Applying for IBCFPRS Certification

To be eligible for certification, a surgeon must:

*Adhere to code of ethics: Possess high moral and ethical standards as determined by, and in the sole discretion of, the IBCFPRS
*Education: Be a graduate of an accredited school of medicine and have completed a graduate medical education program in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery, plastic surgery that includes identifiable training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery  or an accredited MD training program in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The accreditation organization must apply standards equivalent to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
*Licensure: Hold the appropriate valid,  non-restricted licensure in country of residence. Temporary limited license is not acceptable.
*Board Certification: Have earned prior certification in fields of otolaryngology, plastic surgery or an MD in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
*Operate in an accredited facility.
*Experience: Must have been in practice a minimum of two years and demonstrate a primary interest in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery by submitting 100 operative reports accepted by peer reviewed committee.
*Successfully pass the IBCFPRS two-day written and oral examination. 

DETAILED REQUIREMENTS ARE LISTED BEGINNING ON PAGE 9 OF THE IBCFPRS BOOKLET OF INFORMATION

How to Apply

 

The 2026 IBCFPRS Application Cycle is now open.

Candidates who seek certification in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery must have previously completed specialty board certification in otolaryngology, general plastic surgery or and MD in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Candidates apply by completing the application form which may be downloaded through the links below.

IBCFPRS Application 2026
IBCFPRS Booklet 2026

Regular Track

Regular candidates, who have not completed a 12-month fellowship approved by the IFFPSS, may apply for the IBCFPRS program.  Non-fellowship applicants are required to submit a total of 100 operative case reports (50 per year) that have been performed over a 2-year period.  After review and approval of application materials and the two-year surgical case logs and operative reports by the International Board’s Credentials Committee, the candidate may be admitted to sit the International Board exam.  Criteria for completion of certification requirements include passing the written and the oral portions of the International Board exam.

OMFS/MAXFAX Surgeons are now eligible to apply for IBCFPRS certification if they meet eligibility requirements. Click here for more details regarding eligibility or contact Lisa Novitsky at [email protected] or Laurie Wirth at [email protected].

Fellow Track

Fellow candidates will apply for certification after successfully passing the IBCFPRS examination and acquiring two years of eligible practice and experience. For more information regarding registering for the examination as a fellow click here.

Preparing for the IBCFPRS Written and Oral Examinations

Please utilize the link on the ABFPRS website to access suggested preparation materials.

Under the For Physicians menu on the home page of the website www.abfprs.org, scroll down to Preparing for the Exams.  That page will provide you with links to the various preparation resources.