AOBNP Exam Preparation | MDster You are offline Back online! [ MDster home ](/ "MDster home") Specialities [ Anesthesiology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/anesthesiology) [ Emergency Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/emergency-medicine) [ Family Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/family-medicine) [ Internal Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/internal-medicine) [ Neurology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology) [ Obstetrics & Gynecology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/obstetrics-gynecology) [ Pediatrics ](https://mdster.com/speciality/pediatrics) [ Psychiatry ](https://mdster.com/speciality/psychiatry) [ Features ](https://mdster.com/features) [ SOE Examiner NEW ](https://mdster.com/soe-examiner) [ Pricing ](https://mdster.com/pricing) [ Blog ](https://mdster.com/blog) Menu Specialities [ Anesthesiology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/anesthesiology) [ Emergency Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/emergency-medicine) [ Family Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/family-medicine) [ Internal Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/internal-medicine) [ Neurology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology) [ Obstetrics & Gynecology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/obstetrics-gynecology) [ Pediatrics ](https://mdster.com/speciality/pediatrics) [ Psychiatry ](https://mdster.com/speciality/psychiatry) [ Features ](https://mdster.com/features) [ SOE Examiner NEW ](https://mdster.com/soe-examiner) [ Pricing ](https://mdster.com/pricing) [ Blog ](https://mdster.com/blog) [ Login ](https://mdster.com/auth/login) 1. [ Home ](https://mdster.com) 2. [ Neurology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology) 3. AOBNP AOBNP Exam Preparation ======================== American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry USA The AOBNP offers primary certification in neurology through the American Osteopathic Association's certification system. Eligible graduates of osteopathic or allopathic medical schools must meet accredited residency, licensing, and professional requirements and pass the neurology written examination. 5,236+ Questions 5,745+ Flashcards About the AOBNP Exam ---------------------- The American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry (AOBNP) Neurology Written Examination is the primary board certification exam for neurologists certified through the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Open to both DO and MD neurologists who have completed ACGME-accredited neurology residency training, the exam validates comprehensive clinical knowledge, diagnostic acumen, and therapeutic skills across the breadth of adult and pediatric neurology. Earning AOBNP board certification demonstrates adherence to high osteopathic and clinical standards in neurology practice. ### Eligibility Candidates must be graduates of a COCA-accredited college of osteopathic medicine (DO) or an LCME-accredited medical school (MD) and have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited neurology residency program. Candidates currently in training may sit for the exam if they are within six months of completing their residency, verified by an official letter from their residency program director. Additionally, applicants must hold a valid, active, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States or its territories, practice neurology for at least 75% of their total clinical time, and adhere to the AOA Code of Ethics. ### Exam Format The exam is a remotely proctored, computer-based multiple-choice examination (MCQ) comprising 300 single-best-answer questions arranged across four distinct testing sections. ### Duration The examination comprises 6 hours of testing time, with a total appointment seat time of 6 hours and 30 minutes to accommodate scheduled breaks between sections. ### Passing Criteria AOBNP reports exam results using standardized scaled scores ranging from 200 to 800. A scaled score of 500 or higher is required to pass, representing the minimum standard of competence established by the board. Scoring is criterion-referenced based on the total number of correct answers, with no penalty for guessing. ### Exam Fees The total initial application and examination fee is $1,650, which includes a non-refundable $350 application processing fee and a $1,300 written examination fee. If a candidate needs to retake the exam, the re-examination fee is $1,200. ### Exam Frequency The exam is administered once annually, typically during an testing window in the late spring or early summer. ### Registration Process Registration opens approximately six months prior to the testing administration window via the official AOA physician certification portal. Applicants must submit their online application, medical license verification, residency completion documentation (or program director letter), and full examination fees. The primary deadline is typically 60 days before the testing window, with a final late registration cutoff 30 days prior to the exam. AOBNP Key Syllabus Topics --------------------------- Core topics and subject areas covered in the AOBNP examination ### Vascular Neurology Covers ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke syndromes, intracranial hemorrhage, transient ischemic attack (TIA), cerebral venous thrombosis, vascular malformations, and secondary prevention strategies. ~9% ### Movement Disorders Focuses on the clinical assessment and pharmacotherapy of Parkinson's disease, atypical parkinsonism, dystonia, chorea, tremors, tics, and ataxia. ~9% ### Headache and Facial Pain Encompasses primary headache disorders such as migraine, cluster, and tension-type headaches, as well as trigeminal neuralgia and secondary causes of elevated intracranial pressure. ~9% ### Neuroimaging Tests the interpretation of brain and spine MRI, CT angiography, perfusion studies, and functional imaging in acute, inflammatory, and degenerative neurological disorders. ~9% ### Neuroimmunology and Demyelinating Disorders Addresses multiple sclerosis diagnosis and disease-modifying therapies, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), MOGAD, and autoimmune encephalitis. ~6% ### Neuromuscular Disorders Covers peripheral neuropathies, motor neuron diseases (such as ALS), myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome, and inherited or acquired myopathies. ~6% ### Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology Assesses differential diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, prion diseases, and reversible causes of cognitive decline. ~6% ### Seizure Disorders and Epilepsy Evaluates seizure classification, status epilepticus protocols, antiepileptic drug pharmacokinetics, surgical evaluation, and special populations like pregnancy in epilepsy. ~5% ### Neurodiagnostics Examines indications, technical principles, and interpretation of electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography/nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS), and evoked potentials. ~5% ### CNS and PNS Neoplasms Includes primary central nervous system gliomas, meningiomas, metastatic disease, paraneoplastic syndromes, and radiation/chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. ~5% ### Central Nervous System Infections Covers bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections of the nervous system, including meningitis, encephalitis, abscesses, opportunistic HIV-related infections, and neurosyphilis. ~5% ### Spinal Cord Disorders and Neurotrauma Encompasses compressive myelopathy, transverse myelitis, spinal vascular malformations, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and concussive syndromes. ~8% ### Systemic and Metabolic Disorders Addresses neurological complications of endocrine disease, nutritional deficiencies, electrolyte disturbances, hepatic/uremic encephalopathy, and rheumatologic disorders. ~4% ### Neurocritical Care and Sleep Disorders Focuses on acute elevated intracranial pressure, brain death determination, targeted temperature management, obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and parasomnias. ~6% ### Psychiatry for Neurologists & Osteopathic Principles Evaluates psychiatric comorbidities in neurological conditions, psychopharmacology, somatic symptom disorders, and the application of osteopathic principles in neuromuscular care. ~4% **15** key topics covered Start Your AOBNP Preparation Today ------------------------------------ Comprehensive study materials designed to help you pass the AOBNP with confidence [ Get Started Free ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) No credit card required • 5-day free trial Everything You Need to Pass the AOBNP --------------------------------------- A complete preparation platform with tools designed for Neurology professionals ### Practice Questions 5,236+ questions across MCQ, SAQ, SOE formats with detailed explanations and references ### Flashcards 5,745+ flashcards for active recall — mark known and unknown cards to focus on weak areas ### Timed Mock Exams Simulate real exam conditions with timed sessions, customisable question counts, and topic filters ### AI-Powered Q&A Ask follow-up questions on any topic and get instant, contextual answers with references ### Performance Analytics Track your progress, identify weak areas, and monitor your exam readiness with detailed analytics How to Prepare for the AOBNP ------------------------------ A practical guide to help you plan your AOBNP preparation effectively ### Recommended Timeline 6 to 9 months of structured, blueprint-aligned study during the final year of residency or early post-graduate fellowship training. ### Study Tips - Center your study calendar on the highest-yield blueprint categories: Vascular Disease, Movement Disorders, Headaches, and Neuroimaging comprise over 35% of the total questions. - Work through high-volume question banks (1,500-2,500 questions) in timed, tutorless mode to build stamina for the 300-question, 6-hour test. - Regularly review neuroimaging files, including non-contrast head CTs, brain MRIs (T1, T2, FLAIR, DWI/ADC), and angiograms, as image-based vignettes are heavily featured. - Study high-yield EEG waveforms (e.g., periodic discharges, spike-and-wave variants, burst suppression) and classic EMG/NCS patterns for demyelinating versus axonal polyneuropathies. - Dedicate specific review sessions to psychopharmacology, psychiatric differential diagnosis in neurological illness, and osteopathic somatic dysfunction patterns relevant to craniocervical and spinal pathology. - Review past RITE (Residency In-Service Training Examination) discussion manuals to address common diagnostic traps and evidence-based clinical management nuances. ### High-Yield Topics - Acute ischemic stroke thrombolytic and endovascular thrombectomy criteria, window extensions, and post-tPA hemorrhage management - Localization of focal brainstem and spinal cord lesions using cranial nerve deficits and tract involvement - Differential diagnosis of atypical parkinsonian syndromes (PSP, MSA, CBD, DLB) versus idiopathic Parkinson's disease - Diagnostic criteria and therapeutic sequencing for multiple sclerosis and autoimmune encephalitis - First-line antiepileptic drug selection according to focal vs. generalized seizure type, teratogenicity, and comorbidity profile - Electrodiagnostic localization of common radiculopathies and entrapment neuropathies (e.g., carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, peroneal neuropathy) - Red-flag secondary headache etiologies: subarachnoid hemorrhage, RCVS, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, and giant cell arteritis ### Common Pitfalls - Neglecting neuroimaging and electrodiagnostic interpretations in favor of purely text-based knowledge. - Overlooking the psychiatry and osteopathic principles domains, which represent accessible points on the overall scaled score. - Spending disproportionate time on obscure genetic syndromes while under-reviewing high-volume topics like migraine management and stroke prevention. - Failing to establish a pacing strategy, leading to cognitive fatigue during the final 75-question block of the 6-hour sitting. - Underestimating remote proctoring system requirements, such as web camera positioning, internet stability, and room compliance protocols. ### Recommended Resources - Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology (American Academy of Neurology) - Comprehensive Board Review in Neurology by Mark K. Borsody - Neurology Board Review: An Illustrated Study Guide by Nizar Souayah - Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology by Allan H. Ropper et al. - AOA / AOBNP Neurology Table of Specifications and Clinical Practice Guidelines Study Pathways ---------------- Choose the pathway that matches your AOBNP preparation stage ### Neurology Core Pathway Core pathway for Neurology covering foundational exams and initial certification steps. #### What's Included 1,487 MCQ Questions 793 SAQ Questions 2,952 Flashcards 5,232 total study resources [ Start Learning ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) ### Neurology Advanced Pathway Advanced pathway for Neurology covering final exams, oral assessments, and advanced clinical evaluations. #### What's Included 1,690 MCQ Questions 1,166 SAQ Questions 100 SOE Questions 2,793 Flashcards 5,749 total study resources #### Exam Coverage AOBNP Neurology Written Examination [ Start Learning ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) Last refreshed: October 2026 Flexible Pricing Plans ------------------------ Choose the plan that fits your AOBNP study schedule ### Try Risk-Free for 5 Days Start your free trial today and get full access to all AOBNP features\*. **No credit card required**. Cancel anytime. No Commitment! Full platform access All study materials Analytics & tracking Cancel anytime \* AI SOE Examiner is limited to 10 cases monthly for Advanced & Bundle subscribers. ### Neurology Core Pathway Core pathway for Neurology covering foundational exams and initial certification steps. #### Monthly Flexible month-to-month $12.00 /month Cancel anytime Immediate access Save 8% #### 3 Months Popular Great for exam cycles $11.00 /month Billed $33.00 every 3 months Save 8% vs monthly Perfect for exam cycles Save 17% #### 6 Months Maximum savings $10.00 /month Billed $60.00 every 6 months Save 17% vs monthly Best value for serious learners ### Neurology Advanced Pathway Advanced pathway for Neurology covering final exams, oral assessments, and advanced clinical evaluations. #### Monthly Flexible month-to-month $15.00 /month Cancel anytime Immediate access Save 13% #### 3 Months Popular Great for exam cycles $13.00 /month Billed $39.00 every 3 months Save 13% vs monthly Perfect for exam cycles Save 20% #### 6 Months Maximum savings $12.00 /month Billed $72.00 every 6 months Save 20% vs monthly Best value for serious learners ### Neurology Bundle (Core + Advanced) Bundle subscription for Neurology: Core + Advanced pathways with all features included. #### Monthly Flexible month-to-month $20.00 /month Cancel anytime Immediate access Save 15% #### 3 Months Popular Great for exam cycles $17.00 /month Billed $51.00 every 3 months Save 15% vs monthly Perfect for exam cycles Save 25% #### 6 Months Maximum savings $15.00 /month Billed $90.00 every 6 months Save 25% vs monthly Best value for serious learners Latest AOBNP Updates ---------------------- Recent changes and developments for the AOBNP examination 2024 ### Standardization of Remote Proctoring Delivery The AOBNP solidified its remote proctoring format for the annual neurology written exam, allowing candidates to test securely from home or private office environments without traveling to in-person test centers. 2024-2025 ### Alignment with ACGME Single Accreditation Milestones Eligibility and application workflows continue to fully integrate both DO and MD graduates of ACGME-accredited neurology residencies, standardizing programmatic verification. 2025-2026 ### Emphasis on Evidence-Based Neurotherapeutics The exam blueprint reflects contemporary advances in neurology, including novel CGRP antagonists for migraine, advanced disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis, and acute thrombectomy guidelines. Candidates should verify the latest blueprints directly with the AOBNP. Updates are based on publicly available information and may not reflect the very latest changes. Always verify with the official American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry website. Related Neurology Exams ------------------------- Other examinations in Neurology you may be interested in [ ### ABHS Arab Board of Health Specializations Arab countries ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology/abhs-neurology) [ ### ABN Título de Especialista em Neurologia Brazil ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology/abn) [ ### ABPN American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology USA ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology/abpn-neurology) [ ### DrNB Doctorate National Board in Neurology India ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology/drnb) [ ### EBN European Board of Neurology Europe; international candidates accepted ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology/ebn) [ ### FC Neurol(SA) Fellowship of the College of Neurologists of South Africa South Africa ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology/fc-neurol-sa) Frequently Asked Questions ---------------------------- Everything you need to know about AOBNP preparation ### Can allopathic physicians (MDs) take the AOBNP Neurology Written Examination? Yes. Following the implementation of the single GME accreditation system, graduates of LCME-accredited allopathic medical schools who have completed an ACGME-accredited neurology residency program are eligible to apply for and take the AOBNP Neurology Written Examination, provided they meet all other licensure and practice criteria. ### What is the format and duration of the AOBNP Neurology Written Exam? The examination consists of 300 multiple-choice questions administered across four sections. Total testing time is 6 hours, with an overall seat time of 6 hours and 30 minutes to accommodate scheduled breaks between test sections. ### Where is the examination administered? The AOBNP Neurology Written Examination is delivered via a secure, remotely proctored platform. Candidates test from an approved private location (such as a home or office room) that meets strict technical and environmental requirements monitored in real time by an online proctor. ### What is the passing score for the AOBNP Neurology exam? Results are reported using standardized scaled scores ranging from 200 to 800. A minimum scaled score of 500 is required to pass the examination. The scoring is criterion-referenced based on overall correct responses, with no negative marking for incorrect choices. ### What is the historical pass rate for the AOBNP Neurology Written Examination? The board reports very strong pass rates among eligible candidates, with the 5-year aggregate pass rate for first-time examinees standing at or near 100%. While the exam is rigorous, comprehensive residency training and dedicated board preparation lead to high success rates. ### How much does it cost to take the AOBNP Neurology Written Exam? The initial cost is $1,650, which includes a non-refundable $350 application fee and a $1,300 written examination fee. If a candidate fails and needs to retake the examination in a subsequent administration, the re-examination fee is $1,200. ### When can a neurology resident apply to sit for the exam? A candidate can apply during their final year of residency if they are within six months of completing their ACGME-accredited neurology program. A formal verification letter from the residency program director confirming anticipated completion in good standing must accompany the application. ### What happens if a candidate fails the written examination? Candidates who do not achieve the passing standard are permitted to retake the examination during subsequent annual administrations. Re-examinees must submit a re-examination application, pay the reduced re-take fee of $1,200, and ensure their medical license remains active and in good standing. ### Does the exam include questions on Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP)? Yes, but osteopathic principles constitute approximately 1% of the examination. The vast majority of the exam focuses on core clinical neurology, neuroimaging, neurodiagnostics, and relevant clinical psychiatry. ### How long does it take to receive score results after the exam? Official results and scaled score breakdowns are generally processed, reviewed, and published within 6 to 8 weeks following the conclusion of the testing window. Candidates receive an official notification via email and through their AOA physician certification portal. Ready to Pass the AOBNP? -------------------------- Join medical professionals who are preparing for the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry with MDster [ Get Started Free ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) No credit card required • Cancel anytime [ MDster home ](/ "MDster home") Master your medical exams with evidence-based learning. [ Download on the App Store ](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6759168258) [ GET IT ON Google Play ](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mdster.app) Platform - [Home](https://mdster.com) - [Features](https://mdster.com/features) - [Pricing](https://mdster.com/pricing) - [About](https://mdster.com/about) Resources - [Blog](https://mdster.com/blog) - [Curriculum](https://mdster.com/curriculum) - [Dashboard](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) Support - [Contact](https://mdster.com/contact) - [Legal & Policies](https://mdster.com/legal) - [Medical Reviewers](https://mdster.com/medical-reviewers) © 2026 MDster [Terms](https://mdster.com/terms) [Privacy](https://mdster.com/privacy) [Editorial](https://mdster.com/editorial-policy) [ ](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6759168258) [ ](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mdster.app) reCAPTCHA Protected by reCAPTCHA. Google [Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply. Cookie Consent -------------- We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies. [ Terms of Use ](https://mdster.com/terms) & [ Privacy Policy ](https://mdster.com/privacy) Accept