2025 Phase I Surgical Knowledge Examination
April 7, 2025: Pearson VUE Test Centers (Americas and Europe)
April 8, 2025: Pearson VUE Test Centers (Asia and Oceania)
Registration opens: Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Registration deadline: Thursday, October 31, 2024
Pearson VUE appointment scheduling
Available on or shortly before November 21, 2024. Candidates may schedule appointments following receipt of the authorization email from ACVS.
Eligibility and Limits
Registration is now open for the Phase I examination. Registration must be completed no later than 11:59 pm Eastern time, October 31, 2024. To register online in CERT select Application, select Phase I Surgical Knowledge Examination, and click Register for Exam.
The Phase I eligibility process has changed. The resident advisor must attest in CERT that the resident is in good standing with their program before the resident can register for the examination. Please refer to the information pamphlet for more information about eligibility policies. To complete the eligibility form, the resident advisor must log in to CERT, click Submit under Phase I Exam Eligibility in the Resident Advisor Portal, and complete the form.
Refer to the Residency Training Standards and Requirements and the Phase I examination information pamphlet for complete eligibility policies.
The examination must be passed within six years of the start of the residency. Individuals who transitioned from the certification examination should review the policies in the information pamphlet regarding time limits.
Examination Materials
2025 Phase I Surgical Knowledge Examination Information Pamphlet – The pamphlet contains all examination rules and security policies, details on the format of the examination, the schedule, and a suggested reading list.
- Large animal – No content changes. The style of the citations in the list was updated.
- Small animal – No content changes. The style of the citations in the list was updated.
Registration
Registering for the examination consists of submitting the online application and paying the examination fee.
- Examination Deadline: October 31, 2024
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- Submit your registration no later than 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time, October 31, 2024.
- Register online in CERT
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- Online registration opens September 4 for eligible candidates. Registration includes signing the Phase I contract, requests for accommodations, if applicable, and providing identification information for the testing center. If requesting accommodations, candidates will be notified on or before November 11, regarding their accommodations status.
- Pay the Examination Fee: $695
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- Deadline for submitting the examination fee is January 15, 2025.
- Pay the fee online with Visa, MasterCard, or American Express in CERT.
- Pay offline by check or credit card. Select Pay by Check in CERT, then submit the Phase I Payment Authorization Form.
Schedule Appointment with Pearson VUE
Candidates whose examination materials are in order will receive an Examination Authorization email from ACVS on or shortly before November 21, 2024. This email will include the Candidate ID number and Authorization ID number. Both numbers are required to schedule and take the examination at a Pearson VUE test center. Visit https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/acvs.html to schedule your appointment.
Cancellation and Refund
If a candidate needs to cancel their examination registration, they must notify ACVS and cancel the appointment with Pearson VUE. A no-show fee may be incurred for cancellations within 24 hours of the examination appointment.
Examination fees will be refunded less a $75 administrative fee if a candidate withdraws more than 30 days before the examination. If a candidate withdraws within 30 days of the examination, the examination fee will be refunded only in cases of extenuating circumstances (e.g., death in the family, medical emergency). No-show fees will be deducted from any refund if the candidate was not previously invoiced.
Examination Support
Questions?
Common questions are answered in the Examination FAQ. Address other questions about the Phase I Examination to Lorie Jewell at ljewell@acvs.org or (301) 916-0200 x123.
Future Phase I Examinations
March 30, 2026
