If you’re a medical resident planning to take the EBO Exam, this guide will help you navigate the registration process.
EBO Exam - General Information
Exam Schedule
The EBO Exam is typically held twice a year:
Spring Exam: around May
Autumn Exam: around September
Exam Formats
Online Spring Exam: Proctored via a remote system. Candidates must ensure their devices and internet connection meet the technical requirements.
In-person Autumn Exam: Conducted in Berlin with MCQs on tablets and clinical cases (CC) assessed face-to-face. Seats are limited, so early registration is essential.
Both formats are entirely in English and include:
Multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Single-choice questions.
Standardized clinical cases (CC).
EBO Exam - Registration for specialists
Specialists in Ophthalmology are eligible to sit the EBO Exam if they meet the following criteria:
Eligibility
Must be a certified Specialist in Ophthalmology in one of the eligible countries (EU, Norway, Switzerland, or Turkey).
Certification as a Specialist must be complete at the time of application.
Approval from your country’s EBO National Delegate will be confirmed during the application process (you do not need to contact them).
Steps to Apply
Prepare Documents:
Passport-style photo (JPEG).
Specialist certification (e.g., for German applicants).
CV (e.g., required for French and Spanish applicants).
Complete Application:
Apply online through the official EBO website.
Upload required documents during the process.
Pay the Exam Fee:
€500 (non-refundable).
After the Exam
Upon passing, you will be granted the FEBO diploma by your National Delegate.
EBO Exam - Registration for residents
Residents in their final year of training can also apply for the EBO Exam.
Eligibility
Must be in thee last year of residency at the time of the exam.
Training must take place in an eligible country (EU, Norway, Switzerland, or Turkey).
Approval is required from:
Your Head of Department (via an approval letter).
One of the EBO National Delegates (EBO will handle this part).
Steps to Apply
Prepare Documents:
Passport-style photo (JPEG).
Approval letter from your Head of Department. Sample letter here.
Country-specific documents:
Spain: CV (Residents) or CV + Specialist Diploma (Specialists).
UK: Training number and Deanery (Residents) or GMC Specialist Registration Number (Specialists).
Ireland: Proof of passing MRCSI (Residents).
Complete Application:
Apply online through the official EBO website.
Upload all required documents.
Pay the Exam Fee:
€500 (non-refundable).
Reduced fee (€300) available for Residents from EBO-accredited centers.
Temporary Certification
If successful, you’ll receive a temporary certificate.
After obtaining your Specialist certification, present proof to your National Delegate to receive the FEBO diploma.
EBO Exam - Country-Specific Information for Registration
Depending on your country of training or practice, there may be additional requirements when registering for the EBO Exam. Here is an overview of specific instructions for applicants from various countries.
Carefully review the eligibility criteria for your country.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact the EBO office or consult with your National Delegate.
Estonia
Residents in their final year of training can apply if:
Approved by the Head of Department.
Approved by one of the two EBO National Delegates.
France
Specialists: Must upload a copy of their CV during the application process.
Germany
Specialists: Must upload a copy of their Specialist certification during the application process.
Ireland
Residents in their fourth year of training or later are eligible to apply, provided:
They have passed the MRCSI exam.
They have trained for at least four years in an eligible country (EU, Norway, Switzerland, or Turkey).
Approval is provided by one of the two EBO National Delegates and the Head of Department.
Passing the EBO Exam is required to apply for inclusion in the Specialist Division of the Irish Medical Council.
Lithuania
Residents in their final year of training can apply if:
Approved by the Head of Department.
Approved by one of the two EBO National Delegates.
Spain
Residents: Must upload their CV during the application process.
Specialists: Must upload both their CV and Specialist Diploma.
Switzerland
Residents in their final year of training must apply through the Swiss Society of Ophthalmology (SOG).
United Kingdom
Residents:
Must have completed four years of training in the UK.
Required to upload their training number and Deanery approval.
Specialists:
Must be on the GMC Specialist Register.
Required to upload their GMC Specialist Registration Number during application.
European countries eligible to sit the EBO exam:
Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia | Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Latvia | Lithuania Luxembourg Malta The Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania | Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland (see section above) Turkey United Kingdom |
General Tips for Country-Specific Requirements
Apply Early: Especially for the in-person Autumn Exam, as seats are limited.
Check Deadlines: Mark them in your calendar to avoid missing the application window.
Stay Organized: Gather all required documents before applications open.
Respond Promptly: Answer all emails from EBO to avoid application delays or cancellations.
Check for Discounts: Residents from EBO-accredited centers may qualify for reduced fees.
For more details or questions, visit the official EBO website or contact ebo@ebo-online.org. Their team is helpful and can guide you through the process.
Good luck with your application!
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