At the annual ABNM board meeting held on October 11, 2009, it was decided via a vote of the board that candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements: Before Jan 01, 2011 a minimum of an earned master’s degree in a physical science, life science or clinical allied health profession from an accredited institution and successful completion of graduate level course work neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Beginning Jan 01, 2011 a minimum degree level will be that of a doctorate. All earned degrees must be from an institution that is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are unsure whether your degree meets this requirement or whether the institution you currently attend or have attended is accredited, please contact the ABNM chairman at ABNMinfo@Neurostatus.com.

The ABNM Board of Directors recently held their spring board meeting on May 12, 2005, in Philadelphia. Several important changes were decided upon at the meeting that will impact those eligible for board certification as well as affecting those candidates who are currently “board eligible”. All of these changes are effective immediately and will apply to those candidates wishing to apply for the next written examination.

First, it was decided that the eligibility prerequisites for taking the ABNM written examination will change to be the following:
“A minimum of an earned master’s degree in a physical science, life science or clinical allied health profession from an accredited institution”. If you are unsure of whether or not you fulfill the preceding requirements or whether or not the institution you are planning to enroll in, are currently enrolled or have graduated from is accredited, you should contact Dr. David Morledge, the Chairman of the Board, at ABNMinfo@neurostatus.com.

Second, it was decided that those candidates who are “board eligible”, i.e., those who have passed the written examination, will have the opportunity to take the oral examination two times. If, after two attempts, the candidate does not pass the examination, they must wait a period of one year before sitting for the oral examination again. If a candidate fails the oral examination three times, they will lose their “board eligible” status and must retake and pass the written examination.

A third discussion was had that will impact the recertification process for current ABNM Diplomates. As you may be aware, the Diplomate certification is current for 10 years from the time that one passes the oral board examination. The board is in the process of defining the steps for recertification, which as of the last meeting, will include, at least, retaking the written portion of the certification examination.

As more decisions or changes are made, we will keep everyone informed via this ABNM website (http://abnm.info) or the ASNM Monitor. Should you have any specific questions, feel free to contact Dr. Morledge at his email address provided above.

Written Examination: