The broad aim of the American Board Of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) is to encourage the study, improve the practice, elevate the standards, and advance the science of neurological surgery and thereby to serve the cause of public health.

The primary purposes of The American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) are to conduct examinations of candidates who voluntarily seek certification and to issue certificates to those who meet the requirements of the board and satisfactorily complete its examinations. Certification by the ABNS is based on review and evaluation of an applicant’s education, training and practice qualifications as well as successful completion of written and oral examinations. The ABNS, along with the Residency Review Committee for Neurological Surgery (RRC) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), works to improving the standards of training in neurosurgical residency programs throughout the United States.

ABNS operations that flow directly from these primary purposes include:

1. Define requirements for training in neurological surgery
2. Develop and administer the primary examination
3. Evaluate the credentials of candidates for certification, including professional practice
4. Develop and administer the oral examination
5. Issue certificates
6. Define the requirements for continuing certification (CC) in neurological surgery
7. Develop and administer the adaptive learning tool
8. Track diplomates progress through CC

A certificate, once granted, is verification of the completion of education, peer review and examination processes. The ABNS certifies as specialists in neurosurgery only those who voluntarily petition it for evaluation and certification.

The ABNS is not concerned with the acquisition of special privileges in the practice of neurosurgery for its diplomates. It does not define requirements for membership on the staff of any hospital, university, or clinic and does not attempt to designate who performs any neurosurgical procedure. It specifically disclaims interest in or recognition of any differential remuneration which may be based on certification. Its certificates do not confer any legal degree of qualification, privilege or license to practice neurosurgery. The ABNS does not intend to interfere with or limit the professional activities of any duly licensed physician whom it has not certified.

Certification Standards

The American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) is recognized for its comprehensive certification process, which reflects the high standards of training, clinical competence, professionalism and continuous education expected of board-certified neurosurgeons. The ABNS is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties and has been since its inception in 1940.

It is important for patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders—such as credentialing specialists, insurers, hospital systems, and state medical boards—to be aware that multiple certifying boards exist, each with its own set of requirements and processes. The ABNS maintains specific criteria designed to support excellence in neurosurgical care, and certification by the ABNS indicates that a physician has met these rigorous standards. Not all boards maintain the same rigorous standards as the ABNS and some may even have names that are similar to the ABNS but differ significantly in their standards and certification pathways.

We strongly encourage all individuals and institutions involved in evaluating physician qualifications to carefully investigate a certifying board's credentials, to ensure clarity and transparency in certification. Individuals and institutions involved in evaluating physician qualifications may also wish to inquire whether the diplomates of these other neurological surgery Boards ever endeavored to become certified by the ABNS, and if so, whether they were able to successfully complete the ABNS’ certifying process.