Written Examination
The Written Examination is a comprehensive exam that assesses the examinee's knowledge of basic sciences and clinical concepts based on criterion-referenced testing. Examinees will be measured against the skill and knowledge represented by each test item. The difficulty of each item for the minimally-competent examinee is the basis for setting the Criterion Standard, one that is represented as an absolute standard on a Benchmark Scale updated every five years. The ABO Written Examination is administered at Pearson Vue Professional Centers located in the U.S. and Canada.
Multi-Select Exam Questions learn more
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Examination Specifications learn more
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2025 Written Exam Reading List learn more
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- Applicant must have graduated or be currently enrolled in an advanced specialty education program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics in the United States or Canada, accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The requirements for such program are described in "Standard 4" in the link below.
An orthodontic resident must have completed a minimum of eighteen (18) months of his/her program by the written examination date to be eligible to take this exam. - Alternatively, applicant may apply if they are in an approved "Advanced Standing" program described in "Standard 5" in the link below.
- Online Application / Registration must be completed on the ABO website prior to the Written Examination deadline. See Exam Dates, Fees, and Registration for details.
- If you are still enrolled in your orthodontic residency program, your orthodontic program must provide verification of your status in your residency program.
- If you have already graduated from your orthodontic residency program, you must submit your orthodontic degree/certificate to the ABO. After receipt, the ABO will contact your residency program to obtain a primary source verification of your graduation from the program.
In February, the ABO will send all confirmed applicants an email with Pearson Vue scheduling instructions.
The Written Examination is administered at Pearson Vue Professional Centers located in the U.S. and Canada in April of each year. After successful completion of the Written Examination, there is no expiration date nor time limit for completing the Clinical Examination.
| Examination | # of Examinees | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 |
414 |
96% |
|
2019 |
422 |
96% |
|
2020 |
409 |
99% |
|
2021 |
408 |
95% |
|
2022 |
412 |
90% |
|
2023 |
450 |
97% |
|
2024 |
443 |
99% |
If a retake examination is necessary, online registration and the Written Examination Fee should be completed on the ABO website. The application fee is only required if five years has elapsed since the previous application.
If an examinee has attempted the Written Examination five or more times and wishes to challenge the exam again, the examinee must petition the board directly before registration will be accepted. If an examinee no-shows for an exam, it counts as a failed attempt at an examination.
The petition must address the following items:
1. How the examinee plans to prepare going forward?
2. What module(s) require the most attention when preparing based on past results?
3. What is the examinee’s understanding of the weak performing areas in the past examinations?
4. What adjustments will be made in the preparation process going forward?
2025 Written Exam Reading List
Written Exam Practice Questions
Many articles, textbooks, and other resources remain pertinent in orthodontics, although they may no longer be included on the written examination reading list.
Attached are the 2018 - 2023 archived reading lists that can be reviewed as general resources.
2024 Written Exam Reading List
2023 Written Exam Reading List
2022 Written Exam Reading List
2021 Written Exam Reading List
2020 Written Exam Reading List
2019 Written Exam Reading List
2018 Written Exam Reading List
If you have questions to submit for consideration for future ABO Written Exams, please email the information to info@americanboardortho.com. Questions should be multiple choice, and should all include a reference.
Continuing Education Credits are issued to all examinees that complete the ABO Written Examination. For additional details about the ADA CERP approved CE, please CLICK HERE.