The written section will consist of 100 multiple choice questions (MCQs) in the single correct answer format. It can be taken as an online proctored exam or onsite in different examination centres in Europe. Please specify your chosen form when you apply for it. This exam will take place on June 2, 2026. Applicants need to pass Part 1 to sit Part 2.

Who can sit the Written Exam?

• Certified specialists in Orthopaedics and Traumatology that are European citizens, including Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom & new countries joining the European Union (EU) as well as associate members of the UEMS (Turkey, Croatia and Israel).
• Certified specialists in Orthopaedics and Traumatology that are non-European citizens but are currently working in a European country.
• Last-year trainees in a European Orthopaedics and Traumatology Scheme Programme.
• Certified specialists in Orthopaedics and Traumatology that are non-European citizens and are not currently working in a European country will only be accepted upon submission of strict requisites and acceptance from the EBOT Reviewing Committee.

PLEASE NOTE that trainees will not be able to take Part 2 of the EBOT examination until they have passed their national exam and obtained a certificate of full qualification as an orthopaedic surgeon from their national authority (EU Orthopaedic society).

PLEASE NOTE that applicants from the UK and Ireland having been trained outside of Europe will need to have worked at a Registrar level in the UK or Ireland for a minimum of 3 years before being eligible to sit the exam.

PLEASE NOTE that non-European applicants not working in a European country at the moment will not be able to sit Part 2 of the EBOT Exam. They will receive a Certificate of Basic Knowledge upon successful passing of Part 1 of the EBOT Exam.

Requirements for EU citizens:

Certified Specialists:

• Citizenship of the European Union (EU) countries, also including Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom & new countries joining the European Union (EU) as well as associate members of UEMS (Turkey, Croatia and Israel). Please provide copy of passport or ID card.
• Certificate of full qualification as an orthopaedic surgeon from the national authority proving your status as registered O&T specialist in your country.
• Reference letter from your supervisor or the head of department where you are currently working (in English), stating your professional status including the confirmation that you hold the certification as an O&T specialist.

Trainees in their final year of training in a recognised European Training Scheme Programme:

• Two structured references (in English):
  1. from the Head of Training or Department at the hospital
  2. from the orthopaedic surgeon responsible for your training
  Please note that the structured reference forms are available on the EBOT website and have to be uploaded in order to complete your application.
• Copy of passport or ID card.

Requirements for non-European citizens:

• Certificate of registration as a specialist orthopaedic surgeon from the national registration authority in the country in which it was obtained. An English translation is required if coming from a non-European country.
• Structured reference from your supervisor or the Head of Department where you are currently working stating (in English) your professional status including the confirmation that you hold the certification as an O&T specialist.
• Completed Orthopaedic training: Department, city, country. Description of training. Head of Department letter confirming training (in English).
• Exit exam of Orthopaedic training: date, outcome, country. Official validation (University, Ministry of Health) with English translation.
• Authorization to practice Orthopaedic Surgery: Orthopaedic surgery specialist certificate (issued by competent authority) with English translation.
• Affiliation to Orthopaedic Association: name of the association, country, membership certificate issued by association with English translation.

Application process:

Phase 1 – application:

• The opening date for the application for EBOT Exam Part 1 – Written exam will be March 9, 2026.
• The closing date for the application for EBOT Exam Part 1 – Written exam will be April 8, 2026. Please note that no applications will be accepted after closing date and that applicants are responsible for timely obtaining and uploading the required documents.
• Applicants will enter the portal and complete all of the information required, making sure they upload the pertinent documents for their specific circumstance (EU citizen, last-year trainee EU citizen, non-EU citizen working in EU country, or non-EU citizen not working in EU country).

PLEASE NOTE that all resit candidates for the written part must go through the online application procedure again so that the data can be processed. Resit candidates may reuse their previously submitted documentation. However, an updated proof of employment must be provided.

During this phase, applicants will be asked whether they choose to take the exam online or onsite. Please, consider this question carefully, as it will require a different registration process.

Phase 2 – registration:

• Upon approval of the documentation added, applicants will receive an email with instructions for what to do for their registration.
• After the payment portion is completed, applicants will receive a receipt and further instructions about what to do on their exam day. Please keep this information for referral on the day of the exam.

NOTE: In the weeks following the written exam, candidates will receive an email with their exam results and a Certificate of Basic Knowledge if they have been successful. Also, for successful candidates, an invitation to register for EBOT Exam Part 2 – Oral Exam will be sent to their inbox.

PLEASE NOTE that last-year trainee applicants and non-European citizens not working in a European country applicants won’t be invited to sit EBOT Exam Part 2 – Oral exam as explained before.

Withdrawing from the Examination:

Candidates may withdraw from the written part by cancelling their appointment with the exam provider directly, adding ebotexam@efort.org on copy to their email. Subject to adhering to the general rules and conditions outlined when booking the seat/online slot, the exam fee will be reimbursed.