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About
Setting standards and leading innovation for the practice of anesthesiology since 1938
Raleigh, N.C. (Aug. 25, 2026) — The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) will pilot an 8th OSCE Station during the 2027 APPLIED Exam as part of its Strategic Plan and broader commitment to evolve certification content and assess a more holistic set of skills relevant to modern anesthesiology practice.
This pilot is designed to help gather data and evaluate how two new OSCE station types perform under realistic administration conditions. All 2027 APPLIED Exam candidates will participate in one of two scenarios: airway management or team-based skills. Pilot station scores will be used for evaluation purposes only and will not impact candidate exam results. Physician anesthesiologist volunteer examiners will receive additional training ahead of the pilot to help them prepare. The ABA expects the pilot to be seamlessly integrated into the existing OSCE experience, with clear direction provided to candidates and examiners throughout the process.
“The 8th OSCE Station Pilot reflects our ongoing effort to evolve certification in ways that align with anesthesiology practice,” said ABA Secretary John E. Fiadjoe, M.D., MBA. “Airway management is a critical competency that anesthesiologists must demonstrate across a wide range of practice settings, while the team-based skills station explores communication, collaboration and leadership behaviors that are increasingly important to patient care but can be difficult to assess in traditional examinations.”
As the ABA looks to the future and continues to evolve, it is developing an innovative, digital-first assessment ecosystem to support training, initial and subspecialty certification and continuing certification. The ABA is committed to leveraging digital technologies throughout the process, from development and delivery to scoring and feedback.
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About the American Board of Anesthesiology The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) has served as the certifying body for anesthesiologists since 1938, partnering with physicians to elevate the specialty. Our mission is to advance the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology. We administer initial and subspecialty certification exams and the MOCA continuing certification program, which facilitates lifelong learning with a focus on quality and safety.
The ABA’s work extends far beyond assessment. We prioritize innovation, research, technology and programming that promote exceptional patient care and clinical outcomes. Our dedicated staff collaborates with more than 700 board-certified anesthesiologist volunteers who develop exam and MOCA content, inform policy, serve as examiners and provide critical feedback. Their contributions across numerous committees and task forces drive the ABA’s strategic progress and help shape the future of the specialty.
Based in Raleigh, NC, we are a nonprofit organization and a Member Board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
