TSDA In-Training Exam

2026 TSDA In-Training Exam (TSITE)
Saturday, February 7, 2026 through Saturday, February 14, 2026
New: Programs may schedule the exam for any day or days February 7-14, 2026, inclusive.

The TSDA In-Training Exam (TSITE), held annually in February, March, or April, is designed to assess the general thoracic and cardiac surgery knowledge of current residents.

The 2026 TSDA-ITE will be offered Saturday, February 7, 2026 through Saturday, February 14, 2026, inclusive, on the date(s) of the program’s discretion. Registration will open in mid-January 2026.

Please read the General Information Sheet for registration, payment, and exam day information.

Exam Goals
The goals of the exam are to prepare cardiothoracic surgery residents and fellows for the written portion of the ABTS certifying examination; to help residency program directors gauge the knowledge base of their residents; and to determine whether residents possess the knowledge and cognitive skills for safe and effective performance in the profession. The TSDA ITE Committee is charged with creating the highest quality exam possible to ensure that all residents are appropriately knowledgeable for their level of training.

Registration
The fee for the 2026 ITE is $400 per test taker in the U.S. and Canada, and $525 per test taker outside the U.S. or Canada. In addition to cardiothoracic surgery residents, programs are also welcome to register general surgery residents, research fellows, etc.

The Oasis site only accepts credit cards in order to process payments for exam registration fees. Checks will not be accepted. Please plan accordingly so you are prepared to pay by credit card for each test-taker at the time of registration.

Exam Format
The 2026 TSITE will consist of 160 questions equally divided between general thoracic and cardiac surgery. The TSITE is offered only as a computer-based exam at the program site and is to be completed within a five-hour period once the test is launched (at the Program Director’s discretion). Examination questions are provided in random order for each examinee.

2026 TSDA-ITE Materials
TSITE General Information and Instructions.2026
TSITE Letter of Agreement.2026
(Click here for information about the Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellow In-Training Exam.)

 Questions?
TSDA Headquarters, tsda@tsda.org or 312-202-5854
Brittany Walker, TSDA Coordinator, bwalker@sts.org, 312-202-6121
Adam Doty, Executive Director, adoty@sts.org, 312-202-5802