100+ Free ABA Anesthesiology Practice Questions

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Question 1

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According to the 2020 ASA Standards for Basic Anesthetic Monitoring, which of the following is required during every general anesthetic?

Continual evaluation of oxygenation, ventilation, circulation, and temperature

Invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring

Processed EEG (BIS) monitoring in all patients

Transesophageal echocardiography

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ABA Anesthesiology Exam

200

MCQs per Stage (BASIC & ADVANCED)

ABA Exam Specifications

4 hours

BASIC & ADVANCED Exam Length

ABA / Pearson VUE

$4,350+

Total Fees Across 3 Stages

ABA 2026 Fee Schedule

~87%

2024 ADVANCED Pass Rate

ABA Public Pass Rate Data

$339,470

Anesthesiologist Median Wage

BLS SOC 29-1211 Anesthesiologists

10 years

MOCA 2.0 Continuous Cycle

ABA Maintenance of Certification

The ABA (American Board of Anesthesiology) uses a three-stage certification process. BASIC is a 200-question, 4-hour computer-based exam taken at the end of CA-1 (PGY-2), focused on basic sciences of anesthesia (pharmacology, physiology, anatomy, equipment, monitoring) — registration fee approximately $875 standard. ADVANCED is another 200-question, 4-hour Pearson VUE exam taken at the end of residency (CA-3), focused on subspecialty and advanced clinical anesthesia — fee approximately $975, with a 2024 first-time pass rate around 87%. APPLIED is an in-person exam at the ABA Assessment Center in Raleigh, NC, combining two 35-minute Standardized Oral Examination (SOE) sessions and seven 8-minute Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) stations — fee approximately $2,500, total duration about 5.25 hours. All three stages must be passed to earn initial certification; continuing certification is maintained through MOCA 2.0 (continuous 10-year cycle with MOCA Minute, lifelong learning, and quality improvement). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists Anesthesiologists (SOC 29-1211) at a median wage of approximately $339,470, among the highest for any occupation.

Sample ABA Anesthesiology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ABA Anesthesiology exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to the 2020 ASA Standards for Basic Anesthetic Monitoring, which of the following is required during every general anesthetic?

A.Continual evaluation of oxygenation, ventilation, circulation, and temperature

B.Invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring

C.Processed EEG (BIS) monitoring in all patients

D.Transesophageal echocardiography

Explanation: ASA Standards for Basic Anesthetic Monitoring (Standard II) require continual evaluation of the patient's oxygenation (pulse oximetry), ventilation (capnography and a disconnect alarm during mechanical ventilation), circulation (continuous ECG and blood pressure/heart rate at least every 5 minutes), and body temperature when clinically significant changes are intended, anticipated, or suspected. Invasive arterial monitoring, BIS, and TEE are useful in specific situations but are not universally required.

2What is the approximate MAC of sevoflurane in a healthy 40-year-old adult without nitrous oxide?

A.2.0%

B.1.2%

C.6.0%

D.0.75%

Explanation: The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane is approximately 2.0% in a 40-year-old adult at 1 atmosphere without nitrous oxide. Isoflurane MAC is approximately 1.2%, desflurane is approximately 6.0%, and halothane is approximately 0.75%. MAC decreases about 6% per decade after age 40 and is increased by hyperthermia, chronic alcohol use, and hypernatremia.

3A patient develops suspected local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) with seizures and progressive cardiovascular collapse after a large-volume bupivacaine infiltration. In addition to airway and ACLS, what is the recommended initial lipid emulsion therapy?

A.20% lipid emulsion 1.5 mL/kg IV bolus over 2-3 minutes, followed by 0.25 mL/kg/min infusion

B.10% lipid emulsion 3 mL/kg rapid push once

C.20% lipid emulsion 10 mL/kg bolus

D.5% albumin 1 mL/kg bolus

Explanation: ASRA guidelines for LAST recommend 20% lipid emulsion (Intralipid): 1.5 mL/kg lean body mass IV bolus over 2-3 minutes, followed by an infusion of 0.25 mL/kg/min. The bolus can be repeated once or twice for persistent cardiovascular collapse, and the infusion rate can be doubled for persistent hypotension. Maximum dose is approximately 12 mL/kg. Epinephrine doses should be reduced to less than 1 mcg/kg and vasopressin avoided.

4Which induction agent is most likely to cause adrenal suppression, even after a single bolus dose?

A.Etomidate

B.Propofol

C.Ketamine

D.Midazolam

Explanation: Etomidate inhibits 11-beta-hydroxylase in the adrenal cortex, reducing cortisol and aldosterone synthesis. Adrenal suppression has been documented after a single induction bolus and can persist 4-8 hours or longer. For this reason, etomidate infusions are no longer used for sedation, and single-bolus use in septic patients remains controversial. Propofol, ketamine, and midazolam do not cause clinically significant adrenal suppression.

5Sugammadex reverses neuromuscular blockade by which mechanism?

A.Encapsulation of aminosteroid neuromuscular blocking agents (rocuronium, vecuronium)

B.Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase to increase synaptic ACh

C.Direct stimulation of the nicotinic receptor

D.Accelerated renal clearance of the NMB

Explanation: Sugammadex is a modified gamma-cyclodextrin that forms a tight 1:1 complex with aminosteroid NMBs (rocuronium > vecuronium >> pancuronium), removing them from the neuromuscular junction. It does not affect ACh release or acetylcholinesterase. It is ineffective against benzylisoquinolinium agents (cisatracurium, atracurium) and against succinylcholine. Standard doses are 2 mg/kg for moderate block and 4 mg/kg for deep block.

6A Mallampati class III airway assessment corresponds to which visible structures with the tongue maximally protruded?

A.Base of the uvula and soft palate visible; tonsillar pillars and uvula tip NOT visible

B.Soft palate, fauces, uvula, and pillars all visible

C.Only hard palate visible

D.Full uvula, tonsillar pillars, and posterior pharyngeal wall visible

Explanation: Mallampati classification with the patient seated and tongue maximally protruded: Class I — soft palate, uvula, fauces, and pillars visible; Class II — soft palate, fauces, and uvula visible; Class III — soft palate and base of uvula visible; Class IV — only hard palate visible. Class III-IV predicts a higher likelihood of difficult intubation but should always be combined with other airway assessments (thyromental distance, neck mobility, mouth opening).

7Per the ASA 2022 Difficult Airway Algorithm, after failed tracheal intubation in an anesthetized non-emergency patient, which ventilation strategy should be attempted first?

A.Optimized face-mask ventilation and/or supraglottic airway placement

B.Immediate emergency surgical cricothyrotomy

C.Repeated direct laryngoscopy attempts with the same blade

D.Send for ECMO cannulation

Explanation: The 2022 ASA Difficult Airway Algorithm emphasizes limiting laryngoscopy attempts (usually 3, plus one by a more experienced provider) and quickly transitioning to oxygenation via optimized face-mask ventilation and/or supraglottic airway. If the patient can be ventilated, providers may consider waking the patient or proceeding with an alternative intubation technique. Surgical airway (cricothyrotomy) is reserved for the cannot-intubate-cannot-oxygenate (CICO) scenario.

8A 68-year-old presents with suspected malignant hyperthermia after exposure to succinylcholine and sevoflurane. What is the initial dantrolene dose?

A.2.5 mg/kg IV rapid push, repeated as needed up to 10 mg/kg

B.0.25 mg/kg IV over 30 minutes

C.50 mg IM once

D.1 mg/kg PO

Explanation: Malignant hyperthermia treatment per MHAUS: administer dantrolene 2.5 mg/kg IV as a rapid bolus, repeat every 5-10 minutes until signs resolve (typically up to a cumulative 10 mg/kg, though higher may be needed). Other critical steps include discontinuing all triggers, hyperventilating with 100% oxygen at high flows through a vapor-free circuit, active cooling for core temperature above 39°C, treating hyperkalemia/acidosis, and maintaining urine output.

9Which of the following is NOT a recognized trigger for malignant hyperthermia?

A.Propofol

B.Succinylcholine

C.Sevoflurane

D.Desflurane

Explanation: Triggers for malignant hyperthermia are the potent volatile halogenated anesthetics (halothane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane, enflurane) and the depolarizing muscle relaxant succinylcholine. Propofol, nitrous oxide, benzodiazepines, opioids, ketamine, etomidate, dexmedetomidine, local anesthetics, and non-depolarizing NMBs are all considered safe in MH-susceptible patients.

10The formula for cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is:

A.CPP = MAP − ICP (or CVP, whichever is higher)

B.CPP = SBP − DBP

C.CPP = DBP − LVEDP

D.CPP = CO × SVR

Explanation: Cerebral perfusion pressure equals mean arterial pressure minus intracranial pressure (or central venous pressure, whichever is higher, since venous outflow resistance limits flow). Normal CPP is 60-80 mmHg. When ICP is elevated (e.g., traumatic brain injury), the target CPP is generally 60-70 mmHg to balance brain perfusion against worsening edema.

About the ABA Anesthesiology Exam

The American Board of Anesthesiology certification is a three-stage process for physician anesthesiologists: BASIC (end of CA-1, ~200 MCQs on basic sciences), ADVANCED (end of residency CA-3, ~200 MCQs on subspecialty clinical practice), and APPLIED (two 35-minute Standardized Oral Examination sessions plus seven 8-minute Objective Structured Clinical Examination stations). Candidates must complete an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency. ABA-certified anesthesiologists earn a BLS SOC 29-1211 median wage of approximately $339,470.

Questions

200 scored questions

Time Limit

BASIC 4h; ADVANCED 4h; APPLIED 5.25h (SOE + OSCE)

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced pass/fail for each stage (scaled score by ABA standard-setting)

Exam Fee

BASIC ~$875 / ADVANCED ~$975 / APPLIED ~$2,500 (American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) / Pearson VUE)

ABA Anesthesiology Exam Content Outline

BASIC heavy

Pharmacology

Propofol, etomidate, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, volatile anesthetics (MAC values), NMBs and reversal (sugammadex, neostigmine), opioids, local anesthetics and LAST management with 20% Intralipid (1.5 mL/kg bolus + 0.25 mL/kg/min infusion).

BASIC heavy

Physiology

Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP = MAP − ICP), coronary perfusion, cerebral autoregulation (MAP 60-150), hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, pulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt), Frank-Starling, oxygen content (CaO2 = 1.34 × Hgb × SaO2 + 0.003 × PaO2).

~10%

Airway Management

Mallampati classification, Cormack-Lehane grading, 2022 ASA Difficult Airway Algorithm, awake fiberoptic intubation, cricothyrotomy at the cricothyroid membrane, pediatric airway differences.

~15%

Regional Anesthesia

Spinal vs epidural anatomy and mechanics, baricity, brachial plexus blocks (interscalene, supraclavicular), TAP block (T6-L1), ESP block, ultrasound guidance (high-frequency linear probe), post-dural puncture headache.

~10%

Monitoring & Equipment

ASA Standards for Basic Anesthetic Monitoring, capnography, pulse oximetry, TOF ratio ≥ 0.9 before extubation, BIS 40-60 for general anesthesia, TEE indications, anesthesia machine hypoxic guard, fire triad prevention.

~10%

Obstetric Anesthesia

Physiologic changes of pregnancy (FRC decreases 20%, O2 consumption up), preeclampsia with severe features (ACOG 2020), magnesium toxicity, PDPH and epidural blood patch, labor epidural management.

~10%

Pediatric Anesthesia

Weight-based dosing (succinylcholine 2-3 mg/kg in infants), pediatric airway differences, uncuffed ETT size (age/4 + 4), laryngospasm management at Larson's point, malignant hyperthermia.

~12%

Cardiac & Vascular Anesthesia

ASA Physical Status, Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI), drug-eluting stent DAPT timing (6 months before elective surgery), aortic stenosis goals, pulmonary hypertension management, beta-blocker continuation, protamine reactions.

~8%

Critical Care Medicine

ARDSnet low tidal volume ventilation (6 mL/kg PBW, plateau ≤ 30), Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021 hour-1 bundle, vasopressor selection (norepinephrine first-line), massive transfusion 1:1:1 ratio (PROPPR), TRALI vs TACO differentiation.

~10%

Neuroanesthesia & Subspecialties

ICP management, cerebral autoregulation, one-lung ventilation, liver/renal failure NMB choices (cisatracurium preferred in renal failure), myasthenia gravis sensitivity, chronic pain and opioid-tolerant management, ERAS protocols.

~5%

Ethics, Safety & QA

Informed consent, Jehovah's Witness blood management, intraoperative awareness disclosure, OR fire triad, medication labeling (ASTM color codes), SCIP antibiotic timing, normothermia, PONV prevention, MOCA 2.0 continuous certification.

How to Pass the ABA Anesthesiology Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced pass/fail for each stage (scaled score by ABA standard-setting)
Exam length: 200 questions
Time limit: BASIC 4h; ADVANCED 4h; APPLIED 5.25h (SOE + OSCE)
Exam fee: BASIC ~$875 / ADVANCED ~$975 / APPLIED ~$2,500

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ABA Anesthesiology Study Tips from Top Performers

1Follow the ABA content outline exactly — blueprints for BASIC and ADVANCED are publicly available on theaba.org and map directly to the questions you'll see; start there before any third-party resource

2Use question banks daily throughout residency (TrueLearn, BoardVitals, M5, ACE/SEE self-assessments) — 4,000-5,000 total questions is typical for strong BASIC/ADVANCED performance with adequate review of explanations

3Master high-yield numerics — MAC values (sevoflurane 2.0, isoflurane 1.2, desflurane 6.0), Intralipid dose (1.5 mL/kg then 0.25 mL/kg/min), TOF ≥ 0.9 before extubation, RCRI criteria, DES DAPT 6 months, dantrolene 2.5 mg/kg; these facts recur across all three exam stages

4Practice SOE and OSCE early — for the APPLIED Exam, work with attendings in mock orals throughout CA-3 and fellowship; build a systematic framework (preop / intraop / postop / critical events) that you can apply to any case stem

5Integrate rotations with study — during cardiac, OB, peds, regional, and ICU rotations, read focused chapters the same week; Miller's Anesthesia, Barash Clinical Anesthesia, and Stoelting's Anesthesia and Co-existing Disease remain canonical references

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three stages of the ABA anesthesiology exam?

The American Board of Anesthesiology uses a staged certification process: (1) BASIC Exam — a 200-question, 4-hour computer-based test taken at the end of the CA-1 year (PGY-2), focused on the basic sciences of anesthesia; (2) ADVANCED Exam — another 200-question, 4-hour Pearson VUE test taken at the end of residency, focused on subspecialty and advanced clinical practice; (3) APPLIED Exam — a combined Standardized Oral Examination (SOE, two 35-minute sessions) and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE, seven 8-minute stations) taken in person at the ABA Assessment Center in Raleigh, NC after passing ADVANCED.

When is each ABA exam taken during residency?

The BASIC Exam is traditionally administered at the end of the CA-1 year (first year of anesthesiology residency, PGY-2) in summer (June) and fall (November) sittings. The ADVANCED Exam is taken at the end of residency (CA-3, PGY-4). The APPLIED Exam is taken after passing ADVANCED, typically within the first 1-2 years of practice or fellowship. All three exams must generally be passed within 7 years of initial eligibility.

How much do ABA exams cost in 2026?

Fees are approximately: BASIC $875 for standard registration (up to $1,375 for late registration); ADVANCED $975 standard (retake $830); APPLIED $2,500 (covers both SOE and OSCE components). Total cost across all three stages is approximately $4,350-$4,850 if no retakes are required. These fees are set by the ABA and may change annually.

What content is covered on the BASIC Exam?

The BASIC Exam focuses on the scientific basis of clinical anesthesia: pharmacology (induction agents, volatiles, MAC values, NMBs and reversal, opioids, local anesthetics), physiology (cerebral and coronary perfusion, pulmonary shunt, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction), anatomy, anesthesia equipment (machine checks, circuits, vaporizers, hypoxic guard), and monitoring (ASA standards, capnography, TOF). Clinical decision making is tested through standardized single-best-answer MCQs.

What content is covered on the ADVANCED Exam?

The ADVANCED Exam emphasizes subspecialty clinical anesthesia and complex decision making: cardiac, obstetric, pediatric, neurosurgical, thoracic, regional, critical care, and pain medicine. Basic sciences are still represented but less heavily. Expect questions on aortic stenosis management, pulmonary hypertension, coronary stent DAPT timing, massive transfusion (1:1:1 PROPPR), ARDSnet ventilation, sepsis bundles, difficult airway, LAST, malignant hyperthermia, and PDPH.

What is the APPLIED Exam and how is it scored?

The APPLIED Exam is the final step in ABA initial certification. It has two components: (1) Standardized Oral Examination (SOE) — two 35-minute sessions where candidates are presented with a case and asked about intraoperative decisions, emergency management, and perioperative planning; (2) Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) — seven 8-minute stations with 4-minute transitions, assessing communication and professionalism (e.g., informed consent, breaking bad news), technical skills (ultrasound, TEE, echocardiography interpretation, monitor interpretation), and crisis management. Each section has its own pass/fail standard determined through criterion-referenced methodology.

How do I maintain my ABA certification after passing all three exams?

ABA certification is maintained through MOCA 2.0 — Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology — a continuous 10-year cycle with four required parts: Part 1 — Professionalism and Professional Standing (active unrestricted medical license); Part 2 — Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (CME, patient safety); Part 3 — MOCA Minute (weekly online assessment questions that replaced the decennial exam); Part 4 — Improvement in Medical Practice (quality improvement activities). Diplomates pay annual fees and report progress through the ABA portal.

What are the ABA anesthesiology subspecialty certifications?

After initial ABA certification, anesthesiologists may pursue ACGME-accredited fellowship and ABA subspecialty certification in: Pain Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Anesthesiology, Adult Cardiac Anesthesiology, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Sleep Medicine, Neurocritical Care, and Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine. Each subspecialty has its own exam and maintenance requirements. Subspecialty certifications enhance career options and often align with academic appointments or subspecialty practice.