Open Sept. 2-30

2027 APPLIED Exam Registration

Registration details

The 2027 APPLIED Exam registration window will be open Sept. 2-30, 2026. To accommodate all eligible candidates, registration is not 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 September registration window will be guaranteed an exam appointment in the 2027 administration year.

Providing an equitable experience

During the designated registration window, candidates have equal access to register for all 2027 exam weeks. This registration structure does not prioritize exam week assignments based on the time and date of submission, allowing a fair registration process for all eligible candidates. This follows our standard protocol for all other exams.

2027 Exam Dates

March 1-4 | March 22-25 | April 12-15 | May 17-20 | Sept. 13-16 | Oct. 25-28

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 yet received an email regarding registration, please get in touch with us at coms@theaba.org to verify your candidate status.

Registration: Sept. 2-30

Eligible candidates will have Sept. 2-30 2026, to lock in their registration for the 2027 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 in 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

2027 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 2027 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.

8th OSCE Station: Pilot for 2027 APPLIED Exams

As part of our Strategic Plan, we will be piloting the addition of an 8th OSCE station during the 2027 APPLIED Exams. This pilot is designed to gather data for evaluation purposes only and will not impact candidate exam results. All 2027 APPLIED Exam candidates will participate in one of two scenarios: airway management or team-based skills. The pilot station will be clearly identified and incorporated in a structured way, with direction provided to candidates. We will share additional information regarding the pilot in the coming months.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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 Sept. 2-30, 2026. 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 2027 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 Sept. 2-30, 2026, to lock in their registration for the 2027 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 2027 administration year.

  • Why does APPLIED Exam registration take place during a designated window?

    This registration 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 designated registration window mirrors standard ABA protocol for all other exams and gives candidates 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. 30, 2026, 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 Sept. 2-30 window will be guaranteed an exam appointment in the 2027 administration year. A second registration window will be open in early 2027 to allow eligible candidates an opportunity to register. This secondary registration window is intended for this who are not currently eligible during the September registration window. If you are currently eligible and do not register in September, you will not be guaranteed a seat.

  • Why is the ABA piloting the addition of an 8th OSCE Station?

    This pilot, which will take place during all 2027 APPLIED Exam weeks, is designed to help gather data and evaluate how two new OSCE station types perform under realistic administration conditions. Scoring for the pilot stations will be used for evaluation purposes only and will not impact candidate exam results.

  • Will I participate in the 8th OSCE Station pilot if I take the APPLIED Exam in 2027?

    Yes. The pilot will be administered consistently for all 2027 APPLIED Exam weeks as part of the ABA’s information-gathering process. All candidates will take place in the pilot and will participate in one of two scenarios: Airway Management or Team-Based Skills. The pilot station will be clearly identified and incorporated into the OSCE experience in a structured way, with clear direction provided to candidates

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Download

APPLIED Exam: What to Expect

Exam Resources

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