100+ Free ABOHNS Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology Practice Questions
Pass your ABOHNS Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology (CPO) Subspecialty Certification Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
A newborn in the NICU has episodic cyanosis relieved by crying. Flexible fiberoptic examination cannot pass a 6-French catheter through either nasal cavity. Which is the diagnosis and which syndrome should be considered?
Key Facts: ABOHNS Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology Exam
October 8, 2026
2026 CPO Exam Date
ABOHNS Upcoming Exam Dates 2025-2026
$3,125
Exam Fee (2025)
2025 CPO Exam application launch
100%
2025 Pass Rate
CPO Exam administered November 3, 2025
2030
Practice Pathway Closes
After 2030 CPO Exam (entry by Oct 1, 2026)
7 years
Eligibility Window
After ACGME fellowship completion
ACGME
Fellowship Required
Training Pathway — pediatric otolaryngology fellowship
The ABOHNS CPO Exam is the subcertification exam for pediatric otolaryngology fellowship graduates — content covers pediatric airway reconstruction (subglottic stenosis with Myer-Cotton, LTR/CTR, slide tracheoplasty), neonatal airway (laryngomalacia, choanal atresia/CHARGE, Pierre Robin, CHAOS with EXIT), pediatric OSA (oAHI >1, adenotonsillectomy, DISE, Inspire for Down syndrome ≥13), cochlear implantation ≥9 months, congenital neck masses (Sistrunk, branchial anomalies), and pediatric oncology (RMS, JNA, HL). 2026 CPO Exam: October 8, 2026 at Pearson VUE. Fee: $3,125 (2025). 2025 pass rate: 100%. Applications due May 4, 2026.
Sample ABOHNS Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your ABOHNS Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A newborn in the NICU has episodic cyanosis relieved by crying. Flexible fiberoptic examination cannot pass a 6-French catheter through either nasal cavity. Which is the diagnosis and which syndrome should be considered?
2A 3-month-old presents with inspiratory stridor worse when supine and during feeding, present since 2 weeks of life but without cyanosis or failure to thrive. Flexible laryngoscopy shows short aryepiglottic folds, omega-shaped epiglottis, and supraglottic collapse on inspiration. Diagnosis?
3An ex-premature infant previously intubated for 3 weeks presents with biphasic stridor. Airway endoscopy confirms subglottic stenosis with 60% luminal narrowing. Per the Myer-Cotton grading system, this is:
4A 4-year-old with severe Myer-Cotton Grade III subglottic stenosis presents for definitive airway reconstruction. Which surgical option is most appropriate for complete circumferential severe SGS?
5A 2-year-old with complete tracheal rings and pulmonary artery sling has long-segment tracheal stenosis (>30% of trachea). Which procedure is preferred for this anomaly?
6A 6-year-old child presents with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) — papillomatous lesions of the true vocal folds causing dysphonia and stridor. Which HPV types are most commonly implicated?
7A 6-year-old with sleep-disordered breathing symptoms has 4+ tonsillar hypertrophy with an AHI of 12 on polysomnography. Per AAP/AAO-HNS pediatric OSA guidelines, what AHI threshold is considered abnormal in children?
8A child with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea continues to have residual OSA after adenotonsillectomy. The family is struggling with CPAP compliance. What is the next step?
9A newborn with a large cervical mass causing respiratory compromise and difficult intubation. Prenatal US had shown polyhydramnios. Which intrapartum management strategy is appropriate?
10A 3-year-old has bilateral profound congenital SNHL and is being evaluated for cochlear implantation. Current FDA and AAO-HNS practice allows pediatric CI at what age threshold?
About the ABOHNS Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology Exam
The ABOHNS Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology (CPO) Subspecialty Certification Examination validates expertise in the medical and surgical care of children with complex otolaryngologic disorders and/or common otolaryngologic disorders in children with complex comorbidities. CPO subspecialists often work in tertiary pediatric facilities within interdisciplinary teams (NICU, cleft/craniofacial, tumor boards). The 2026 CPO Exam is scheduled for October 8, 2026. Training Pathway eligibility updated in 2026 — candidates may take the exam after ACGME fellowship and passing the ABOHNS Written Exam (primary certification still required for full subcertification). The Practice Pathway closes after the 2030 CPO Exam.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
Computer-based written exam (~1-day administration at Pearson VUE)
Passing Score
Criterion-referenced scaled passing standard set by ABOHNS
Exam Fee
$3,125 (2025); late fee $1,875 applies after deadline (American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABOHNS))
ABOHNS Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology Exam Content Outline
Neonatal Airway / Congenital Airway
Choanal atresia (CHARGE/CHD7 — bilateral is neonatal emergency), laryngomalacia (most common cause of congenital stridor — supraglottoplasty if severe), Pierre Robin sequence with mandibular distraction osteogenesis, CHAOS with EXIT procedure and tracheostomy, tracheomalacia (aortopexy/tracheopexy), congenital laryngeal webs with 22q11 association, bronchogenic cysts.
Airway Reconstruction
Subglottic stenosis (Myer-Cotton grading I-IV), laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR — anterior ± posterior cricoid cartilage grafts, single-stage vs staged), cricotracheal resection (CTR) for severe SGS, slide tracheoplasty for complete tracheal rings and pulmonary artery sling, supraglottoplasty technique (AE fold division + supra-arytenoid mucosa excision), bilateral vocal fold paralysis management, posterior laryngeal cleft (Benjamin-Inglis).
Pediatric OSA & Sleep
Pediatric OSA thresholds (oAHI >1 abnormal, mild 1-5, moderate 5-10, severe >10), adenotonsillectomy per AAO-HNSF 2019 CPG as first-line, residual OSA in high-risk children (Down syndrome, obesity, craniofacial — up to 70%), drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) with VOTE classification, multi-level sleep surgery (supraglottoplasty, lingual tonsillectomy, posterior midline glossectomy), hypoglossal nerve stimulation (Inspire) FDA-approved for Down syndrome ≥13 years with AHI 10-50 and BMI <35, post-obstructive pulmonary edema after T&A.
Pediatric Otitis / Otology / Hearing
AAO-HNSF 2022 tympanostomy tube CPG (Paradise criteria ≥3/6mo or ≥4/12mo recurrent AOM with MEE; chronic bilateral OME ≥3mo with hearing concern), acute coalescent mastoiditis, subperiosteal abscess, intracranial complications (meningitis, lateral sinus thrombosis, Bezold), cholesteatoma (congenital vs acquired, tympanomastoidectomy), pediatric facial palsy differential (Bell, Lyme, AOM, cholesteatoma), congenital SNHL genetics (GJB2 most common, Pendred/SLC26A4 with EVA, Usher with RP, Alport, MT-RNR1), congenital CMV with valganciclovir.
Pediatric Cochlear Implantation
Pediatric CI candidacy ≥9 months (FDA 2020 Cochlear, 2023 MED-EL), ideal implantation 12-18 months for language outcomes, Down syndrome CI with increased inner ear malformation risk, cochlear nerve aplasia with ABI (expanded to pediatric non-NF2), ANSD with OTOF mutations (excellent CI outcomes), single-sided deafness CI (FDA 2019), simultaneous bilateral CI, EAS/hybrid, pneumococcal vaccination for meningitis risk, MRI compatibility, device mapping (T/C levels, ECAP, device failures).
Pediatric Tonsillectomy / Pharynx
AAO-HNSF 2019 tonsillectomy CPG (Paradise criteria for recurrent tonsillitis: ≥7/year, ≥5/y×2yr, or ≥3/y×3yr with documented episodes), PFAPA syndrome (tonsillectomy highly effective and often curative), post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (3-5%, primary vs secondary), adenoidectomy indications, peritonsillar abscess, retropharyngeal abscess (<5yr), Ludwig angina with airway priority, epiglottitis (reduced by Hib vaccine), croup vs bacterial tracheitis (Staph aureus), lingual tonsillectomy for residual OSA.
Congenital Neck Masses / Head & Neck
Thyroglossal duct cyst (most common midline, Sistrunk procedure), second branchial cleft anomaly (most common branchial), pyriform sinus fistula (3rd/4th branchial — endoscopic cauterization), first branchial cleft anomaly (Work classification, facial nerve involvement), dermoid cyst, nasal dermoid with intracranial extension (MRI essential), lingual thyroid (evaluate function before excision), ranula (sublingual gland excision), vascular anomalies — infantile hemangioma with propranolol first-line, PHACES syndrome, beard-distribution with subglottic hemangioma, lymphatic malformation (sclerotherapy, sirolimus for PIK3CA).
Pediatric Oncology / Rare Tumors
Rhabdomyosarcoma (embryonal better prognosis, alveolar worse with PAX-FOXO1, parameningeal sites, VAC chemotherapy, multimodal management), JNA (adolescent males, biopsy contraindicated, preoperative embolization + endoscopic resection, Radkowski staging), Hodgkin lymphoma (Reed-Sternberg, ABVD), NTM lymphadenitis (surgical excision > antibiotics), cat-scratch disease (Bartonella henselae), pilomatrixoma.
Pediatric Sinus / Cleft / Ear Anomalies
Pediatric CRS (adenoidectomy first-line surgical, FESS for refractory/CF/PCD), cystic fibrosis with CFTR modulators (elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor), primary ciliary dyskinesia (Kartagener syndrome with situs inversus), orbital complications (Chandler I-V, subperiosteal abscess endoscopic drainage), cleft lip/palate timing (rule of 10s — lip at 3mo, palate 9-18mo), VPI management (Furlow Z-plasty, sphincter pharyngoplasty, pharyngeal flap), 22q11 carotid medialization before pharyngeal surgery, microtia + aural atresia with Jahrsdoerfer scoring (≥7 favorable), BAHA softband for bilateral atresia infants.
How to Pass the ABOHNS Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Criterion-referenced scaled passing standard set by ABOHNS
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: Computer-based written exam (~1-day administration at Pearson VUE)
- Exam fee: $3,125 (2025); late fee $1,875 applies after deadline
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
ABOHNS Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ABOHNS Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology (CPO) Exam?
The ABOHNS CPO Subspecialty Exam is a computer-based multiple-choice exam administered by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Pearson VUE. It validates subspecialty expertise in the care of children with complex otolaryngologic disorders — pediatric airway reconstruction, neonatal airway, pediatric OSA, cochlear implantation, congenital anomalies, and pediatric head and neck oncology. Candidates typically complete an ACGME-accredited 1-2 year pediatric otolaryngology fellowship.
When is the 2026 CPO Exam and how do I apply?
The 2026 CPO Exam is scheduled for October 8, 2026 at Pearson VUE test centers. Key dates: Applications open March 2026, due May 4, 2026. Exam authorization letters arrive mid-July 2026. Pearson VUE site selection deadline is October 1, 2026. The application portal is accessed via Physician Log-in on the ABOHNS website.
What are the 2026 eligibility updates for the CPO Exam?
Starting 2026, Training Pathway candidates may take the CPO Exam after completing an ACGME-accredited pediatric otolaryngology fellowship and passing the ABOHNS Written Exam (no longer must wait for full primary certification). Candidates completing fellowship on June 30, 2026 would be eligible for the October 8, 2026 exam if they already passed the Written Exam. Full CPO subcertification still requires ABOHNS primary certification plus passing the subspecialty exam. The eligibility window is 7 years from fellowship completion.
What are the Training Pathway and Practice Pathway for CPO?
Training Pathway: ACGME-accredited pediatric otolaryngology fellowship with ABOHNS primary certification — typical pathway for fellowship graduates. Practice Pathway (closes after 2030 CPO Exam): for practicing otolaryngologists with (1) ABOHNS primary certification; (2) 4 consecutive years of CPO clinical practice at a facility with NICU Level III; (3) 100 qualifying cases; (4) ≥12 multidisciplinary activities per year (cleft/palate clinic, VPI clinic, craniofacial clinic, NICU rounds, tumor boards). Candidates must enter into Practice Pathway criteria by October 1, 2026 to qualify for the Fall 2030 exam.
What is the pass rate for the CPO Exam?
The 2025 CPO Exam (administered November 3, 2025) had a 100% pass rate. Historical pass rates have been high. ABOHNS uses criterion-referenced scaled passing standards (modified Angoff) — candidates are measured against content-expert-defined competence.
What is the exam fee and application deadline?
The 2025 CPO Exam fee was $3,125 (non-refundable application and exam fee). Late fee of $1,875 applies for applications received after the deadline. For the 2026 CPO Exam, applications are due May 4, 2026; applications received or completed after this deadline will not be accepted and will require application for a subsequent administration.
What are the highest-yield topics on the CPO Exam?
Highest-yield topics: Myer-Cotton subglottic stenosis grading (I-IV) with appropriate management; laryngomalacia and supraglottoplasty indications; choanal atresia with CHARGE syndrome (CHD7); pediatric OSA thresholds (oAHI >1) with AAO-HNSF 2019 tonsillectomy CPG (Paradise criteria); AAO-HNSF 2022 tympanostomy tube CPG; cochlear implantation pediatric candidacy ≥9 months; ANSD with OTOF mutations (excellent CI outcomes); cochlear nerve aplasia requiring ABI; infantile hemangioma treated with propranolol (including subglottic hemangiomas in beard-distribution); thyroglossal duct cyst (Sistrunk); branchial anomalies; rhabdomyosarcoma multimodal therapy; JNA in adolescent males; Down syndrome CI and OSA (Inspire ≥13 years).
How should I study for the CPO Exam?
Use a 6-12 month structured plan during or after pediatric otolaryngology fellowship. Focus on: (1) AAO-HNSF pediatric CPGs — tonsillectomy 2019 (Paradise criteria), tympanostomy tubes 2022; (2) pediatric airway reconstruction (Myer-Cotton, LTR vs CTR); (3) neonatal airway (laryngomalacia, choanal atresia/CHARGE, Pierre Robin); (4) pediatric OSA with DISE and multi-level surgery + Inspire criteria; (5) cochlear implantation pediatric candidacy and outcomes; (6) congenital neck masses (thyroglossal duct cyst, branchial anomalies); (7) pediatric oncology (rhabdomyosarcoma, JNA, Hodgkin lymphoma); (8) vascular anomalies (infantile hemangioma with propranolol); (9) cleft/VPI management.