Back to Resources

European Board Certification

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

The FEBS Endocrine Surgery examination is the European fellowship in endocrine surgery. This guide covers the exam, its format, eligibility, the topics tested and how to prepare.

What is FEBS Endocrine Surgery?

FEBS Endocrine Surgery is the Fellowship of the European Board of Surgery in Endocrine Surgery, issued by the UEMS Section of Surgery with the European Society of Endocrine Surgeons (ESES). It certifies competency across thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and neuroendocrine surgical disease.

The examination is based on the ESES curriculum and provides a harmonised European standard for endocrine surgeons, tested across both the written and oral components.

Exam Format

Part 1 — Written Examination

  • Format: Approximately 100 multiple-choice questions
  • Scope: Thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, NET and MEN syndromes
  • Frequency: Held annually

Part 2 — Oral / Viva Examination

  • Format: Structured clinical case discussion
  • Content: Genetics, localisation and operative decision-making
  • Prerequisite: Pass the written component first

Eligibility Requirements

  • Specialist qualification: A CCT or national equivalent in general surgery.
  • Endocrine subspecialty practice: Documented subspecialty endocrine surgical practice and case volume.
  • ESES membership: Active membership of the European Society of Endocrine Surgeons.

Topic Areas

Thyroid Cancer

ATA risk stratification, extent of surgery, lymph node management and radioiodine.

Parathyroid Disease

Primary hyperparathyroidism, localisation studies and minimally invasive surgery.

Adrenal Surgery

Adrenal masses, pheochromocytoma and preoperative alpha-blockade protocols.

Neuroendocrine Tumours

Pancreatic and GI NETs, functional syndromes and surgical indications.

MEN Syndromes

MEN1 and MEN2 genetics, RET codon-phenotype correlations and prophylactic surgery.

Benign Thyroid

Goitre, Graves disease and indications for surgery.

Guidelines Tested

  • ATA Guidelinesthyroid nodule and cancer management
  • ESES position statementsEuropean standards for endocrine surgery
  • ESMO Guidelinesneuroendocrine tumour management
  • AJCC 8th Edition TNMstaging for endocrine malignancy

Exam Dates and Application

The FEBS Endocrine examination is held annually through the UEMS Section of Surgery. Applications open in advance; confirm the current schedule, fees and eligibility with UEMS and ESES.

Why FEBS Endocrine Matters

FEBS Endocrine is the recognised European subspecialty credential in endocrine surgery and is referenced by high-volume endocrine units across Europe.

Preparation consolidates the genetics, biochemistry and operative nuance — from RET codon correlations to pheochromocytoma optimisation — that distinguish safe endocrine practice.

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare for the FEBS Endocrine Surgery exam?

Master ATA risk stratification and the extent-of-surgery debate in thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma preoperative preparation, and the RET codon-to-phenotype correlations in MEN2. Practise timed questions and rehearse MEN1/MEN2 scenarios for the oral component.

How many FEBS Endocrine practice questions are available?

SurgBoardsQ&A provides more than 1,300 endocrine surgery practice questions mapped to the FEBS Endocrine syllabus, each with a detailed, guideline-referenced explanation.

What topics does the FEBS Endocrine exam cover?

The exam covers thyroid cancer, parathyroid disease and hyperparathyroidism, adrenal surgery including pheochromocytoma, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours with the MEN syndromes.

Is there a free FEBS Endocrine question bank?

Yes — start with 50 free endocrine surgery practice questions, no credit card required.

How SurgBoardsQ&A Helps You Prepare

SurgBoardsQ&A provides 1,300+ 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.