3 Who can take the ABNS exam? Any U.S. NSGY resident, PGY-1 included, and those beginning Canadian programs before July 16, 19971 What is the exam format? 375 MCQs on seven categories based on recent data What is the distribution and weight of the different categories? Neurobiology: 50 Neuroanatomy: 50 Neuroradiology: 58 Neurology: 54 Neuropathology: 44 Neurosurgery: 61 Critical care/fundamental clinical skills: 58 Question number based on ABNS data (2008 examination) Is “core competencies” going to be a new category? Yes, starting in 2009; unknown number of questions Knowledge of core competencies is becoming increasingly important for resident education. What is the allotted time? 5.5 hours 165 minutes for the first part* (187 questions) 165 minutes for the second part* (188 questions) One main break occurs between the two exam notebooks. *Based on ABNS data from 2008 How much time do I have per question? 1.13 minutes (72 seconds) per question, approximately Where is the exam held? At your hospital. Usually the program coordinator and/or attending(s) may assist as proctors Who can help me with the registration? Your program coordinator will ask you to sign the registration for the exam months in advance. On that form you indicate if you will take the exam for practice or for credit. What is the passing score? It is based on those who take it for credit and therefore subject to variation. You should aim for over 60% correct to ensure a pass. What is the passing rate? About 70 to 85% pass the exam but this varies year to year. How can I prepare the MCQs? MCQ practice throughout the year: 1. www.sanswired.com has access to peer-reviewed questions.2 2. Definitive Neurological Surgery Board Review by Thomas Psarros and Shawn Moore3: contains 1300 questions 3. Comprehensive Neurosurgery Board Review, 2nd edition, by Jonathan S. Citow, R. Loch Macdonald, and Daniel Refai4 4. Neurology Practice Questions and Answers by Mark Shaya, Remi Nader, and Anil Nanda5 5. Neurosurgery Rounds: Questions and Answers by Mark Shaya, Remi Nader, Hamad Farhat, Jonathan Citow, and A.J. Sabbagh6 6. Flashcards: Colen flash-review is useful for testing throughout the day. 7. www.neuroprep.com: Contains 700 neurology questions Always search for the latest editions. Review books: As stated above, as well as Greenberg’s Handbook of Neurosurgery.7 Basic core books: Lindsay’s Neurology and Neurosurgery Illustrated,
Board Examinations in Neurosurgery
3.1 U.S. (American Board of Neurological Surgery)
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