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European Board Certification

What is the FEBS Breast Surgery Exam? Complete Guide for Candidates

The FEBS Breast Surgery examination is the European fellowship in breast surgery. This guide explains the exam, its format, eligibility, the topics and trials tested, and how to prepare.

What is FEBS Breast Surgery?

FEBS Breast Surgery is the Fellowship of the European Board of Surgery in Breast Surgery, issued by the UEMS Section of Surgery with ESSO and EUSOMA. It certifies competency in oncological and oncoplastic breast practice.

The examination is built on the EUSOMA and ESSO breast curricula, providing a harmonised European standard across breast cancer surgery, axillary management and reconstruction.

Exam Format

Part 1 — Written Examination

  • Format: Approximately 100 multiple-choice questions
  • Scope: Breast cancer surgery, oncoplastics, systemic therapy
  • Frequency: Held annually

Part 2 — Oral / Viva Examination

  • Format: Structured clinical case discussion
  • Content: Axillary management, reconstruction and MDT decisions
  • Prerequisite: Pass the written component first

Eligibility Requirements

  • Specialist qualification: A CCT or national equivalent in general surgery.
  • Breast subspecialty practice: Subspecialty breast surgical practice in a recognised multidisciplinary breast unit.
  • Professional standing: Membership of, or sponsorship by, ESSO or EUSOMA with evidence of breast MDT activity.

Topic Areas

Breast Cancer Surgery

Breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy and margin principles.

Axillary Management

Sentinel node biopsy, ACOSOG Z0011 and AMAROS decision-making.

Oncoplastic Techniques

Level I/II oncoplasty, volume displacement versus replacement.

Reconstruction

Implant-based and autologous reconstruction, timing and patient selection.

Systemic Therapy Decisions

Neoadjuvant indications and SLNB after neoadjuvant therapy.

Benign Breast Disease

Risk lesions, high-risk pathology and screening context.

Guidelines Tested

  • ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelinesbreast cancer staging and systemic therapy
  • NCCN Guidelinessupplementary breast cancer reference
  • ACOSOG Z0011 & AMAROS trialsaxillary management evidence base
  • EUSOMA standardsbreast unit and quality requirements

Exam Dates and Application

The FEBS Breast examination is held annually through the UEMS Section of Surgery. Applications open ahead of each sitting; confirm the current schedule, fees and eligibility with UEMS, ESSO and EUSOMA.

Why FEBS Breast Matters

FEBS Breast is the recognised European subspecialty credential in breast surgery, valued by breast units operating to EUSOMA standards.

Preparation embeds the axillary and oncoplastic evidence base — the exact areas where practice has changed most and where examiners test candidates hardest.

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare for the FEBS Breast Surgery exam?

Know the ACOSOG Z0011 and AMAROS axillary management criteria precisely, the oncoplastic level I/II classification, and where ESMO and NCCN diverge on sentinel node biopsy after neoadjuvant therapy. Practise timed questions across both the written and oral formats.

How many FEBS Breast practice questions are available?

SurgBoardsQ&A offers more than 870 breast surgery practice questions mapped to the FEBS Breast syllabus, each with a full guideline-referenced explanation.

What topics does the FEBS Breast exam cover?

The exam covers breast cancer surgery, oncoplastic and reconstructive techniques, axillary staging and management, systemic therapy decision-making, and benign breast disease.

Can I try FEBS Breast questions for free?

Yes — 50 breast surgery practice questions are free with no credit card required.

How SurgBoardsQ&A Helps You Prepare

SurgBoardsQ&A provides 870+ practice questions mapped to the exam syllabus, each with a detailed explanation and guideline citation.

Start practising

50 questions free, no credit card required. Filter by board, topic, or difficulty. Explanations cite ESMO and NCCN.