Part I (Written) Examination
INTRODUCTION
The Part I (Written) Examination has been designed primarily to assess a candidate's cognitive skills. The content of the questions on this examination represents uniform coverage of all aspects of the thoracic surgery specialty, including general thoracic, adult cardiac, congenital cardiac, and cardiothoracic critical care. The diagnosis and treatment of both common and rare conditions will be assessed on this examination. The examination is chosen from among this list of topics ; however, not every topic will be covered on every exam.
Although the Board uses SESATS as a basis for its Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Exam, the Board does not consider it a primary reference guide for the Part I (Written) Exam. The Board encourages candidates to consider preparing for the Written Exam by using more formal reference materials, such as cardiothoracic textbooks, journals, and courses.
EXAM FORMAT
The exam is composed of 250 multiple-choice questions covering all areas of thoracic surgery. The questions consist of a brief statement, case history, possible graphic or picture, followed by a question and a list of possible answers.
The exam is given on a single day each year in an electronic format at Pearson Professional Testing Centers located throughout the United States. By using a computer-based format, candidates will have the opportunity to select the testing center in which they would like to take the exam. Please note that not every Pearson Testing Center is available on the day of the Written Exam. Candidates need to be flexible when selecting a testing center location.
The exam is given in two equal parts that last 2 hours, 45 minutes each, for a total of 5 1/2 hours. The Written Exam is given once a year to candidates whose applications have been approved. The exam is usually administered in late November or early December.
RESULTS
The exam results are mailed to the candidates approximately 6-12 weeks after the examination. No results are released over the phone, by email or via the Internet.