The ABNS Continuing Certification (CC) Program demonstrates a neurosurgeon's commitment to professionalism, lifelong learning, and continuing practice improvement. Designed with flexibility and quality in mind, the program offers practice-focused learning and assessment that aligns with the ABNS mission. It also provides reassurance to patients, families, payors, funding agencies, and the public that ABNS diplomates uphold and enhance their knowledge and professional standards.
If a diplomate holds multiple certificates, consideration to avoid duplicate continuing certification requirements will be handled on a case by case basis. A request must be made in writing by the diplomate.
Log in to your MyABNS dashboard to complete your CC requirements and check your status.
Managing your MyABNS profile is your responsibility. Please ensure your profile is updated with the most accurate information to ensure that you receive communications from the ABNS office and to maintain your certification records. Access your profile here: My Profile. All requirements must be completed by September 30.
The ABNS office will verify Diplomates' state medical license status annually. Diplomates are responsible for reporting any actions taken by a state medical board against their license(s) to the ABNS This includes, but is not limited to, letters of reprimand, fines, probation, suspension, revocation, non-renewal, and relinquishment.
Complete the ABNS Pledge and Standing with Licensing and Professional Organizations Questionnaire. Access MyABNS dashboard here.
The ALT consists of multiple-choice questions based on scientific articles pertinent to the practice of neurological surgery. The Adaptive Learning Tool is tailored to update “core neurological surgery” knowledge by focusing on Level 1 and 2 evidence-based concepts or guideline articles most critical to providing emergency, urgent or critical care for the those in the diplomate’s communities, ultimately enhancing public safety. The tool can be accessed and completed around the clock at your convenience. Content is updated annually with input from the One Neurosurgery Summit, a triannual meeting of all the major stakeholder societies in organized neurosurgery as well as the ABNS and ACGME review committee. For RFPD credential holders, additional modules in Pediatrics, Neurocritical Care and CNS Endovascular are required.
Complete a brief questionnaire attesting to participation in quality improvement activities to help improve health and health care. Examples can be found here: IHHC Examples.
Access MyABNS dashboard here.
Diplomates certified by the ABNS during or after 1999 hold time-limited certificates. To maintain Diplomate status, they must participate in and successfully complete all elements of the Board’s Continuing Certification (“CC”) program within the time limits established by the Board.
At the end of each 10-year period, the Board will issue a new 10-year time-limited certificate to each Diplomate who has successfully completed the program requirements within the time limits established by the Board. Certificates may be subject to forfeit if a Diplomate fails to complete all elements of CC more than one year in any 10-year period (see Rules & Regulations 12.5.3 for further details).
For new Diplomates, the first annual CC period begins in January following the Diplomate’s successful completion of the Oral Examination, and new annual CC periods begin each January thereafter.
Diplomates certified by the Board before 1999 hold non-time-limited certificates. While participation in the ABNS CC program is strongly encouraged, it is voluntary for these individuals (except for ABNS Directors). Non-participation or failure to complete CC requirements within the Board’s established time limits will not result in the expiration of their certificates or loss of Diplomate status.
For Diplomates in this category, each annual CC period begins in January of the year following receipt of their notification of desired participation.
To sign up for CC, please send an email request to abns@abns.org
All Diplomates holding both an ABNS initial certification (whether time-limited or non-time-limited) and a Recognition of Focused Practice Designation (RFPD) must complete the ABNS CC program (and, as applicable, the CC programs of other ABMS member board(s) or the ABPNS) and any additional CC requirements for their RFPD within the Board’s time limits to maintain both credentials.
Those with non-time-limited certificates will retain their general certification even if they do not meet the RFPD requirements but will lose the RFPD designation if requirements are not completed.
If a diplomate holds multiple certificates, consideration to avoid duplicate continuing certification requirements will be handled on a case by case basis. A request must be made in writing by the diplomate.
All candidates completing neurosurgery residency after June 2021 are required to participate in the Continuing Certification (CC) program. To be considered “Board Eligible” (also referred to as “tracking towards certification”) and publicly identify as such, candidates must begin CC participation in January following the completion of their residency. Candidates are not required to pay ABNS Continuing Certification fees; however, those who fail to meet CC requirements will not be eligible to take the Oral Boards until all CC is complete.
A Diplomate with a time-limited Certificate will lose Certified status upon failing to annually complete all CC requirements more than once in any ten- year certification period.
Candidates who fail to annually complete all CC requirements will lose their status as “tracking toward Certification in good standing" (i.e., “Board Eligible”), and are not subject to grace periods. Candidates will not be eligible to participate in the Oral Board exam if CC is incomplete. Note: Candidates are not required to pay CC fees.
Both Diplomates and Candidates are therefore strongly encouraged to timely complete all elements of CC annually and to keep track of their status towards completion. The ABNS continues to strive to make CC less onerous and more relevant to neurosurgical practice.
Diplomates with time-limited certificates who fail to meet Continuing Certification (CC) requirements for more than one year in a ten-year cycle will lose their certified status.
To regain certification:Once the reinstatement process commences and is approved by the ABNS, the former Diplomate may begin referring to himself/herself as “tracking toward Certification” or “Board Eligible.”
Neurosurgeons who have lost Board Certification and who have not reentered the certification process within two years of losing ABNS Certified status must commence the entire Certification process anew, including passing the ABNS written examinations.
The reinstatement process within two years may be used by Diplomates only once. Subsequent certification loss requires starting the entire process anew. Misrepresenting certification status during or after the reinstatement process may result in sanctions or permanent ineligibility.
Candidates who cease to be tracking toward Certification/Board Eligible due to failure to annually complete all required elements of CC will be able to re-enter the process by:
Individuals must complete the re-entry process within six (6) months of the date they initially cease to be tracking toward Certification/Board Eligible. Failure to do so will require the candidate to commence the entire Certification process anew, beginning with passing the ABNS written examinations.
What is the new deadline?
All continuing certification (CC) requirements and dues payments must be completed by September 30th each year. If you do not complete your tasks by September 30th, your status will change to “Not Participating” on the ABNS Certification Verification site until all tasks are completed and you may be at risk of losing certification. Candidates with outstanding requirements will need to complete all tasks before being eligible to take the oral exam.
Why are the ABNS fees different this year?
The ABNS sets its dues to cover operating costs without generating surpluses. In the past, we have lowered annual assessments when feasible while maintaining a break-even budget. However, without an adjustment this year, the organization was projected to face significant operating deficits. These adjustments allow us to maintain our commitment to serving the community while ensuring long-term sustainability. Even with this change, ABNS fees remain lower than many other fees Diplomates and Candidates typically pay, including those for other neurological surgery organizations. We understand that fee changes can be challenging, and we are happy to discuss options to ensure continued support. To reduce the burden on Diplomates, the ABNS has made several enhancements to the CC process, including removing the chief of staff survey, simplifying the payment and checkout process by combining Dues and Adaptive Learning Tool fees into one consolidated bill, and obtaining primary source verification of all medical licenses.
How can I add a delegate to my MyABNS account, and what can they do?
Diplomates may add a delegate to their MyABNS account. The delegates name and email address can be added in your Profile section. The delegate will only have access to pay annual fees, see outstanding Continuing Certification (CC) requirements on your dashboard, and will be copied on your CC reminder emails to help keep you on track.
How will my medical license be verified?
The Board Office will use primary source verification to ensure all diplomates hold active and unrestricted medical licensure annually.
Can I still earn CME credits with the Adaptive Learning Tools (ALT)?
CME can be claimed for all learning tools if you achieve a score of 80% or higher within the first two attempts. There is a 24-hour lockout period between attempts. If the course is not completed with a score of at least 80% in two attempts, the ABNS office will be notified and you will have 3 additional attempts to earn a score of 80% for the course, but without CME. If the tool is still not mastered with a score of 80% or higher the ABNS office will be notified and you will be contacted regarding next steps.
What happens if I don't achieve a score of at least 80% on my quizzes in each section in the new Adaptive Learning Tool format?
If you do not achieve a score of at least 80% on your quizzes in each section, then after the second attempt, you will not be able to collect CME and will automatically be enrolled in the “non-CME” version of the course. You will be able to regain access to the ALT after a 24-hour lockout period and will have three attempts to complete the Adaptive Learning Tool.
How do I purchase the ABNS Adaptive Learning Tool for Recognition of Focused Practice Designation?
Adaptive Learning Tools for RFPD Continuing Certification requirements will be automatically added to your cart for purchase if you hold the RFPD credential. The opportunity to purchase additional Learning Tools for additional CME credit and learning is available for users.
For more information regarding all RFPD Continuing Certification requirements, please visit:
Request for Extension
Diplomates may request exemptions or extensions for completing specific Continuing Certification (CC) requirements by petitioning the ABNS Executive Director. These requests are granted only in rare and compelling circumstances and, for Focused Practice Designations (FPDs), require consultation with relevant boards or organizations.
Voluntary Participation in CC
For those Diplomates with non-time-limited Certificates who wish to (and all are strongly encouraged to) participate in CC, please email abns@abns.org with your request.
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