Welcome to EBCTS online
Established to set high professional standards
The primary aim of The European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery (EBCTS) is to encourage common high standards and qualifications in cardiothoracic surgery in all European countries and beyond. This should potentially allow for the mutual recognition of these qualifications between European countries and elsewhere.
An online resource for you
The European Board has established this online resource to inform you regarding the details of the EBCTS examinations, regulations and requirements. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us
COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT
The Level One examinations were held on 21 & 22 October 2020. The Level Two examination has been moved to January/February 2021.
Whilst we recognise that many Cardiothoracic Surgeons will feel unable to put themselves forward for examination due to the current COVID-19 crisis, some will be in a position to do so and should be provided with this opportunity.
The Level One examination will be held by remote proctoring and will comprise separate papers in Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery which can be taken individually or together.
This method of professional delivery of high stakes examinations is established and secure, but and allows candidates to sit the examination in the privacy and safety of their own home or office provided certain equipment and environmental requirements are met (more information).
Applications for Level One are currently closed but will reopen in 2021.
The Level Two examination will be held on 28 January 2021 and will take place using Zoom.
Applications for Level Two are now open and will close on 30 November 2020.
Again arrangements are dependant on global circumstances and we will review the situation regularly and advise of any necessary changes to the schedule.
The European Board wishes all of you safety and good health in these difficult times.
Please contact Amanda Cameron if you have any queries or questions.
Level One Examination
The Membership of the European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery (MEBCTS): tests the scope of knowledge, clinical judgement and application of the principles and practice of surgery to the standard expected at the end of National training in the generality of cardiothoracic surgery, ready to commence as an independent specialist.
Level Two Examination
The Fellowship of the European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery (FEBCTS): tests the scope of knowledge, clinical judgement and application of the principles and practice of an autonomous / independently practising surgeon to the standard expected in one or more areas of established sub-specialist practice – adult cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, congenital cardiac surgery.
Syllabus
The EBCTS Syllabus describes the knowledge, skills and behaviours examined in the European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery examinations. The syllabus identifies the breadth of medical knowledge and clinical judgement as learning outcomes required for the Membership and Fellowship examinations of the EBCTS.
Certification
Candidates MUST read the regulations of the European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery before applying to ensure that they are eligible to sit the examination.
Examination Dates
From 2020 the MEBCTS examination will be divided into 2 specialities
Adult Cardiac/Congenital or Thoracic
The examination will be held by Remote Proctoring (2021 dates to be confirmed)
Applications will open in 2021
The FEBCTS examinations
Adult Cardiac, Congenital, Thoracic
28 January 2021
Applications are now open
Application
Applications for the 2021 MEBCTS examination will open in due course.
Applications for the next FEBCTS examination are open until 30 November 2020.