ABNS Board Certification Timeline

Neurosurgery Residency

Training (abns.org)

Complete an ACGME-accredited neurosurgery residency program

84 months of training

Neuroanatomy Exam: Mastery required

Required for ABNS Certification July 2025

Primary Exam: Pass for Credit prior to Chief year
Register with ABNS before graduating

Resident

Fellowship

Optional 1-2 years specialized training

ABNS Candidate

Active Practice

ABNS POST (abns.org)

ABNS POST Case-Log submission and review
Candidates must apply for oral exam by December 31 of the 3rd year following graduation from residency
Application and invitation for Oral Exam

ABNS Candidate

ABNS Board Eligible/Tracking Towards Certification

ABNS Oral Exam

ABNS Candidate

Continuous Certification

CC (abns.org)

Chief of Staff: Professionalism and Professional Standing
Lifelong Learning: 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ required annually
Adaptive Learning Tool: Assessment of Knowledge, Judgment, and Skills (available with CME)
Improvement In Medical Practice: Morbidity & Mortality

ABNS Diplomate

Neurosurgery Residency

Training (abns.org)

Complete an ACGME-accredited neurosurgery residency program

84 months of training

Neuroanatomy Exam: Mastery required

Required for ABNS Certification July 2025

Primary Exam: Pass for Credit prior to Chief year
Register with ABNS before graduating

Resident

Fellowship

Optional 1-2 years specialized training

ABNS Candidate

ABNS Board Eligible/Tracking
Towards Certification

Active Practice

ABNS POST (abns.org)

ABNS POST Case-Log submission and review
Candidates must apply for oral exam by December 31 of the 3rd year following graduation from residency
Application and invitation for Oral Exam

ABNS Candidate

ABNS Board Eligible/Tracking
Towards Certification

ABNS Oral Exam

Oral Exam (abns.org)

Held twice annually
Candidates examined virtually

ABNS Candidate

ABNS Board Eligible/Tracking
Towards Certification

Continuous Certification

CC (abns.org)

Chief of Staff: Professionalism and Professional Standing
Lifelong Learning: 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ required annually
Adaptive Learning Tool: Assessment of Knowledge, Judgment, and Skills (available with CME)
Improvement In Medical Practice: Morbidity & Mortality

ABNS Diplomate

ABNS Board Certification Timeline

Training (abns.org)

ABNS POST (abns.org)

Oral Exam (abns.org)

CC (abns.org)

Training (abns.org)

ABNS POST (abns.org)

Oral Exam (abns.org)

CC (abns.org)

The American Board of Neurological Surgery

Contact Us

MyABNS

Adaptive Learning Tools

Links