American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Consumers
 
  1. Education
  2. Events

Event Menu

Home Pricing Accreditation Technical Requirements L³E: Aesthetic In-Service
Register Now

In-Service Exam for Surgeons

The 2026 In-Service Examination provides the most current information on the core curriculum of plastic surgery. The exam offers surgeons in practice the opportunity to challenge themselves and assess their knowledge of the entire scope of plastic surgery. Relevant questions in basic science will be included in each of the five categories. Surgeons have the flexibility to take two, three, four or five modules of this exam, with each section scored independently. A minimum passing score of 30% has been set for this activity.

In-Service Exam Highlights

  • The exam consists of 250 questions covering the following areas: Comprehensive, Hand/Extremities, Craniomaxillofacial, Cosmetic/Breast, Core Surgical Principles
  • Each section successfully completed is worth 7.5 credits for a total of up to 37.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
  • The exam window is open April 8, 2026, through June 3, 2026

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Identify the most up-to-date information on the core curriculum of plastic surgery
  • Assess your base knowledge in the five clinical component areas
  • Establish a benchmark for areas of focus needing further concentrated educational efforts
  • Attend appropriate educational activities based upon self-assessment evaluation

NOTE: Access to post-exam materials includes the Surgeon's Normative Table and the In-Service Exam Rationales & References Guide, which are made available via the exam site dashboard upon finalization of the exam.

For Your Aesthetic Practice!

The Life-Long Learning Exercise (L3E): 2026 Aesthetic In-Service is our aesthetic-only self-assessment, available to all 2026 In-Service Exam participants at a special reduced price. This activity provides specific focus on the cosmetic subspecialty and will include:

  • 200 aesthetic surgery questions
  • Eligible for up to 30 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ with a minimum passing score
  • The exam window is open June 10, 2026, through August 5, 2026
  • Special pricing available when purchased with the 2026 In-Service Exam

Click here to purchase the In-Service Exam with the L3E Add-on and save!



Register Now

ISE Important Dates & Pricing

February 27
Early registration deadline
Member: $495
Non-Member: $595

April 7
Standard registration deadline
Member: $555
Non-Member: $655

April 8
ISE testing window opens

June 2
Late registration deadline
Member: $595
Non-Member: $695
Final date to cancel or withdraw, no further refunds or credits will be considered beyond this date

June 3
In-Service Exam testing window closes
Exam period ends at 11:59 PM local time

Valid until June 2: Bundle ISE and L3E exams registration for the following discounted pricing
L3E Add-On for ISE (Member): $224
L3E Add-On for ISE (Non-Member): $324