Neurosurgeons who have never been Board Certified may need to reenter the certification process for the following reasons:

1. Timing out after failing to complete all certification requirements within specified timelines. For example, a neurosurgeon may exceed the time limits within which to submit cases or take the oral exam.
2. Failing to pass the oral exam in three attempts
3. Losing credentials or licensing or having issues with professionalism.

Neurosurgeons in # 1 and #2 are eligible to reenter the certification process, starting first with retaking the primary examination for credit toward certification.

Neurosurgeons in #3 who experience issues, such as loss of medical license or professionalism, will be reviewed by the ABNS Credentials Committee and may be assigned individualized requirements for reentry.

During this time and even after repassing the primary examination, these neurosurgeons may not hold themselves out as “board eligible,” “tracking toward certification,” “in the certification process” or otherwise to that effect.

Neurosurgeons who have lost Board Certification may reenter the certification process within two years of losing ABNS Certified status by emailing the ABNS at abns@abns.org and:

• Paying a non-refundable $2,500 fee plus any delinquent dues from prior years
• Submitting a case log of 75 consecutive surgical cases performed during the immediately preceding two years into ABNS POST® for review by the ABNS. The cases must be submitted within one year of commencing the reinstatement process and are subject to audit to confirm that they are consecutive.

Once the reentry fee and case logs have begun, the neurosurgeon may use the terms “Board Eligible” or “Tracking toward certification.” The ABNS can also provide a standard verification letter for hospital credentialing or other employers explaining why Board Certification lapsed, that it was not due to patient care issues, that the neurosurgeon is diligently pursuing the reentry process, and that the neurosurgeon's status, pending completion of that process, is "Board Eligible."

If the ABNS finds no issues with the 75 logged cases, the neurosurgeon will be issued a new ABNS Certificate. If there are issues with the case log, the Board may require a reentry oral examination, which would need to be passed to regain certification. If the case log suggests more serious concerns, the ABNS may conduct a hearing to determine whether the neurosurgeon is eligible to take the reentry oral examination and again become certified.

For more information on the reentry process, please consult ABNS Rule 12.6, available on the ABNS website.