| Initial Certification in Clinical Neurophysiology |
| The purpose of ABPN’s initial certification examination is to test the qualifications of candidates in clinical neurophysiology. Clinical Neurophysiology entails having psychiatric, neurologic, or child neurologic expertise in the diagnosis and management of central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous system disorders using combined clinical evaluation and electrophysiologic testing such as electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Apply for an examination | ABPN Physician Folios site | Visit the Pearson VUE Website |
Initial Certification in Clinical Neurophysiology
A. History and Statement of Principles
The ABPN, in concurrence with the ABMS, established a Committee on Certification of Added Qualifications in Clinical Neurophysiology in October 1990. This was done to officially establish the field of clinical neurophysiology as a definite area of subspecialization in neurology and psychiatry and to provide a means of identifying properly trained and experienced clinical neurophysiologists.
The actual mechanics of certification of qualified candidates have been delegated by the Board to the Committee, which operates under the supervision of and in accordance with the policies of the Board.
In February 1997, the Board, in agreement with the ABMS, discontinued using the term “Added Qualifications” for this certificate. The names of both the certificate and the Committee were changed at that time to “Certification in the Subspecialty of Clinical Neurophysiology.”
B. Specific Training Requirements
Please Note: This is a brief summary of training requirements and not intended to be all inclusive. Read the current Information for Applicants publication for all requirements for Initial Certification in Clinical Neurophysiology.
Applicants for certification in clinical neurophysiology must be certified by the Board in neurology, in neurology with special qualification in child neurology, or in psychiatry by December 31 of the year prior to the examination administration. All applicants other than those initially admitted during the “grandfathering period” are required to submit documentation of successful completion of one year of ACGME-accredited fellowship training in clinical neurophysiology that did not begin before the time general residency training (neurology, child neurology, or psychiatry), including time spent in combined training programs, was completed. All licensing and training requirements must be met by June 30 of the year prior to the examination.
The required one year of specialized training in clinical neurophysiology may be completed on a part-time basis as long as it is not less than half time; credit is not given for periods of training lasting less than one year except under special circumstances that must be approved by the ABPN Credentials Committee. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the applicant to provide detailed documentation from the respective training directors, including the exact dates of training (month/day/year to month/day/year) and outlining training content, duties, and responsibilities. Each case is considered on an individual basis.
C. Examination Content
This 200-item, multiple-choice timed examination is administered via computer at Pearson VUE Testing Centers. Candidates are assessed in basic science (physiology and instrumentation), electroencephalography, electromyography/nerve conduction studies, and other areas of clinical neurophysiology.