Qualifying Examination
Find more information about the Qualifying Examination application and process
Pathway to Certification
Periodontists earn board certification based on education, licensure, and successful completion of a written qualifying examination and an oral examination.
Who is Eligible?
Candidates who have successfully completed a CODA-accredited program in Periodontics are eligible to apply for the ABP Qualifying Examination. Beginning in 2023, candidates who are in their final year of residency, upon approval of their program director, may register for the Qualifying Examination.
Candidates must successfully complete the Qualifying Examination before challenging the Oral Examination.
- Candidates who take the 2023 Qualifying Examination and pass will be eligible to take the 2024 Oral Examination.
- In order to take the 2023 Oral Exam a candidate MUST take the Qualifying Examination in 2022.
- A candidate may not take the Qualifying Examination in January and the Oral Examination in May of any year.
When are the Examinations Offered?
The Qualifying Examination will be offered January 23 - 27, 2023. The Qualifying Examination is a written examination offered at testing facilities throughout the US and internationally. Candidates who successfully complete the 2023 Qualifying Examination will be eligible to take the 2024 Oral Examination.
The Oral Examination will be offered May 1 - 5, 2023. The Oral Examination is offered each year at the beginning of May. The Oral Examination is an in-person examination at a testing facility in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Prospective candidates should download and review the ABP Examination Policies and Resources.
Oral Examination
Find more information about the Oral Examination application and process
Important Dates and Deadlines
2023 OE Registration Closes: 10/31/22
2023 QE Registration Closes: 11/20/22
2023 QE: January 23 - 27, 2023
2023 OE: May 1 - 5, 2023