Setting the highest certification standards for psychiatrists and neurologists since 1934

Clinical Neurophysiology

Clinical Neurophysiology 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 first examination was administered in 1992.

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.”

Currently, there is no limit on the number of times an applicant may apply to take the initial certification in the subspecialty of clinical neurophysiology examination.

For Board eligibility requirements, please visit: Board Eligibility (abpn.org).


 

Specific Training Requirements

Applicants for certification in clinical neurophysiology must be certified by the Board in general neurology or neurology with special qualification in child neurology by December 31 of the year prior to the examination. All applicants other than those initially admitted during the practice pathway period (1992-1999) are required to submit documentation of successful completion of one year of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited fellowship training in clinical neurophysiology that did not begin before the time general residency training in neurology or neurology with special qualification in child neurology, including time spent in combined training programs, was completed. The exposure to clinical neurophysiology given to 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 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 perspective 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.

If clinical neurophysiology (CNP) training was used to credential for certification in epilepsy during the practice pathway, it cannot subsequently be used to credential for certification in clinical neurophysiology.

Currently, ABPN does not accept training from international programs.