What is the EBOT Interim Exam?

The European Board of Orthopaedics and Traumatology has started an annual assessment for all European Orthopaedic trainees that went on trial in 2011. This event was a great success because EBOT was able for the first time to gather information at European level, that was handed over to both trainees and heads of training, regarding not only the performance of the different residents but also detailed data on how they have been doing in the five different areas assessed at the final EBOT Exam – upper limb, lower limb, spine, children orthopaedics and basic sciences. For the first time, it was possible to get a glimpse on the spectrum of orthopaedic training in Europe at the appropriate time to be able to identify and correct any deficiencies that may exist.

Through the Interim Exam online system, registered users can access a great deal of information on how the different trainees are doing and if any of them need any extra work on a particular section – results can be compared with results within the same country or at a European level both as a registered resident or as the head of training of that particular department. All information given is of course anonymous, will be handled strictly confidential, and is only accessible to registered users.

The purpose of this task is to be able to prepare trainees to the standards of the final EBOT Exam at the end of orthopaedic training. Over the years EBOT and other authorities have been able to identify the weaknesses of some training schemes around Europe and taking this information into consideration, the interim exam – whose main purpose is to identify any gaps of knowledge trainees may have before the final assessment at the end of their orthopaedic residency – was designed. This valuable information will for sure help trainees and departments to improve their skills and hopefully will provide data that is necessary to have a better orthopaedic residency in Europe.

In addition, the EBOT Interim Exam is an excellent opportunity for all candidates who applied and wish to sit the final written exam to get acquainted with the format and prepare accordingly.

EBOT INTERIM EXAM 2024:
Due to the increasing popularity of the exam, it will now run on three consecutive days for different countries. Groups who wish to take the exam on a different day from their allocated country day can contact andybeare@ektimo.net.

The exam will open at 9:00am CET and close at 12 noon CET on each day. Results will be available from 23 March.

Registration will close two days before the respective exam day and the number of candidates per day is restricted. EBOT reserves the right to close the registration earlier if the maximum number is reached.

2024 dates and country partition are:

Day 1: Wednesday, 20 March 2024
Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Republic of North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Day 2: Thursday, 21 March 2024
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary

Day 3: Friday, 22 March 2024
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Romania, Portugal, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Turkey, Other


How to register as hospital or trainee?

Hospitals that have not previously participated in the exam will have to register to be able for its trainees to take part. To do so and become a registered hospital, please contact the EBOT administration office first to receive an official invitation with all necessary requirements. Contact the EBOT Administrator

Trainees in a recognised European Training Scheme Programme at a registered European hospital can register here

Candidates must select a location from the list of locations provided in the online system. If your hospital is not in the list, please ask your head of department or head of training to contact the EBOT administration office at ebotexam@efort.org in order to become a registered hospital.
PLEASE NOTE that you can only register to sit the EBOT Interim Exam if your training hospital is registered. The head of department and/or head of training has to be informed and approve your registration. You CANNOT sit the interim exam at any hospital from the list.

Registration and participation in the EBOT Interim Exam is free of charge for both hospitals and candidates thanks to sponsoring from EFORT and UEMS.