Setting the highest certification standards for psychiatrists and neurologists since 1934

Epilepsy

Deadlines, Fees and Content for Initial Certification in Epilepsy

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

Epilepsy History and Statement of Principles

In September 2010, the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) approved the application sponsored by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), to offer subspecialty certification in Epilepsy. This was done to officially establish the field of epilepsy as a definite area of subspecialization in neurology and child neurology, and to provide a means of identifying physicians properly trained and experienced in treating epilepsy.  The first examination was administered in 2013.

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.

Currently, there is no limit on the number of times an applicant may apply to take the initial certification in the subspecialty of epilepsy examination.  For Board eligibility requirements, please visit: Board Eligibility (abpn.org).

International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Classification Update
In 2017, the ILAE Classification of the Epilepsies was updated to reflect advances in the field since the last classification update in 1989. The 2020 Subspecialty Certification Examination in Epilepsy Medicine will reflect these changes as we transition from the 1989 classifications to the 2017 classifications. The format for the transition will be “2017 terminology (with 1989 terminology in parentheses)”. For example, “focal impaired awareness (complex partial) seizures.” For more information regarding the specifics of the Classification of the Epilepsies updates, please refer to the ILAE website here.

 

Specific Training Requirements

Applicants for certification in epilepsy 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 (2013- 2018) are required to submit documentation of successful completion of one year of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited fellowship training in epilepsy 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 epilepsy 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 epilepsy 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.

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.

Epilepsy training that was credited toward training requirements for admission into another examination may not be used to fulfill the training requirements for admission to the ABPN epilepsy examination.

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