Certification Standards

The American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) is recognized for its comprehensive certification process, which reflects the high standards of training, clinical competence, professionalism and continuous education expected of board-certified neurosurgeons. The ABNS is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties and has been since its inception in 1940.

It is important for patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders—such as credentialing specialists, insurers, hospital systems, and state medical boards—to be aware that multiple certifying boards exist, each with its own set of requirements and processes. The ABNS maintains specific criteria designed to support excellence in neurosurgical care, and certification by the ABNS indicates that a physician has met these rigorous standards. Not all boards maintain the same rigorous standards as the ABNS and some may even have names that are similar to the ABNS but differ significantly in their standards and certification pathways.

We strongly encourage all individuals and institutions involved in evaluating physician qualifications to carefully investigate a certifying board's credentials, to ensure clarity and transparency in certification. Individuals and institutions involved in evaluating physician qualifications may also wish to inquire whether the diplomates of these other neurological surgery Boards ever endeavored to become certified by the ABNS, and if so, whether they were able to successfully complete the ABNS’ certifying process.