What is the difference between board eligible and board-certified?
When a physician has completed an orthopedic residency and/or fellowship training, the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery offers a written test to become board eligible. If the written test is passed, the physician becomes “eligible” to take the oral test, after two years in practice. When the physician passes the oral exam, the physician becomes “board certified” and is considered a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
