Setting the highest certification standards for psychiatrists and neurologists since 1934

Brain Injury Medicine

Deadlines, Fees and Content for Initial Certification in Brain Injury Medicine

  • Past Deadline - Initial Certification - Brain Injury Medicine

    Choice of Dates September 9, 2024
    Application Available December 1, 2023

    ABPN Diplomates must apply and pay online. Diplomates from a board other than ABPN must apply through their respective board.
    Application Deadline March 14, 2024
    Late Application Deadline March 21, 2024
    Scheduling Instructions Emailed by American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

    Rolling
    Content Outline from American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2024 Brain Injury Medicine Content Outline
    Next Choice of Dates

    2026
    Examination Schedule Exam-Schedule
    Board Policies General Information and Board Policies

*Application deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Candidates in the subspecialty of brain injury medicine are those in the field of psychiatry, neurology or child neurology, who are seeking ABPN Board Certification. Brain injury medicine is a subspecialty that involves having expertise in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals with acquired brain injury.

History and Statement of Principles

In September 2011, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) approved the application cosponsored by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) to offer subspecialty certification in Brain Injury Medicine. This was done to officially establish the field of brain injury medicine as a definite area of subspecialization in psychiatry, neurology, child neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and to provide a means of identifying properly trained and experienced physicians in brain injury medicine.

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 Boards.

The examination will be administered to candidates who have maintained certification by the ABPMR or by the ABPN, in neurology, neurology with special qualification in child neurology, or psychiatry or maintained subspecialty certification in sports medicine through any of the following ABMS Boards: the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM), the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). The examination will be administered at the same time in the same testing centers. Participation in the certification program is voluntary. Certification is not required of practitioners in this field, and the certificate does not convey privilege to practice.

All applicants other than those initially admitted during the practice pathway period (2014-2022) are required to submit documentation of successful completion of one year of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited fellowship training in brain injury medicine that did not begin before the time general residency training in psychiatry, neurology or neurology with special qualification in child neurology, including time spent in combined training programs, was completed. The exposure to brain injury medicine given to psychiatry, neurology or child neurology residents as part of their basic training curriculum does not count toward the one year of training. All licensing and training requirements must be met by July 31 of the year of the examination.

The required one year of specialized training in brain injury medicine 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 exact dates (month/day/year to month/day/year) outlining training content, duties, and responsibilities. Each case is considered on an individual basis and documentation must be submitted to the Board prior to the start of training for special consideration.

Currently, ABPN does not accept training from international programs.

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc.

7 Parkway North, Deerfield, IL 60015

Phone 847.229.6500

Fax 847.229.6600