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Exam Schedule

Key dates and information about American Board of Neurological Surgery exams are featured on this page and will be updated as new information becomes available.

Neuroanatomy Exam

DATE OF EXAM LOCATION REGISTRATION
May 1st, 2025 – May 31st, 2025 Remote May 1st, 2025 – May 31st, 2025
August 1st, 2025 – August 31st, 2025 Remote August 1st, 2025 – August 31st, 2025
January 1st, 2026 – January 31st, 2026 Remote January 1st, 2026 – January 31st, 2026
  • Exam results will be available immediately
  • ABNS communicates registration and exam access instructions with residents and program leadership
Click here to learn more about the Neuroanatomy Exam

Primary Exam

Offered every March at most neurosurgical residency programs

DATE OF EXAM LOCATION REGISTRATION
March 13th, 2026 In-Person with Program Proctor Early December – January 31st, 2025
March 12th, 2027 In-Person with Program Proctor Early December – January 31st, 2025
  • Exam results will generally be available 4-6 weeks following administration
  • ABNS communicates registration instructions and exam preparation resources with residents and program leadership
Click here to learn more about the Primary Exam

Oral Exam

Offered twice per year

DATE OF EXAM LOCATION REGISTRATION
November 14th - November 15th, 2025 Remote Invitation
April 10th – April 11th, 2026 Remote Invitation
November 20th – November 21st, 2026 Remote Invitation
  • ABNS communicates registration and exam access instructions with approved candidates
Click here to learn more about the Oral Exam

Recognition of Focused Practice Examinations

Pediatric Neurosurgery Exam

Offered once per year in June

DATE OF EXAM LOCATION REGISTRATION DEADLINE
June 13th, 2025 Remote or Testing Center June 6th, 2025
June 12th, 2026 Remote or Testing Center June 5th, 2026
  • Exam results will generally be available within 3-4 weeks of completion
  • ABNS communicates registration and exam access instructions with applicants 4-6 weeks prior to exam date
Click here to learn more about the Pediatric Neurosurgery Exam

CNS Endovascular Surgery Exam

Offered twice per year in June and December

DATE OF EXAM LOCATION REGISTRATION DEADLINE
June 13th, 2025 Remote or Testing Center June 6th, 2025
December 5th, 2025 Remote or Testing Center November 28th, 2025
June 12th, 2026 Remote or Testing Center June 5th, 2026
December 4th, 2026 Remote or Testing Center November 27th, 2026
  • Exam results will generally be available within 3-4 weeks of completion
  • ABNS communicates registration and exam access instructions with applicants 4-6 weeks prior to exam date
Click here to learn more about the CNS Endovascular Surgery Exam

Neurocritical Care Exam

Offered once per year in June

DATE OF EXAM LOCATION REGISTRATION DEADLINE
June 13th-19th, 2025 Remote or Testing Center June 6th, 2025
June 12th, 2026 Remote or Testing Center June 5th, 2026
  • Exam results will generally be available within 3-4 weeks of completion
  • ABNS communicates registration and exam access instructions with applicants 4-6 weeks prior to exam date
Click here to learn more about the Neurocritical Care Exam