Overview and Course Format: This examination is offered as a convenient self-study exercise by ASSH. The exam is offered to hand and upper extremity care professionals as a comprehensive review tool of basic principles and can also be used by practicing clinicians to stay abreast of new developments and concepts within the specialty.

The examination covers diagnostic and therapeutic problems, both surgical and nonoperative, basic science knowledge, and fundamental principles of hand surgery. The interpretation of the illustrative material (clinical photographs and radiographs) is an integral part of this examination.

The 2014 examination consists of 200 questions, preferred responses, discussion and literature references, and an online evaluation.

FAQS: Visit the ASSH website for frequently asked questions about the online exam.

Exam Sections:

The 2014 exam is divided into seven sections.

1. Basic Science

2. Bone and Joint

3. Neuromuscular

4. Skin

5. Vascular

6. Ancillary

7. Miscellaneous

Minimum Passing Score and Participation Requirements: To qualify for CME credit, participants must complete the exam with a minimum passing score of 50% correct and complete an online evaluation no later than 11:59 PM, Central Time on June 15, 2014. Participants will be allowed three attempts to pass the test. Only participants who meet the minimum passing score will receive CME credit for taking the examination. If you are a general surgeon, your minimum passing score to comply with ABS guidelines is 75%.

Estimated Time: The estimated time to complete this activity is 20 hours.

Termination Date: This activity is available for credit through June 15, 2014. This is the deadline for completion of the exam and the last date the exam may be taken online. The test and online evaluation must be completed and submitted by 11:59 PM, Central Time on June 15, 2014 to qualify for CME credit.

Answer Booklet: A PDF of the questions and answers with discussion will be added to the exam package for all online test takers after the exam closes. At the end of July, you will be sent your results in comparison to other test takers.

Accreditation: The American Society for Surgery of the Hand is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Hours: The American Society for Surgery of the Hand designates this enduring material for a maximum of 20.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. The ASSH is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Please note that CME is granted only after correctly answering at least 50% of the questions and completing the online evaluation. You can read the full information on our CME policies on our website.

For information on Self-Assessment in MOC, please visit the ASSH website.

Confidentiality: The Self-Assessment Exam is the sole property of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) and scores are confidential. Individual results will only be shared with the test-taker. Each participant is assigned a number, and no names are used in the scoring process to further ensure confidentiality.

Disclaimer: The material presented in this continuing medical education program is being made available by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand for educational purposes only. This material is not intended to represent the only, or necessarily the best, methods or procedures appropriate for the medical situation discussed, but rather is intended to present an approach, view, statement, or opinion of the authors or presenters, which may be helpful, or of interest, to other practitioners. The examinees agree to participate in this medical education program sponsored by ASSH with full knowledge and awareness that they waive any claim they may have against ASSH for reliance on any information presented in this examination. The approval of the US Food and Drug Administration is required for procedures and drugs that are considered experimental. Instrumentation systems discussed and/or demonstrated in or at ASSH educational programs may not yet have received FDA approval.