In order to be eligible for American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) certification, candidates must fulfill all residency requirements of the ABTS in force at the time their applications are received.

Candidates for certification must successfully complete a six-year integrated residency in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery in a program accredited by the ACGME's Review Committee on Thoracic Surgery (RRC-TS). Residents must have 12 months of continuous senior responsibility, satisfactory performance on ABTS exams, a full and unrestricted medical license, and ethical and moral standing in their profession.

Education and adequate operative experience in both general thoracic surgery and cardiac surgery are essential parts of approved thoracic surgery residency programs, irrespective of the area of thoracic surgery in which a candidate may choose to practice.