Becoming a Diplomate


Becoming a Diplomate

The examination procedure is intense and demanding. Granting of the ABN Board Certification Diplomate Status signifies demonstration of competence as a clinical neuropsychologist. Successful candidates are encouraged to participate in an extensive examiner-training program and become active in the ABN certification process.


For a summary of the criteria, see the Applicant Handbook, under the Application Materials tab(s). Note that application criteria have been recently updated and the application revised accordingly. Please download the latest version of materials when completing the application.


ABN Applicant Handbook Link


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.


Timeframe Policy

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.


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/.


Added Qualifications

The American Board of Professional Neuropsychology identifies those neuropsychologists whose training, professional experience, continuing education, and ongoing commitment to excellence in providing neuropsychological services to specific populations. These individuals are identified through peer review and examination. Recognition of expertise is noted through granting the ABN Added Qualifications Certificate.


The areas of Added Qualifications being examined by the ABN include:

  • Forensic Neuropsychology
  • Geriatric Neuropsychology
  • Rehabilitation Neuropsychology


Criteria for Application for the ABN AQ certificate must demonstrate:

  • Membership in good standing in the ABN for a minimum of two years.
  • Minimum of 3 years post-doctoral experience in Added Qualifications area.
  • Recent and ongoing continuing education in the Added Qualifications area.


ABN Diplomates may apply for any number of Additional Qualifications designations. Each application should be submitted separately and will be acted upon separately. Granting of Added Qualifications is subject to annual review and annual audit of continuing education in each area of expertise.


Added Qualifications Application


Application Process Timeframe Policy

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.


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.


Mentoring Process

BN 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/.


Exam Scheduling

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.


Examination Preparation

Please refer to the Applicant Handbook for details on the examination, preparation recommendations and a suggested reading list.


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.

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Useful Links

KnowNeuropsychology.org

This is the site for the KnowNeuropsychology Didactic Series.


NeuropsychologyCentral.com
A great private site with lots of constructive information.
 
the-ins.org
This is the site for the International Neuropsychological Society.
 
APA.org
This is site for the American Psychological Association.
 
TheABCN.org
This is the site for the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology.
 
NeuropsychologyBoard.org
This is the site for the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology.
 
MedFriendly.com
Whether it is terms from neurology, psychology, dermatology, or some other area related to the field of medicine, MedFriendly will have information on that topic that is easy to read and understand.
 
NationalRegister.org
This is the site for the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.
 
NANonline.org
The National Academy of Neuropsychology was founded in 1975.

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