ABNS Exam Schedule

For information on fees, click here

PGY2 Examination
Neuroanatomy Exam
Click here to learn more about the Neuroanatomy Exam
PGY2 $150.00
Open September- May
Primary Examination
Primary Examination March 1, 2024
Offered once per year. March 7, 2025
2023 Primary Exam results are available via the NBME services portal.
Oral Examination
Offered twice per year.
2023: Fall, weekend of November 10th

2024: Spring, weekend of May 10th

2024: Fall, weekend of October 26th

Interested in getting more involved with the ABNS?  Interested in becoming an ABNS Guest Examiner? Submit an application.

Recognized Focused Practice Examinations
Pediatric Neurosurgery (PNS) May 17, 2024 (AM)
CNS Endovascular surgery (CNS-ES) Dec 01, 2023 (PM)

May 17, 2024 (PM)

Neurological Critical Care (NCC) May 17, 2024 (AM)
Starting in 2022, the Pediatric and Neuro Critical Care RFP exams will be offered once a year on the third Friday of May.

The CNS Endovascular RFP exam will continue to be offered twice a year; on the third Friday of May and on the first Friday of December.

Our Commitment
The ABNS strives hard to create a level “playing field” for all candidates applying for ABNS certification, as such:

  • The ABNS discourages review of a candidate’s actual oral exam cases or slide presentations at any oral board preparation course. Course content and recommendations may not be consistent with the actual ABNS examination.
  • Candidates are encouraged to review their oral board cases and PowerPoint with colleagues, residency or practice mentors to prepare for the oral exam.
  • Guest examiners and directors will not participate in any oral board preparation course for the 12-month period following their participation as an ABNS examiner.