Step 1 Getting Started
From Brain.aacnwiki.org
Web Resources
The idea of pursuing ABPP/ABCN credentials can be intimidating. It involves a lot of work, but it can be done. The first thing you can do is get more information. Each of the following web sites has something to offer:
- The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) is the largest and best-respected accreditation board in the field of applied psychology. It recognizes 13 subspecialties, each of which has its own "member boards" that design and immediately oversee the examination process. The Clinical Neuropsychology subspecialty is represented by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN, see below). The ABPP web site provides the big picture on what board certification means to the profession and to the public. It also provides the very important initial application. The application form on the ABPP web site is available as a pdf with fields you can type into, but you can't save your work and come back to it later. You can print a copy, fill it by hand as you gather information, and then type your responses after you have everything pulled together. Alternatively, you can use this link to download a version of the initial application that has been adapted into MS Word (updated 5/2009). If you use this MS Word version, double-check it against the one on the ABPP web site; sometimes they edit their forms.
- The American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN) is the ABPP member board that oversees the subspecialty examination in Clinical Neuropsychology. The ABCN web site provides an overview of the examination process, answers frequently-asked questions, has basic background information about the board itself, and links you to the application materials at the ABPP site and study materials at the AACN site.
- The American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) is an independent organization comprised entirely of individuals who have completed the ABPP/ABCN certification process. Among other things, the site provides an excellent study guide that you should read in full. It helps to demystify the process and provides strong guidance on how to succeed. The BRAIN website does not replace the AACN study guide; rather, our site is intended as a supplement.
Beyond the web sites
- A few BRAIN folks also published a book devoted to helping you through the whole process: Armstrong, K., Beebe, D.W., Hilsabeck, R., & Kirkwood, M. (2008). A Step-by-Step Guide to ABPP/ABCN Certification in Clinical Neuropsychology: How to Become Board Certified Without Sacrificing Your Sanity. New York: Oxford University Press.
- Consider attending an ABPP preparatory session. These are held at most major neuropsychology conferences, including the annual meetings of the INS, NAN, and AACN. These sessions give an overview of what to expect and tips on how to progress. There are also opportunities to ask questions and, if you are ready, to practice oral examination procedures.
- Develop a relationship with a mentor who has completed the ABCN process. If no such individual is locally available or suitable as a mentor, consider working with the AACN mentorship program, which links applicants with willing mentors. The AACN mentorship program is coordinated by Jacobus Donders, Ph.D., ABPP/CN, who can be e-mailed at jacobus.donders@maryfreebed.com.
- Join the BRAIN e-mail listserve. Though not required, list-serve membership can be a tremendous resource. In an effort to keep the listserve relevant, helpful, and supportive, we require that new members have a sponsor. Learn more about how to become a list-serve member or to sponsor a new member. Even if you are uninterested or unable to join, we hope this public web site will help your preparation processes.
