ABA ADVANCED Exam: Everything You Need to Know for 2026
The ABA ADVANCED is an important certification exam for anesthesia professionals to further advance their careers. It is the second of a staged exam series, preceded by the BASIC and followed by the APPLIED exam. This exam is administered by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) twice per year to physicians who have completed an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency program.
ABA ADVANCED Exam Format
The ABA ADVANCED exam is a 4-hour, computer-based exam that emphasizes clinical anesthetic practice, subspecialty domains, and advanced clinical issues. It tests the candidate’s ability to think critically, analyze data, and apply their knowledge and skills to solve clinical problems.
The questions on the ABA ADVANCED exam are A-type items, which are standard multiple-choice items with one best answer. The exam covers a wide range of both basic and advanced topics, divided into 5 categories.
- Basic Sciences (9%)
- Clinical Sciences (10%)
- Organ-based Basic & Clinical Sciences (30.5%)
- Clinical Subspecialties (44.5%)
- Special Problems or Issues in Anesthesiology (6%)
How Many Questions are on the ABA ADVANCED?
The ABA ADVANCED exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. Some may reference images or short video clips and all of the questions are designed to test applied knowledge.
When to Start Studying
The amount of time needed to study for the ABA ADVANCED exam varies from candidate to candidate. However, most candidates will need to study for at least six months to a year to adequately prepare for the exam. Candidates are advised to use a variety of study materials, including textbooks, review courses, and ABA ADVANCED question banks, to ensure they are fully prepared for the exam.
How Many Times Can Candidates Take the Exam
Candidates are not limited in how many times they can take the ABA ADVANCED. However, anyone who fails the exam on their first attempt is encouraged to seek feedback from the ABA and to thoroughly prepare for subsequent attempts.
Note: You must satisfy all requirements for certification within 7 years of completing your residency, which involves studying for, taking, and passing the BASIC, ADVANCED, and APPLIED exams. That time will go quickly without proper planning and preparation.
ABA ADVANCED Pass Rate
In 2024, the ABA ADVANCED pass rate for first-time and repeat test takers was 87%.
In the event of a failing score, TrueLearn subscribers who purchased an ABA ADVANCED SmartBank for 90 days or more are able to redeem their Pass Guarantee, which is a complimentary subscription of equal length to the original subscription.
Top 3 Things You Need to Know If You’re Taking The ABA ADVANCED
- Register early: The ABA opens registration a few months ahead of the exam, with exam fees increasing during the late registration period. Signing up early not only saves you money, but also gives you more time to create an effective study plan and strategy.
- Focus on clinical problem-solving: The ABA ADVANCED exam is designed to test the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge and skills to solve clinical problems. Candidates should focus on developing their problem-solving skills by practicing with clinical scenarios.
- Don’t panic if you fail: While failing the ABA ADVANCED exam is undoubtedly disappointing, it’s not the end of the road. The ABA provides performance feedback, which can help you identify weak areas and guide your preparation for a stronger, more focused retake.
7 ABA Advanced Exam Tips to Help You Prepare Better
Preparing for the ABA ADVANCED exam requires a lot of studying and preparation, given the broad range of topics and subspecialty areas covered by the exam. Here are some study tips that may be helpful for exam preparation:
Develop a study plan: Create a detailed study plan that outlines your daily, weekly, and monthly study goals, and make sure to allocate enough time for each subspecialty area. This will help you stay organized and focused in your studies.
Use reliable study materials: Choose reliable study materials, such as textbooks, review books, and online resources, that cover the topics and subspecialty areas tested on the ABA ADVANCED exam.
Take practice exams: Take advantage of practice exams to gauge your progress and identify areas that need more attention.
Join study groups: Joining study groups or discussion forums can be a helpful way to exchange information and ideas with other exam candidates.
Attend review courses: Consider attending review courses offered by professional organizations, which can provide a comprehensive review of the subspecialty areas tested on the exam.
Stay focused and motivated: Studying for the ABA ADVANCED exam requires a lot of dedication and hard work, so it’s important to stay focused and motivated throughout the study process. Setting small goals, taking breaks, and rewarding yourself for achievements can help you stay on track.
Prioritize rest and wellness: Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential during exam prep. Consistent sleep, regular exercise, and nutritious meals can boost focus, energy, and retention throughout your study sessions.
With the right preparation and dedication, candidates can successfully pass the ABA ADVANCED exam and achieve their professional goals.
Using TrueLearn’s ABA ADVANCED SmartBank to Prepare
TrueLearn’s SmartBank offers over 1,000 practice questions aligned to the ABA content outline and keywords. The questions and explanations are written by content experts and educators to reflect the format and difficulty level of the actual exam. Each one is designed to help reinforce key concepts, develop clinical reasoning, and prepare you for the types of scenarios you’ll encounter on test day.
Additional ABA ADVANCED Exam FAQs
Can I reschedule my ABA ADVANCED Exam date if something comes up?
Rescheduling the ABA Advanced Exam is possible, but only under extreme circumstances. Once you have registered, the exam date can only be changed for religious observations, medical accommodations, and military commitments. If you have one of those critical circumstances, you must submit a cancellation request on the ABA GO portal. This request must be submitted at least one week prior to the exam date along with a cancellation fee of $500.
How can I assess my readiness for the ABA ADVANCED Exam?
Studying for the ABA ADVANCED Exam starts with a strong foundation. A strong score on the BASIC Exam can be a helpful indicator of your readiness. While the BASIC focuses on foundational sciences, the ADVANCED exam emphasizes clinical subspecialties like pediatrics, obstetrics, and critical care. Many of the topics overlap with the In-Training Exam (ITE), so your ITE prep also plays a role in ABA ADVANCED exam preparation. TrueLearn’s SmartBank includes high-yield questions that mirror the exam and help boost your readiness and confidence.
What is the ABA ADVANCED Exam Fee?
The standard registration fee for the ABA ADVANCED Exam in 2026 will be $975 – a $100 increase from the 2025 exams. Examinees who registered late for the 2025 exam had a registration fee of $1,375.
What are the 2026 exam dates?
The ABA ADVANCED 2026 exam will be offered once in the winter and once in the summer. The exam dates are January 16-17, 2026 and July 17-18, 2026.
Updated by: TrueLearn team August 20, 2025
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