Open Aug. 27-Sept. 24

2026 APPLIED Exam Registration

The transition to a designated registration window

The 2026 APPLIED Exam registration window will be open Aug. 27-Sept. 24, 2025. To accommodate all eligible candidates, registration will no longer be operated on a first-come, first-served basis. When registering, eligible candidates will rank-order their preference for all six administration weeks. All eligible candidates who complete their registration at any time during the designated registration window will be guaranteed an exam appointment in the 2026 administration year.

Providing an equitable experience

By transitioning to a designated registration window, candidates have a full month-long opportunity to register with equal access to all exam weeks. This new structure does not prioritize exam week assignments based on the time and date of submission, allowing a fair registration process for all eligible candidates. The process follows our standard protocol for all other exams.

Learn what to expect during registration

2026 Exam Dates

March 2-6 | March 23-27 | April 20-24 | May 18-22 | Sept. 28-Oct. 2 | Oct. 26-30

Prepare for registration by reviewing the process and key deadlines below

Confirm Eligibility

Eligible candidates will receive direct email communications from the ABA regarding registration. To be eligible to register for the APPLIED Exam, you will need a passing ADVANCED Exam score. If you have not received an email regarding 2026 APPLIED Exam registration, please get in touch with us at coms@theaba.org to verify your candidate status.

Registration: Aug. 27-Sept. 24

Eligible candidates will have Aug. 27-Sept. 24, 2025, to lock in their registration for the 2026 administration year, and there is no need to register as soon as registration opens. Candidates will access registration via a link in their ABA GO dashboard and will rank-order their preferences for all six exam weeks.

Receive Exam Week: Late November

Registered candidates will receive their assigned exam week late November. We will do our best to accommodate preferences but cannot guarantee a candidate’s top choices.

Receive Exam Day: Two Months Prior to Exam

Candidates will receive an email with their official exam date and time approximately two months before their assigned exam week.

Tips for registration

2026 APPLIED Exam Dates

Non-Standard Accommodations

All eligible candidates will be able to access registration at any time during the designated window via a link in their ABA GO dashboard. Remember, there is no need to register as soon as registration opens since registration is not operated on a first-come, first-served model.
Review 2026 APPLIED Exam dates to determine how you wish to rank order the exam weeks. Once you submit your preferences, you will be unable to change them.
Are you in need of a nonstandard examination? You will be able to indicate this during your registration and we will reach out to you regarding next steps.
Reach out to our team at coms@theaba.org or (866) 999-7501 with any questions regarding the process.

How do I know if I am eligible to register?

Eligible candidates will receive direct email communications from the ABA regarding registration and will be able to register for the exam via a link in their ABA GO dashboard Aug. 27-Sept. 24, 2025. To be eligible to register for the APPLIED Exam, you will need a passing ADVANCED Exam score. If you have not received an email regarding the 2026 APPLIED Exam registration, please contact us at coms@theaba.org to verify your candidate status.
What if I’m not able to get online as soon as registration opens?

Eligible candidates will have Aug. 27-Sept. 24, 2025, to lock in their registration for the 2026 administration year, and there is no need to register as soon as registration opens. Registration timing will have no bearing on exam week assignments as this is not a first-come, first-served model. All eligible candidates who complete their registration during this window will be guaranteed an exam appointment in the 2026 administration year.
Why has the ABA converted from a continuous registration model to a designated registration window?

Switching to a designated registration window mirrors standard ABA protocol for all other exams and gives candidates a full month-long opportunity to have equal access to all exam weeks.
How will you prioritize exam week assignments based on rankings?

Registering candidates will be able to rank-order their preference for all six administration weeks. Once the registration window closes Sept. 24, 2025, we will sort candidates’ rankings into a system and exam week assignments will be randomized according to this data. While we will do our best to accommodate preferences, we cannot guarantee a candidate’s top choices.
I'm a fellow. Will I be given priority on the spring dates to be board-certified so I can take my subspecialty exam?

We now offer a one-time opportunity for a policy exemption, allowing fellows to register for an ABA-administered subspecialty exam (ACA, CCM, PA, PM), take the exam and bank their score before taking the APPLIED Exam as long as they are registered in the same year and currently enrolled in an ACGME-accredited fellowship program. Read more in section 5.10A of our Policy Book.

Review Policy Book
What if I miss the registration window?

All eligible candidates who complete their registration during the Aug. 27-Sept. 24 window will be guaranteed an exam appointment in the 2026 administration year. A second registration window will be open in early 2026 to allow eligible candidates, including those who pass the January 2026 ADVANCED Exam and 2025 Week 5 and 6 candidates who did not pass one or both components, an opportunity to register.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

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APPLIED Exam: What to Expect

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