MDCMEOverview
The American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) requires diplomates with time-limited certificates (certified 1999 or later) to maintain continuing certification through annual requirements. Those certified before 1999 have non-time-limited certificates and may participate voluntarily.
MOC Requirements
All requirements must be completed by September 30 each year:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Learning Tool (ALT) | Annual knowledge assessment |
| ABNS Pledge | Professional standing attestation |
| IHHC Questionnaire | Improvement in Health and Health Care |
| Medical License | Active, unrestricted license verification |
Adaptive Learning Tool (ALT)
The ALT is the primary assessment method:
- Multiple-choice questions based on scientific articles
- Core neurological surgery knowledge focused on Level 1 and 2 evidence
- Emphasis on emergency, urgent, and critical care concepts
- Content updated annually with input from major stakeholder societies
- Available 24/7 for self-paced completion
- Mastery-based with 80% scoring requirement
CME Credit Through ALT
- CME earned if passing score of 80% or higher achieved within first 2 attempts
- If score <80% after 2 attempts, no CME awarded but requirement still must be completed
- Additional 3 attempts available (no CME credit)
Attempt Structure
| Attempts | CME Eligible | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Yes (if 80%+) | 24-hour lockout between attempts |
| 3-5 | No | For requirement completion only |
Recognition of Focused Practice (RFPD)
Specialized ALTs required for RFPD credentials:
- Pediatrics ALT
- Neurocritical Care ALT
- CNS Endovascular ALT
RFPD holders must complete general CC plus RFPD-specific ALTs.
Key Deadlines
- September 30 — Deadline for all CC requirements and dues payments each year
- Status change to "Not Participating" if not completed by September 30
- Status reflected on ABNS Certification Verification site
Certificate Types
| Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Time-limited (1999+) | Must maintain CC | Required participation |
| Non-time-limited (before 1999) | Voluntary | Strongly encouraged |
Professional Standing
Annual requirements include:
- ABNS Pledge — Attestation via questionnaire
- License verification — Primary source verification annually
- Reporting obligation — Must report license actions (reprimands, probation, suspension, etc.)
Improvement in Health and Health Care (IHHC)
Brief questionnaire attestation required with qualifying activities such as:
- Quality/safety committee membership
- Peer review participation
- Root cause analysis
- QI-related publications
Candidates Pathway
For those completing residency after June 2021:
- Must begin CC participation in January following residency completion
- "Board Eligible" status requires CC participation
- No fee requirement for candidates
- Requirements monitored through ABNS POST
Tips for ABNS MOC
- Complete by September 30 — Firm annual deadline
- Aim for 80%+ on first two ALT attempts — Earns CME credit
- Maintain MyABNS profile — Keep information accurate
- Report license issues — Required disclosure
Regaining Certification
- Extensions/exemptions available in rare, compelling circumstances
- Petitions go to ABNS Executive Director
- For RFPD, relevant boards must be consulted