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European Board Certification

What is the FEBS-MBS Exam? Complete Guide for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Candidates

The FEBS-MBS is the European fellowship in metabolic and bariatric surgery. This guide covers the exam, its format, eligibility, the topics tested and how to prepare.

What is FEBS-MBS?

FEBS-MBS is the Fellowship of the European Board of Surgery in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, issued by the UEMS Section of Surgery with IFSO and EAES. It certifies competency across the full bariatric surgical pathway.

The examination provides a harmonised European standard covering patient selection, operative technique, revisional surgery, metabolic physiology and complications.

Exam Format

Written Examination (computer-based)

  • Format: Approximately 120 multiple-choice questions
  • Delivery: Computer-based examination
  • Frequency: Held annually

FEBS-MBS is delivered as a computer-based multiple-choice examination covering the full metabolic and bariatric curriculum.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Specialist qualification: A CCT or national equivalent in general surgery.
  • Active bariatric practice: An active bariatric practice, typically a minimum of 50 primary procedures per year.
  • IFSO or EAES membership: Active membership of IFSO or EAES.

Topic Areas

Indications & Selection

Patient selection criteria and preoperative workup.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Technique, outcomes and complication management.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Technique, outcomes and internal hernia management.

Revisional Surgery

Sleeve-to-bypass, SADI and endoluminal options.

Metabolic Physiology

Mechanisms of metabolic improvement and diabetes remission.

Nutrition & Complications

Micronutrient deficiency patterns after sleeve versus bypass.

Guidelines Tested

  • IFSO position statementsprimary reference for indications and standards
  • EAES guidelinesEuropean bariatric surgical practice
  • ASMBS guidelinesused for comparison; FEBS-MBS is EU-centric

Exam Dates and Application

The FEBS-MBS 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, IFSO and EAES.

Why FEBS-MBS Matters

FEBS-MBS is the recognised European subspecialty credential in metabolic and bariatric surgery, valued by accredited bariatric centres.

Preparation consolidates revisional decision-making and nutritional management — the areas that most differentiate safe, high-volume bariatric practice.

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare for the FEBS Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery exam?

Use IFSO and EAES position statements as your primary references, master revisional decision-making (sleeve-to-bypass vs SADI vs endoluminal options), and know the micronutrient deficiency patterns after sleeve versus bypass. Practise timed MBS questions to build recall speed.

How many FEBS-MBS practice questions are available?

SurgBoardsQ&A offers more than 1,000 metabolic and bariatric surgery practice questions mapped to the FEBS-MBS syllabus, each with a full guideline-referenced explanation.

What is the format of the FEBS-MBS exam?

FEBS-MBS is a computer-based examination of around 120 multiple-choice questions held annually, covering indications, operative technique, revisional surgery, metabolic physiology and complications.

Can I practise bariatric surgery board questions for free?

Yes — 50 FEBS-MBS practice questions are free with no credit card required.

How SurgBoardsQ&A Helps You Prepare

SurgBoardsQ&A provides 1,000+ 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.