Pathway to Certification

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 2024 Qualifying Examination and pass will be eligible to take the 2025 Oral Examination.
In order to take the 2025 Oral Exam a candidate MUST take the Qualifying Examination in 2024.
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 was offered January 27 - 31, 2025. The Qualifying Examination is a written examination offered at testing facilities throughout the US and internationally. Candidates who successfully complete the 2025 Qualifying Examination will be eligible to take the 2026 Oral Examination.

The Oral Examination will be offered May 5 - 9, 2025. 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. Please note: the 2025 Oral Examination will utilize new charting for cases. Please review the charting provided in the candidate guide and found here.

Review Policies & Resources

Prospective candidates should download and review the Qualifying Examination Candidate Guide and the Oral Examination Candidate Guide.