ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology

ABPP is the umbrella board that certifies specialists across many psychology specialties. The American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) is the specialty board within ABPP that examines and recommends candidates in clinical neuropsychology. You apply through the specialty board, and ABPP issues the credential. Check both organizations' sites for the current process.

It is multi-component rather than a single sitting. Expect a written examination, submission of practice samples or a case portfolio, and an oral examination in which examiners question you about your cases and the broader specialty literature. The exact sequence and requirements are set by the board and are published in its candidate handbook.

The official body publishes the current figures, and they are subject to revision, so consult the ABPP and ABCN websites rather than relying on secondhand numbers. Treat any specific count or time limit you hear from other candidates as potentially outdated.

It is a specialty board examination, so it assumes doctoral-level knowledge and completed supervised training. Most candidates find the written portion demanding but passable with systematic review, and the oral portion the greater challenge because it requires defending clinical reasoning in real time under questioning.

Retake policies, waiting periods, and fees are set by the board and change over time. Read the current candidate handbook for the governing rules, and ask the board office directly if your situation is unusual. Do not assume the policy you heard from a colleague still applies.

Start with the areas where your training was thinnest, not where you are most comfortable. Then move to integrated case practice: full records, test data, imaging, and a written formulation. Finish with oral rehearsal, explaining your reasoning to a colleague who will push back. Breadth across domains matters more than depth in any one.

Common patterns include superficial knowledge of neuropathology and neuroimaging, weak differential reasoning, inability to justify test selection, and poor handling of ethics or diversity questions. In the oral portion, failing to acknowledge uncertainty or becoming defensive under questioning is frequently cited. Practice saying "I don't know, and here is how I would find out."

No. Examiners care that you understand what a score means, its limitations, and how base rates and demographic corrections affect interpretation. Knowing the psychometric properties and appropriate use of instruments in your battery matters far more than recalling individual tables.

Most candidates spread preparation over several months alongside clinical work, with the final weeks reserved for case integration and oral practice. Because the process includes a portfolio and scheduling steps, build in time for administrative requirements as well as study.

No. This is independent study material and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ABPP or ABCN. Always confirm requirements, fees, deadlines, and policies directly with the official organizations before you apply.