: AHA course card information

American College of Surgeons

Valid: 4 years Source: ACS ATLS FAQ
Expiry date: The FAQ says 'from the date of completion'; end of month is not stated. Confirm with your board Source: ACS ATLS FAQ
Grace: 6 months to take a refresher; not current during the grace period Source: ACS ATLS FAQ
Skills: Includes an in-person, hands-on skills session Confirm with your board Source: ACS ATLS FAQ

Show the 12 sources this page is based on