10 High-Yield Topics to Study for the CREOG Exam

The Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) exam is an annual in-training exam (ITE) for OB/GYN residents. In late January, residents sit for one full day of five 60-minute testing blocks, answering a total of 300 questions that cover high-yield OB/GYN topics.

With jam-packed schedules and busy rotations, residents may find studying for the CREOG a tedious yet critical task. However, with the right study approach, residents like you can make the most of their CREOG prep. 

Prioritizing high-yield CREOG topics and practicing exam-like questions is the key to success. Below are the top 10 topics you need to know for the exam and the best way to study them. 

An Overview of CREOG Topics 

The OB/GYN residency exam is mapped to an educational framework for gynecology, obstetrics, and office practice. Residents are expected to show their proficiency in the following CREOG topics: 

• Unit 1: General Considerations
  • Physician Competencies 
  • Basic Science–Overlapping Content 
  • Patient Care 
• Unit 2: Obstetrics
  • Basic Science–Mechanism of Disease 
  • Antepartum Care
  • Obstetric Complications
  • Intrapartum Care
  • Newborn Care
  • Postpartum Care
• Unit 3: Gynecology
  • Benign Disorders of the Urogenital Tract
  • Neoplasia and Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract and Breast
• Unit 4: Office Practice
  • Periodic Health Assessment
  • Focused Areas in Gynecologic Care
• Unit 5: Perioperative OB-GYN Care
  • Optimizing Perioperative Outcomes
  • Preoperative Considerations
  • Intraoperative Care
  • Postoperative Care
  • Management of Complications
  • Critical Care
• Unit 6: Procedures in Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Core Procedures

With such a robust exam, it’s best to start studying sooner rather than later. Residents find they have the best results with a question bank mapped to the blueprint. Question banks are an effective study tool for familiarizing yourself with both high-yield CREOG topics and questions.

10 High-Yield Topics for the 2026 CREOG Exam 

1. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders, such as chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia, are the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States. Though these disorders are among many obstetric complications, knowing each definition, risk factor, and management is critical for the CREOG. Try creating a fact table on hypertensive disorders and their management for review. 

2. Fetal heart rate monitoring

All residents must be able to define and recognize abnormal/normal heart rate variability, as well as heart rate patterns. Study the appropriate interventions for abnormal fetal heart rates with case-based practice questions.

3. Postpartum hemorrhage and obstetric emergencies

Be sure to remember how to perform initial management of postpartum complications, such as infections, postpartum depression or anxiety, urinary tract injury, and more. Postpartum care is a vital part of the CREOG exam, but there’s a lot to cover. Listen to the podcast episode on postpartum care by CREOGs Over Coffee to get started.

4. Malignancies of the reproductive tract and breasts

You’ll be tested on your ability to identify a patient’s risk of cancer of the breast, ovary, and endometrium. No matter the case, you must demonstrate you’re able to provide adequate patient care and counseling. Practice questions are crucial for working through patient-based scenarios on this topic. If applicable, try to tie in an example from your residency into your studies.

5. Reproductive endocrinology and infertility basics

Describe the steroid hormone clinical applications, diagnostic testing, management, and treatment of conditions ranging from infertility to primary ovarian insufficiency. Taking a patient’s history, as well as their partner’s, is essential. If you can, create a mock scenario with fellow residents or a friend and practice which information and questions you may need to ask to narrow down the condition.

6. Infectious diseases in pregnancy (HIV, TORCH, GBS)

Identify infectious diseases such as HIV, TORCH, and GBS and their maternal and fetal outcomes. With a TrueLearn subscription, create custom flashcards to reinforce this content through quick, high-yield review, and highlight the interventions and monitoring needed during and after pregnancy.

7. Pelvic surgery and perioperative complications

Detail your patient’s options and management in the days before, immediately before, and

after surgery to optimize patient outcomes. We recommend reading ACOG’s perioperative care article, which explains how perioperative care can enhance recovery after surgery (ERAS).

8. Obstetric Growth Abnormalities

Create a Venn diagram to see the differences, similarities, and causes of intrauterine growth restriction, macrosomia, and fetal growth restriction. You should also compare and contrast these abnormalities against normal growth to study for the CREOG.

9. Menstrual and endocrine disorders

Quiz yourself on the following disorders and their treatments, as they may appear on the CREOG exam:

• Premenstrual disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• Thyroid disorders
• Preexisting diabetes mellitus
• Galactorrhea 
• Hyperpolactinema 

10. Genetic screening and testing

Recall the steps of genetic screening, such as taking your patient’s history, providing a referral to a genetic counselor, and recognizing genetic markers. Research a case-based scenario and relay what patient education should sound like. When communicating your interpretations, you should also address the limitations of genetic testing. Visit the ACOG practice bulletin for evidence-based documents and current information on clinical management. 

How to Approach Studying High-Yield CREOG Content

Rote memorization can help in a pinch, but developing a deeper understanding of OB/GYN topics will set you up for success, not just on the CREOG exam, but throughout residency.

Therefore, incorporating practice questions, case-based reviews, and other active recall methods into your study routine is pertinent. For many medical students and residents, the Pomodoro technique can be especially helpful in managing time and achieving study goals. 

Simply set a 25-minute timer, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat four times, then take a more extended break. 

Use Analytics to Identify Your Weakest CREOG Topics

You might be weaker in some subject areas than others—that’s okay. A practice assessment paired with TrueLearn’s dashboard and category-level performance reporting will give you a clear picture of where you stand so you can target the topics that need the most work. 

First, identify what you know, then tailor your study routine to improve learning the weaker OB/GYN topics. As you study and complete more practice questions, you’ll feel more confident and ready for the exam.

See how you’ve improved with another assessment, and keep pushing on! Mapping your progress is rewarding and can give you the extra motivation you need to keep studying. 

Remember, nobody’s perfect. Many residents may struggle with the same subject areas. Take a look at Countdown to CREOG, which covers the most missed topics from previous ITEs.

Making Your CREOG Prep Plan Work

Being consistent with your study routine guarantees success. Don’t let time get away from you or cram. Proper exam preparation requires timely, meticulous effort, so stick to your routine, set goals, and remain disciplined.

Complete your daily practice questions, make time for weekly review, and utilize study blocks. We also recommend building your test-taking stamina by increasing the number of daily practice questions as you approach your CREOG exam day. Of course, a good night’s rest and a nutritious meal are always necessary for fueling your brain.

Keep up the routine and the hard work. It’ll all pay off as you study for the CREOG.