The primary aim of The European Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery (EBCTS) is to create a common high standard and qualification for the quality of cardiothoracic surgery in all European countries. This should potentially allow for the mutual recognition of this qualification between European countries and elsewhere.

The standard of the examination is high. The standard is set to award the certificate of the Board to surgeons who have attained a level of knowledge and proficiency that can be recognised as appropriate for independent specialist practice.