The Ultimate Guide to Passing the ABPN Exam: What Every Aspiring Psychiatrist and Neurologist Needs

For physicians pursuing a career in psychiatry or neurology in the United States, passing the ABPN (American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology) examination is a critical milestone. Whether you’re fresh out of residency or planning your path ahead, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the ABPN exam—from eligibility and exam format to preparation tips, key resources, and common mistakes to avoid.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a detailed, actionable roadmap for success—tailored specifically for psychiatry and neurology professionals aiming to become board-certified.

What Is the ABPN Exam?

The ABPN is the official certifying body for physicians specializing in:

• Psychiatry
• Neurology
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Clinical Neurophysiology
• Epilepsy
• Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
• Neuromuscular Medicine
• Sleep Medicine
• and more.

Passing the ABPN examination grants board certification, which is often required for hospital privileges, insurance credentialing, and academic appointments.

Why ABPN Certification Matters

• Enhances career opportunities
• Validates clinical competence
• Increases patient trust
• Meets credentialing requirements
• Eligible for subspecialty certifications

Whether you're entering private practice or aiming for an academic role, board certification boosts your professional credibility and sets you apart.

Types of ABPN Certification Exams

1. Psychiatry Certification Exam

For MDs/DOs who have completed psychiatry residency.

2. Neurology Certification Exam

For those who’ve completed a neurology residency (adult neurology, or child neurology with special pathways).

3. Subspecialty Exams

ABPN also offers certification in:

• Addiction Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychiatry
• Geriatric Psychiatry
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Brain Injury Medicine
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine
• Epilepsy
• Sleep Medicine
  …and several more.

Each subspecialty has its own eligibility and exam structure.

Eligibility Criteria

To sit for the initial ABPN certification exam, you must:

• Have an MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school.
• Complete an ACGME-accredited residency in psychiatry or neurology.
• Possess a valid, unrestricted medical license in the U.S. or Canada.
• Apply during the designated application window.

For subspecialty exams, additional fellowship training and time in practice may be required.

ABPN Exam Format (Psychiatry & Neurology)

Both the Psychiatry and Neurology certification exams are computer-based, multiple-choice assessments administered at Pearson VUE testing centers.

Psychiatry Exam Overview:

• Exam Length: ~8.5 hours including breaks
• Question Count: ~425 questions
• Sections:
  • Diagnostic assessment
  • Treatment planning
  • Psychotherapy
  • Ethics and professionalism
  • Neurological and medical comorbidities

Neurology Exam Overview:

• Exam Length: ~8.5 hours
• Question Count: ~425 questions
• Sections:
  • Clinical neurology (stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders, MS, etc.)
  • Neuroanatomy and neuroimaging
  • Diagnostic testing and interpretation
  • Management and therapeutics
  • Professional conduct

Each question is typically single-best answer, scenario-based, and designed to simulate clinical decision-making.

Subspecialty Exam Formats

Subspecialty exams are generally:

• 4 to 5 hours long
• 200–250 questions
• Focused on the specific knowledge base for that field (e.g., addiction treatment, child development, EEG interpretation, etc.)

How to Register for the ABPN Exam

1. Create an ABPN Physician Portal account on www.abpn.com
2. Submit your application with all required documents (residency certificate, license info, etc.)
3. Pay the exam fee (ranges between $700–$2000 depending on exam and subspecialty)
4. Schedule your exam date through Pearson VUE once approved

How to Prepare for the ABPN Exam

1. Start with the ABPN Exam Blueprint

The ABPN publishes detailed content outlines for each exam. Download them from their website to understand:

• What topics are covered
• The weight of each category
• Types of clinical scenarios used

2. Use High-Yield Study Resources

Here are some widely recommended tools:

Psychiatry:

• BoardVitals Psychiatry Qbank
• Beat the Boards: Psychiatry
• First Aid for the Psychiatry Boards
• Kaplan Psychiatry Review
• DSM-5 and DSM-5-TR (as references)

Neurology:

• BoardVitals Neurology Qbank
• Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology (AAN)
• Greenberg’s Handbook of Neurosurgery (for tough topics)
• UWorld Neurology section (supplemental)
• PREP Neurology (AAP for child neurology)

3. Practice with Mock Exams

Simulated tests help:

• Build exam stamina
• Train time management
• Identify weak spots
• Reduce anxiety

Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions at least 2–3 times before test day.

4. Join Review Courses (Optional)

Live or online board review courses (e.g., MedStudy, Beat the Boards) can help reinforce tough concepts and provide structured timelines.

Test Day Tips

• Arrive early at the Pearson VUE center
• Bring valid ID
• Know your exam break schedule
• Practice deep breathing to stay calm
• Flag questions, but avoid excessive second-guessing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring the blueprint – Your study plan should match the ABPN outline exactly.
2. Neglecting practice questions – Passive reading won’t help on a clinical-style exam.
3. Over-relying on old materials – Psychiatry and neurology are rapidly evolving. Stick to the most recent DSM and updated resources.
4. Burning out – Schedule breaks and balance your prep with rest.
5. Leaving exam logistics till the last minute – Ensure you’ve tested your Pearson VUE location, travel plans, and time off work.

Maintaining Certification (MOC)

After passing your initial exam, you'll enter ABPN’s Continuing Certification (CC) program:

• Lifelong learning and self-assessment activities
• Patient safety modules
• Professionalism attestations
• Periodic Article-Based Assessments (ABAs) or a 10-year Recertification Exam

Visit ABPN’s MOC/CC portal for details.

Final Thoughts

Passing the ABPN exam is more than a certification—it's a validation of your ability to provide high-quality, evidence-based care in psychiatry or neurology. With the right preparation, effective study strategies, and a focus on clinical reasoning, you’ll walk into the exam room ready to succeed.

This exam may be challenging, but remember: you've trained for this your entire residency. Trust your foundation, use your time wisely, and make mock exams your friend.