August 2025 Tip of the Month
For ABOG 2025 Certifying Exam Candidates
It's time to research and register for your review course options. While we are a bit biased and believe our course is ideal, there are key features you should look for. We recommend a board review course for an exam-focused review rather than just a general review course. Look for a faculty that lectures based on the latest ACOG recommendations, not on their research or unproven fads. The faculty should be knowledgeable about the oral exam process and content, and offer Mock Oral Exams and Case List Reviews.
We suggest our August 5-10 Hybrid Board Review Course, specifically designed for those taking their oral exam. You can attend this course in person or virtually via Webex. Note that this is the only in-person course for the remainder of the year, so we strongly encourage you to register soon, especially if you plan on attending in person. The course will be held at the MAHEC Education Campus in Asheville, NC. Additionally, we have included the Oral Exam Workshop to cover strategies for taking an oral exam. It's beneficial to take this workshop early, as studying often takes more time than anticipated, and it's better to identify priority topics as soon as possible. Remember, half of your test is defending your case list. Our ABC faculty can review and provide a Comprehensive Case List Review. For more information on getting your case list reviewed, contact Melissa Krauss. Please note that case lists will not be accepted after August 8th for the August 15th submission.
Study Tip:
Lock your textbooks away. The only references you will need are the Compendium, Precis, and Prologs, and did we mention THE COMPENDIUM? These are the answer guides for your test. Contact acog.org if you need to order the newest version. A well-kept secret is to check the back of the green journal, Obstetrics & Gynecology, every month for the latest updates to the Compendium. You’ll impress the examiner if you are that current.
For ABOG 2026 Certifying Exam Candidates
The results for the written boards are typically released by October. If you opt for the fast track, you can take your oral exam immediately. However, please note that case collections began in July, just last month. Generally, you cannot apply for the certifying exam until February 2025. Delaying your case entries until then means you will already be eight months behind – a significant setback. Do not be overly concerned about the details of entering data at this stage, as adjustments are likely inevitable. For all GYN patients, establish the routine of collecting H&Ps, operative notes, pathology reports, and discharge summaries. For all OB patients, maintain a file of prenatal forms, delivery notes, discharge summaries, and postpartum notes. There is no need to focus on office patients at this time. Begin by entering data online, guided by your common sense.
To support you in this process, our Case List Construction Workshop is included in the price of the April 2026 Board Review Course. The workshop will be held on June 7, 2026, giving you dedicated time to focus on building a strong, strategic case list. We recommend starting now by developing the habit of systematically collecting and entering your cases—you’ll be well-prepared when the workshop arrives.
Strategy Tip:
Should you get in the fast lane and go for the accelerated track or sit back and relax for a year? If you just started your subspecialty fellowship or if your practice will be limited (e.g. GYN only or laborist), jump on the fast track. You will be shocked at how quickly you will forget your off-specialty. Besides, the fast track isn't warped speed, since your exam is not until the fall of 2026.
On the other hand, if you just started a general OB/GYN practice, sit back and take a well-deserved break. Not only do you need some time to adjust to being out on your own, but this experience will catapult you leaps and bounds ahead in your clinical acumen. It’s similar to that exponential learning curve in going from a medical student to an intern. This newfound experience will help enormously when you sit for your exam two years later.
Subspecialty Fellows Sitting for their 2025 ABOG General Certifying Board Exam
Our review course is designed specifically for Fellows, providing the essential information you need to know for your exam. Even if your exam is not until November, there is a significant amount of material to relearn – and for some, to learn for the first time. We highly recommend attending our August 5-10 Board Review Course, where you will gather 90% of the material needed for your test. You can attend this course in person or virtually via Webex. Please note that this is the only in-person course scheduled for the remainder of the year. We strongly encourage you to register soon, especially if you plan to attend in person. The course will be held at the MAHEC Education Campus in Asheville, NC. We genuinely believe in your success and are here to support you every step of the way.
Study Tip:
Raise your right hand and repeat after me, “I solemnly swear I will NOT study my subspecialty topics until last. You don’t even need to study them at all. But if you insist, review it from a generalist’s perspective. After all, you are taking your general oral exam.
For AOBOG 2025 Oral Exam Candidates
If you’re planning to take the October 2025 exam, secure your spot now. We offer a Virtual Board Review Course from August 6-10, strategically timed to prepare you just before the October exam.
We believe our course is the ideal choice, and your osteopathic colleagues agree, making us the #1 go-to source for those preparing for their oral exam. This August course provides the flexibility to attend in person in Asheville, North Carolina, or virtually via Webex. Our course materials comprehensively cover all core topics and include mock oral exams to enhance articulation. There’s no better way to practice than with our private mock orals. Rest assured, we are dedicated to your success and are here to support you every step of the way.
Test-Taking Tips:
If you are sitting for your 2025 exam you still should have completed your extensive review of EACH core topic. Use the following checklist for each core topic, as the examiners will push you to the nth degree.
General Obstetrics and Gynecology:
Office-Based
Hospital-Based
Maternity Based
Gynecologic Oncology:
Neoplasms of the Vulva, Vagina, Cervix, Uterus, Fallopian tubes, Ovaries, Breast, and those associated with Pregnancy
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery:
Urinary Stress Incontinence/Genital Prolapse
Sexual Dysfunction/Pain Syndromes
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility:
Contraception Management
Ultrasonography of the Female Pelvis
Workup and Treatment of the Infertile Couple
Maternal-Fetal Medicine:
Evaluation of the High-Risk Pregnancy
Early Screening Tests and Diagnosis
Interventions available during Pregnancy
Be prepared to give at least three for your differential diagnosis and treatment options
For AOBOG 2026 Written Exam Candidates
Applications for the AOBOG Spring Written Exam will be available on October 1, 2025. The application fee of $1,175 is not due until February 13, 2026. Please note that there is an additional late fee of $352.50 for all applications submitted after February 13, with the final application deadline on March 13, 2026. If this will be your second attempt, take the time in August for some self-reflection. Consider why you did not pass previously. If you have failed before and had a reasonable excuse, such as insufficient study time or significant distractions like being newly postpartum or experiencing a family crisis, it is important to acknowledge these factors. However, it is crucial to commit to passing your exam this year. For those who have failed at least twice, a pattern may be emerging. We strongly advise attending our August 6-10 Board Review Course. This course offers the flexibility to attend in person at the MAHEC Education Campus in Asheville, NC, or virtually via Webex. This is the only in-person course scheduled for the remainder of the year, so we encourage you to register soon, especially if you plan to attend in person.
At the six-month mark, it is essential to start preparing diligently. If you have any doubts about your ability to commit fully to this preparation, you may be setting yourself up for another disappointment. Statistically, the chances of failing the exam again after two attempts are high. However, the program established by ABC has significantly defied these odds. Contact us to help you strategize your preparation. We believe in your success and are here to support you.
ABOG Continuing Certification (CC)
Part II: Lifelong Learning
The third and final quarter articles will be released next month. If you have not yet completed the articles from the first and second quarters, now is the time to catch up. Remember, all articles are due by November 15th. With only three months remaining, you will need to complete more than 10 articles per month. Additionally, it is essential to enroll in at least one practice module each year. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of your certification.
Part III: Secure Written Exam
For those in CC Year 6 who have not averaged 86% or higher on your articles, passing a written exam by November 15th is mandatory. We offer several resources to help you prepare for and pass this exam. Our five-day review course, scheduled for August 6-10, is available in person in Asheville, NC, or virtually via Zoom. Our review course has evolved to meet the needs of the adult learner, focusing on exam preparation and adhering to national ACOG guidelines. You will also gain practical tips for everyday practice. For additional preparation, our Written Questions Manuals provide 1,400 questions with narrative explanations and references for each answer. Additionally, our OB/GYN Q Banks offer computer-based, 50 multiple-choice questions designed to simulate the written board exam. We are dedicated to your success and here to support you.
Test Taking Tip:
The written exam is multiple choice single best answer. You must pass the CC Part III Exam in Year 6 of each CC cycle . The exam is administered by Pearson VUE Testing Center and will only be offered in July. Diplomates must successfully apply for CC Part III Exam by February of same year. The exam fee is in addition to the annual CC application fee.
After the email is received from ABOG, you must contact Pearson VUE to schedule the exam. Instructions for contacting Pearson VUE will be included in the acceptance email.
Reservations at Pearson VUE in individual cities are limited and are assigned on a “first
come, first served” basis. Thus, there is no guarantee that a specific city site will be
available. Applicants are encouraged to complete their application process as soon as
Possible.
Important to remember that Candidates who successfully pass the Re-Entry Exam will maintain their certification provided they completes all annual CC requirements by November 15, of the same year. So you are still required to complete your articles assigned for the same year.