Application Process

General Instructions →

The ABN application and examination process requires successful completion of 4 phases: The Application, Written Examination, Work Sample, and Orals examinations. ABN seeks to maintain high standards in keeping with our mission, while also promoting and offering a collegial process toward professional review and development and ultimate attainment of the diplomate. These steps are outlined in detail in the Applicant Handbook.

Application Process Timeframe →

Once the application is accepted, the applicant is considered to be a candidate for board certification. Some well-prepared candidates have successfully completed the examination process in as little as 6 to 9 months, while others have taken longer. Candidates have a maximum of 7 years, from the date their application was approved, to complete the board certification process, at which time their candidacy period will expire. A candidacy window may also expire in the event that a candidate exhausts all opportunities to re-take a failed portion of the examination.

ABN Applicant Handbook →

Click here to view our handbook.

Senior Option →

The Senior Option Application applies for: All candidates completing the doctoral degree prior to January 1, 2005.

ABN understands that postdoctoral training standards and opportunities have changed over time. For candidates who received their doctoral degree prior to 2005, training achievements remain the same as for recent graduates, with the exception that postdoctoral training and supervision may be attained through combined formal training and/or peer supervision to address all core areas of requirement for the standard application, including: Core knowledge, and specialty skills, and specific neuropsychology experience. This process allows for some greater flexibility for achieving eligibility criteria.

Between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2004: Two or more years of appropriate supervised training, in the application of clinical neuropsychological services with participation in specialty-specific didactics is required. A minimum of one year of training must be postdoctoral.

Between January 1, 1982 and December 31, 1989: 1600 hours of clinical neuropsychological experience supervised by a clinical neuropsychologist at the predoctoral or postdoctoral level is required.

Before 1982: 4800 hours of postdoctoral experience in a neuropsychological setting, involving a minimum of 2400 hours of direct clinical service is required.

Mentoring Process →

ABN can provide you with a mentor to help guide you through the boarding process. A mentor is someone who has already been through the boarding process, and is available to answer questions about his or her experience with the process. A mentor can also give you suggestions about study materials that he or she found helpful in preparing for the examination. To request a mentor, you may contact the mentor coordinator at: https://abn-board.com/about-us-and-faqs/board-of-directors/.

Multiple Choice Examination →

Written exams will be administered on an individual basis via remote proctoring platform beginning in Summer 2020. Information will be provided from the written exam coordinator. You will have 3 hours (180 minutes) to complete the exam.

Work Samples →

Those Applicants successfully completing the Application screening process and passing the Written Examination will then be asked to submit two Work Samples (or the alternatives as noted in the Handbook) that will be reviewed by a panel of examiner/reviewers. The applicant is strongly encouraged to contact the Work Sample Coordinator (contact links here) who will provide information on how to forward Work Samples. For additional information, see the Applicant Handbook.

Application Materials →

Click the link and choose “Save As…” to download and save the pdf or Word document. For instructions and more information about these forms and associated requirements, please see the Applicant Handbook.

ABN Application

Endorsement Form

Internship Equivalency Form

For ABN applicants whose internship was non-APA/CPA or not APPIC listed and not NR credentialed.

Post-Doctoral Training Verification

For ABN applicants whose post-doctoral fellowship was Non-APA and not listed with AABN, APPCN or APPIC

Forwarding Applications, Items & Fees