Open Sept. 3-30

2025 APPLIED Exam Registration

The transition to a designated registration window

The 2025 APPLIED Exam registration window will be open Sept. 3-30, 2024. 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 September registration window will be guaranteed an exam appointment in the 2025 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 in the video below

2025 APPLIED Exam Dates

March 3-7 | March 31-April 4 | April 28-May 2 | May 19-23 | Sept. 8-12 | Oct. 20-24

Prepare for registration by reviewing the process and key deadlines below

Confirm Eligibility

Eligible candidates have received direct email communications from the ABA regarding registration. To be eligible to register for the APPLIED Exam, you will need a passing score for the ADVANCED Exam. If you have not received an email regarding the 2025 APPLIED Exam registration, please get in touch with us at coms@theaba.org to verify your candidate status.

Registration: Sept. 3-30

All eligible candidates will receive a registration link in their email after 9 a.m., Sept. 3, 2024. Eligible candidates will have the entire month of September to lock in their registration by rank-ordering their preference for all six exam weeks of the 2025 administration year. There is no need to register as soon as registration opens. Registration is open through Sept. 30, 2024.

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

2025 APPLIED Exam Dates
Non-Standard Accommodations
  • We will send all eligible candidates a link to register for the 2025 APPLIED Exam when registration opens Sept. 3. Remember, there is no need to register as soon as registration opens on Sept. 3, as registration is not operated on a first-come, first-served model.
  • Review 2025 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I know I am eligible to register for the APPLIED Exam?

    Eligible candidates have received direct email communications from the ABA regarding registration. To be eligible to register for the APPLIED Exam, you will need a passing score for the ADVANCED Exam. If you have not received an email regarding the 2025 APPLIED Exam registration, please get in touch with 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. 3-30, 2024, to lock in their registration for the 2025 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.

  • Why is the ABA converting 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?

    Once the registration window closes Sept. 30, 2024, 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?

    Effective July 1, 2024, an exception will be made for candidates for ABA initial certification who are enrolled in an ACGME-accredited fellowship program and who are scheduled to take the APPLIED Exam in the year in which they are registering to take an ABA-administered (ACA, CCM, PA, PM) subspecialty certification examination. The results of a subspecialty certification examination taken under this policy exception will only be validated if the candidate is awarded ABA certification in the specialty of anesthesiology prior to their duration of candidate status expiring.
    Review Policy Book

  • What if I miss the registration window?

    A second registration window will be open in early 2025 to allow eligible candidates, including those who pass the January ADVANCED Exam and 2024 Week 5 and 6 candidates who did not pass one or both components, to complete their registration for the 2025 APPLIED Exam administration year.

Additional Resources

New Dedicated Registration Window for 2025 APPLIED Exam

Blog Post

Frequently Asked Questions

Download

APPLIED Exam: What to Expect

Exam Resources

Learn what sets apart a board-certified anesthesiologist

Value of Certification