This is a written test to evaluate a trainee's skills. Other requirements include successful review by the Credentials Committee, a General Certificate and an Oral Examination. These steps ensure the candidate has fulfilled the training requirements of the ABNS, is competent and has maintained satisfactory performance and ethical conduct. The Oral Examination is performed three to five years after completion of the candidate's training. It is an intensive review of the candidate's management of neurosurgical cases.
Some neurosurgeons are Fellowship trained.
This means they have received in depth training beyond their residency in a super-specialty such as the spine. Fellowships usually involve clinical experience combined with research in the super-specialty for one to two years.