For general surgery residents across the United States, the Surgical Education and Self-Assessment Program (SESAP) is more than just a study tool—it is a cornerstone of board preparation and continuous professional development. With the release of SESAP 18, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has updated both the content and the user interface.
Whether you are logging in to complete a mandatory category assigned by your program director or engaging in self-study for the ABSITE, understanding the login process is the first step. Here is what you need to know about accessing the SESAP 18 platform.
For those upgrading from SESAP 17, the login process is now unified with the ACS Learning Management System (LMS) . Key differences:
| Feature | SESAP 17 | SESAP 18 | |--------|---------|---------| | Login URL | sesap.acs.org | learning.acs.org | | Username format | Email address | ACS username (not email) | | 2FA | Optional | Mandatory | | Mobile access | Limited | Full responsive design | sesap 18 login
Thus, if you are a long-time user, do not assume your SESAP 17 login works. You likely need to perform a one-time account migration (ACS prompts you automatically the first time you try to access SESAP 18).
Do not simply Google “SESAP 18 login” and click the first link—you may end up on a generic ACS page. Instead:
The most defining feature of the SESAP 18 login is its integration into the ACS Single Sign-On (SSO) ecosystem. Unlike standalone educational platforms that require disparate credentials, SESAP 18 leverages the central ACS identity management system. Navigating the SESAP 18 Login Portal: A Quick-Start
1. Unified Identity: For the Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the SESAP login is the same credential used for the ACS Portal, meeting registrations, and CME tracking. This unification removes the cognitive load of managing multiple passwords. It creates a holistic professional profile where educational activity in SESAP automatically feeds into the surgeon’s official transcripts and certification records.
2. The Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Standard: Given the sensitive nature of performance data and the high value of medical credentials, the SESAP 18 login is fortified with robust security protocols. The system employs modern Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This isn't merely a hurdle; it is a necessary safeguard against credential theft, which is rampant in the healthcare sector. The login process efficiently balances security with speed, often utilizing authenticator apps or SMS codes to verify identity without disrupting the user’s workflow.
Do not use outdated browsers. SESAP 18 works best on: Step 1 – Access the Correct Portal Do
Avoid using Internet Explorer 11 or older browsers, as the login page may fail to load or display unexpected errors.
Why it happens: Browser cache corruption or cookie conflict.
Solution: