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About
Setting standards and leading innovation for the practice of anesthesiology since 1938
Raleigh, N.C. (April 30, 2025) – Recently published research shows that although various self-reported demographic subgroups of residents have lower first-time pass rates on the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA)’s BASIC Examination compared to their respective counterparts, more than 99% of candidates, regardless of background, pass the exam by their third attempt. The BASIC Exam is the first written examination in a series of assessments to obtain board certification.
The ultimately high pass rate of the BASIC Exam confirms that, while rigorous, the ABA is providing an assessment that is achievable by all residents training in an accredited U.S. residency program when they study and prepare for this exam. It focuses on the scientific basis of clinical anesthetic practice, including pharmacology, physiology, anatomy, anesthesia equipment and monitoring.
Residents take the BASIC Exam at the end of their first clinical anesthesia year. It is an opportunity for their programs to identify residents who may need additional support to successfully complete anesthesiology training and become board-certified anesthesiologists.
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ABA Vice President Stacie G. Deiner, M.D., M.S.; ABA Executive Director of Professional Affairs Robert R. Gaiser, M.D.; ABA Physician Research Consultant John D. Mitchell, M.D.; ABA Chief Assessment Officer Ann Harman, Ph.D.; and former ABA Director of Psychometrics and Research Huaping Sun, Ph.D., MBA, authored this research, titled “Anesthesiology Resident Demographics and the BASIC Examination Pass Rates.” The study is published in the March 27 issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia.
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ABA Media Contact Mike Charbonneau Chief Communications Officer (919) 745-2233 mike.charbonneau@theaba.org
About the American Board of Anesthesiology Our mission is to advance the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology. As the certifying body for anesthesiologists since 1938, we work with physicians to elevate practice standards and foster exceptional patient care. We administer initial and subspecialty certification exams as well as the continuing certification in anesthesiology program known as MOCA, which is designed to promote lifelong learning, a commitment to quality clinical outcomes and patient safety. Based in Raleigh, NC, we are a nonprofit organization and a Member Board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
