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.

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.

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.