Home PageAcademic Pathway For ABNS Certification
The Academic Pathway for ABNS Certification is a "demonstration" program that is intended to recognize neurosurgeons who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of neurosurgery. This pilot program provides a pathway for neurosurgeons with exceptional qualifications who were not trained in an ACGME accredited residency program (typically non-US training programs) to become ABNS certified. This program is intended to recognize the meaningful contribution of widely acknowledged experts from non-ACGME training backgrounds who are actively training neurosurgical residents and fellows. The program is NOT intended to serve as an alternative path to ABNS certification for those who started but did not complete an ACGME-accredited residency program, for those who applied for but were not accepted into an ACGME program, and for the majority of individuals trained outside of the US. Consequently, most candidates for ABNS Certification will still need to pursue training within an ACGME approved program.
This program is subject to further refinement, suspension, and cancellation at any time without prior notice.
Requirements include and are not limited to:
- Completion of a non-ACGME neurosurgery residency program (typically outside the United States).
- Passing grade on certification examination in candidate’s country of education.
- Post-residency neurosurgery subspecialty fellowship training in area of expertise, accredited by CAST, ACGME, ACPNF or equivalent. Neurosurgeons who completed at least a one-year fellowship before CAST was established may qualify but only if the following are met:
- The training institution subsequently obtained and maintains CAST approval for the fellowship in which the applicant trained
- The candidate was employed as a full-time fellow during the fellowship
- Note: part-time fellowships obtained while working as full-time faculty are not recognized in this pathway.
- Minimum of 6 years of employment as full time, core faculty at the primary teaching site of an ACGME neurological surgery residency program
- Rank of Associate Professor or higher
- A CV demonstrating significant academic contributions for the field of neurosurgery
Click here to to login/register and access the online application.
- Once logged in as an applicant click on "programs" in the upper right.
- 2. Click on "ABNS Academic Pathway for Certification (non ACGME graduate).
- Click the green button to start the application.
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Application fee = $5,000, nonrefundable
- If application is approved, additional fees will apply including primary and oral board exam fees.
*If you login and do not see the application, please contact the ABNS at abns@abns.org
The review process to determine eligibility under the pilot program is arduous and includes critical review of all aspects of the candidates training, and service history. It is anticipated that very few candidates will qualify for approval along this pathway.
Steps to the process:
- Complete application and pay nonrefundable application fee.
- ABNS review.
- If approved, register for the ABNS primary examination for credit and pay applicable fees. Three attempts to pass are allowed within three years.
- After passing the primary examination, submit a prospective consecutive case log for review using ABNS POST according to standard guidelines for all ABNS candidates.
- If case log is approved, complete application, pay fee and submit required updated credentialing documents.
- If application is approved, register for the oral exam and pay fee. Pass the ABNS oral exam. Three attempts are allowed within three years.
- Is this a new pathway to ABNS board certification? No. The ABNS has had a long-standing rule (4.10) stating, “At its sole discretion and under extraordinary circumstances the ABNS may consider training formats not specified in the Rules and Regulations. In rare cases where the applicant's training, practice, and professional stature leave no doubt as to his or her exceptional qualifications, the Board may grant permission for the applicant to be examined for certification.”
- How do I know if I am eligible for the pathway? In addition to the information on this webpage, neurosurgeons may access the application for current eligibility requirements or contact abns@abns.org with questions.
- What is the process once I submit my application? The ABNS staff member assigned to this pathway will conduct a preliminary review of your application and credentials. The application then goes to the ABNS for review. ABNS Bylaws give the ABNS Board “sole discretion” to determine whether an applicant’s “extraordinary circumstances” justify application of this pathway. Only truly exceptional candidates are considered and the decision of the ABNS to reject an application is final and not subject to appeal.
- If my application is approved to proceed with this pathway to certification, am I considered board eligible or tracking toward board certification? No. At no time during the process will you be considered board eligible or tracking toward board certification. You may not advertise or refer to yourself as board eligible or tracking toward board certification.
- I work at a satellite hospital for a large academic healthcare system where residents rotate, am I eligible for certification? No. Eligible individuals must be core faculty (as defined by the ACGME) working full time at the primary teaching site of an ACGME accredited neurosurgery-training program.
- If I am not approved for participation in this pathway, can I reapply later? You may reapply if progression in your career results in meeting the Academic Pathway criteria at the time of your new application. If you exited the pathway due to not passing the primary exam, case log, or oral exam steps, you may not reapply.