FLS prep doesn’t have to be scary

A smarter way to get ready

For most surgical residents, the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) exam looms large. It’s not just another test; it’s proof that you can safely handle the core skills of minimally invasive surgery, skills you’ll rely on every day in the operating room. And yet, between long call shifts, unpredictable schedules, and the exhaustion of residency, the idea of prepping for it can feel overwhelming.

Here’s the truth: the FLS exam is challenging, but it doesn’t have to be scary. With the right approach, and the right tools, you can build confidence steadily and avoid the frantic, last-minute scramble that derails so many residents.

What the exam really demands

The FLS exam is made up of two parts: the cognitive section and the technical section. Everyone knows this on paper. The real hurdle isn’t memorizing what’s on the test, it’s finding the time and structure to practice both sides equally.

Residents don’t usually fail because they can’t tie knots or transfer pegs. They fail because they underestimate the written exam, or because they never practice under real exam conditions until it’s too late. The ones who pass comfortably are rarely the most “naturally gifted.” They’re the ones who start early, keep their practice consistent, and structure their prep so nothing gets neglected.

How to practice smarter, not harder

There’s no magic formula, but certain strategies show up again and again among residents who prepare successfully:

• Short, frequent practice beats marathons. Ten or fifteen minutes a day keeps skills sharp in a way one Saturday cram session never will.
• Track times and errors instead of counting hours. The exam is about precision under pressure, and progress only shows if you measure it.
• Break down weak steps. Don’t just grind through a full knot-tying sequence. If you always fumble the throw, isolate it until it’s automatic.
• Simulate exam conditions. Running back-to-back tasks under time limits will teach you where the pressure points really are.

The most confident residents often reach “comfort level” several weeks before the exam, leaving time to polish rather than panic.

Don’t overlook the written portion

It’s tempting to pour all your energy into the trainer box, but the cognitive portion deserves equal weight. The multiple-choice questions can be surprisingly nuanced, and residents who save this section until the last minute often regret it.

A smarter path is to work through the official FLS modules early, then layer in active recall tools like flashcards or spaced-repetition apps. Focus especially on high-yield topics such as safe use of energy devices, troubleshooting equipment, and recognizing complications. Practice questions are invaluable, not just for content but for learning the “logic” of the test. Even thirty focused minutes here and there is enough to build a strong base.

The biggest barrier: access

And then there’s the elephant in the room: lab time. The hardest part of FLS prep isn’t motivation, it’s logistics. Most residents don’t fail because they’re unwilling to practice, but because they simply can’t get enough consistent time in the lab. Limited lab slots, unpredictable call schedules, and competition with co-residents make it nearly impossible to build the kind of steady rhythm that exam success demands.

That’s why so many residents get creative: some scrape together DIY setups, others share box trainers in shifts, and many lean on peer study groups. These approaches help, but they often lack the structure and feedback that transform practice into progress.

This is where Laptitude makes a difference. It combines the flexibility of home training with the structure of a lab session, giving residents a way to practice whenever their schedule allows without sacrificing accountability. Scenario-based challenges mirror the exam’s pressure points, while built-in metrics track speed and accuracy so you can see real improvement. Instead of hoping you’ll find a lab slot, you can turn spare minutes into deliberate practice.

Resources worth bookmarking

If you’re looking to centralize your prep, here’s a list you can return to again and again:

• Official FLS modules (free) → [link]
• High-yield flashcards → [link]
• Sample 45-minute “Surgical Workout” guide (PDF) → [link]
• FLS Exam practice questions → [link]

Final thoughts for success

The FLS exam is often seen as a rite of passage, but it’s better understood as a rehearsal. The habits you build while preparing — structured practice, deliberate review, consistency under pressure — are the same habits that will serve you in the OR long after the exam is behind you.

You don’t need endless hours or superhuman focus. You need a plan you can stick to, tools that remove barriers, and the persistence to start early. Think of FLS prep less as a burden and more as an investment: in your skills, your confidence, and your future as a surgeon. With steady practice, and a little help from resources like Laptitude, you’ll be ready not just to pass, but to thrive.