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[ Home ](https://mdster.com) 2. [ Neurology ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology) 3. SNG SNG Exam Preparation ====================== Facharztprüfung Neurologie Schweizerische Neurologische Gesellschaft, under the Schweizerisches Institut für ärztliche Weiter- und Fortbildung framework Switzerland The Swiss specialist examination in neurology is a required assessment for acquisition of the Swiss neurology specialist title. It is organized by the Swiss Neurological Society within the Swiss Institute for Postgraduate and Continuing Medical Education framework and includes written and oral/practical stages. First Part — Written Examination Second Part — Oral and Practical Examination 5,236+ Questions 5,745+ Flashcards About the SNG Exam -------------------- The Facharztprüfung Neurologie is the mandatory federal specialist examination required to obtain the specialist medical qualification in neurology (Facharzt für Neurologie) in Switzerland. Organized by the Swiss Neurological Society (Schweizerische Neurologische Gesellschaft, SNG) under the regulatory umbrella of the Swiss Institute for Postgraduate and Continuing Medical Education (SIWF/ISFM), the assessment evaluates clinical neurological competencies and in-depth specialist knowledge. The examination is delivered in two separate testing sessions consisting of an English-language written multiple-choice examination and a subsequent structured oral and practical bedside clinical examination. ### Eligibility Admission is restricted to physicians holding a Swiss federal medical diploma (eidgenössisches Arztdiplom) or a foreign medical degree recognized by the Federal Office of Public Health via the MEBEKO commission (Art. 23 WBO). The examination is recommended to be taken during the final year of the regular six-year neurology residency curriculum or following its completion. Candidates may sit the written examination earlier in their postgraduate training, provided the subsequent structured oral and practical components are completed within the mandatory three-year period following the written pass. ### Exam Format The examination comprises three distinct assessments delivered over two sessions: First Part is an English-language written multiple-choice test (120 MCQs); Second Part comprises a structured oral examination assessing clinical scenarios, diagnostic imaging, and neurophysiology, alongside a practical bedside clinical examination evaluating history taking, examination technique, and management planning on actual patients before two specialist examiners and an expert observer. ### Duration The written multiple-choice paper lasts 4 hours (240 minutes) for 120 questions. The oral and practical sessions take approximately 90 to 120 minutes in total, divided between preparation, structured oral case discussion, and direct bedside patient evaluation. ### Passing Criteria Candidates must achieve a passing grade in each of the three examination components independently: the written multiple-choice test, the structured oral examination, and the practical clinical bedside examination. A passing grade in the written section remains valid for three years, during which candidates who fail an oral or practical section may retake that specific component without having to repeat the written paper. ### Exam Fees The full examination fee (covering both the written and oral/practical parts) is CHF 1,500 for candidates with established membership in the Swiss Association of Young Neurologists (SAYN), and CHF 2,250 for non-members or recent SAYN joiners. For sitting only one part (e.g., written only or re-taking the oral/practical part alone), the fee is CHF 800 for eligible SAYN members and CHF 1,125 for non-members. ### Exam Frequency The examination is held once annually across two separate sittings: the written multiple-choice part takes place in late summer (typically August), and the structured oral and practical part is administered in autumn (typically late October). ### Registration Process Registration is conducted exclusively online through the official Swiss Neurological Society website (swissneuro.ch) during the formal spring window (March 1 to May 31). Applicants must upload an updated postgraduate training curriculum, a structured rotation summary signed by the head of their accredited training center (Leiter der Weiterbildungsstätte), a copy of their federal medical diploma or MEBEKO recognition document, and proof of passing the written paper if applying solely for the oral/practical part. SNG Key Syllabus Topics ------------------------- Core topics and subject areas covered in the SNG examination ### Cerebrovascular Diseases and Stroke Medicine Pathophysiology, hyperacute recanalization strategies (thrombolysis, endovascular thrombectomy), diagnostic neurovascular ultrasound, intracranial hemorrhage, venous sinus thrombosis, and secondary stroke prevention. ~15-20% ### Epilepsy and Paroxysmal Neurological Disorders Classification of epileptic seizures and epilepsies, status epilepticus emergency protocols, antiepileptic drug pharmacology, routine and continuous EEG interpretation, and differential diagnosis of non-epileptic paroxysms. ~12-15% ### Neuroimmunology and Demyelinating CNS Diseases Diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis (McDonald criteria), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), MOGAD, autoimmune encephalitis, and modern immunotherapy risk-monitoring regimens. ~12-15% ### Movement Disorders Clinical phenomenology and pharmacotherapy of Parkinson's disease, atypical parkinsonian syndromes, essential tremor, dystonias, chorea, and indications for advanced therapies including deep brain stimulation and pump infusions. ~10-12% ### Neuromuscular Disorders and Peripheral Neuropathies Etiology, clinical patterns, and diagnostic electrophysiology of polyneuropathies, Guillain-Barré syndrome, CIDP, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, and primary hereditary or acquired myopathies. ~10-12% ### Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Syndromes Clinical evaluation, CSF and imaging biomarker diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, dementia with Lewy bodies, and rapidly progressive cognitive syndromes. ~8-10% ### Clinical Neurophysiology and Sleep Medicine Theoretical basis and clinical diagnostic application of electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies (NCS), evoked potentials (VEP, SEP, AEP), electroencephalography, polysomnography, and central disorders of hypersomnolence. ~8-10% ### Headache, Facial Pain, and Cranial Neuralgias Diagnosis and acute/preventive treatment of primary headaches (migraine, cluster, tension-type), secondary headache red flags, trigeminal neuralgia, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. ~5-8% ### Neuro-oncology and Paraneoplastic Syndromes Clinical presentation, neuroimaging, and multidisciplinary treatment paradigms of primary CNS tumors, brain metastases, neoplastic meningitis, paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, and checkpoint-inhibitor neurotoxicities. ~5-8% ### Neuro-infectious Diseases Recognition, CSF diagnostics, and targeted antimicrobial management of acute bacterial meningitis, viral encephalitis, neuroborreliosis, neurotuberculosis, and opportunistic CNS infections in immunocompromised hosts. ~5-8% ### Neurocritical Care and Neurological Emergencies Management of acutely elevated intracranial pressure, herniation syndromes, acute coma, brain death certification criteria according to Swiss SAMW guidelines, and critical neuromuscular respiratory failure. ~5-8% **11** key topics covered Start Your SNG Preparation Today ---------------------------------- Comprehensive study materials designed to help you pass the SNG with confidence [ Get Started Free ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) No credit card required • 5-day free trial Everything You Need to Pass the SNG ------------------------------------- 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 SNG Exam Structure -------------------- Our materials cover all parts of the SNG examination ### First Part — Written Examination The First Part (Written Examination) of the Swiss Facharztprüfung Neurologie is an English-language multiple-choice assessment designed to test comprehensive clinical and theoretical knowledge across all core areas of neurology. Administered by the Schweizerische Neurologische Gesellschaft (SNG) under the SIWF framework, passing this examination is mandatory to qualify for the subsequent structured oral and practical examinations. Trainees can take this written portion before finalizing their residency, provided that all downstream exam components are completed within three years. Multiple-choice examination (MCQ) in English comprising 120 questions 4 hours Pass: Graded on a pass/fail (bestanden/nicht bestanden) basis. The passing threshold is determined by the SNG Examination Committee (Prüfungskommission) using standard-setting methodology for the 120 questions. Passing this part is an eliminatory prerequisite for admission to the structured oral and practical examination parts. Key Topics Cerebrovascular Diseases Epilepsy and Paroxysmal Conditions Neuroimmunological and Infectious Diseases Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases Neuromuscular and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology +2 more ### Second Part — Oral and Practical Examination The Second Part (Oral and Practical Examination) of the Facharztprüfung Neurologie assesses candidate competence in clinical bedside examination, diagnostic localization, and structured clinical problem-solving across general neurology. It consists of two distinct components: a real-patient practical assessment evaluating medical history-taking and neurostatus execution, followed by a structured oral discussion of clinical vignettes, paraclinical investigations, and management plans. Administered by an examiner board under SIWF and SNG regulations, candidates must prove their readiness for independent, safe neurological practice. Two-part clinical assessment comprising a real-patient bedside practical examination (anamnesis, full mental and somatic neurological examination, case presentation, and examiner defense) and a separate structured oral examination covering clinical scenarios, imaging, and neurophysiological data. Approximately 120 minutes total (at least 60 minutes for the practical patient examination and 60 minutes for the structured oral examination) Pass: Graded using the Swiss 1 to 6 marking scale (integer grades only). Each part (structured oral and practical) is evaluated separately and must be passed with an individual mark of at least 4 (genügend / satisfactory). Key Topics Bedside Neurological Examination and Neurostatus Cerebrovascular Diseases and Neurovascular Emergencies Epileptology and Paroxysmal Neurological Syndromes Neuromuscular Disorders and Peripheral Neuropathies Neuroimmunology and Demyelinating CNS Diseases Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases +1 more How to Prepare for the SNG ---------------------------- A practical guide to help you plan your SNG preparation effectively ### Recommended Timeline 9-12 months of structured preparation integrated with daily clinical neurology training and neurophysiology rotations. ### Study Tips - Dedicate the initial 4 to 6 months to working through comprehensive English-language neurology question banks to acclimate to the syntax and clinical reasoning style of the written MCQ paper. - Form peer study groups with fellow Swiss neurology trainees to practice structured 15-minute clinical oral case presentations and defense of differential diagnoses in German, French, or Italian. - Routinely incorporate formal, standardized neurological bedside examinations into routine hospital rounds to ensure smooth, fluent technique during the practical examination. - Organize regular teaching sessions with hospital neuroradiologists and neurophysiologists to practice spontaneous interpretation of raw MRI sequences, CT angiographies, EEG traces, and EMG/NCS graphs. - Focus revision on current European Academy of Neurology (EAN) and Swiss Neurological Society (SNG) clinical guidelines, giving high priority to stroke, status epilepticus, and MS protocols. - Familiarize yourself thoroughly with local Swiss legal and ethical frameworks, notably the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (SAMW/ASSM) guidelines regarding brain death determination and capacity assessment. ### High-Yield Topics - Acute ischemic stroke triage, intravenous thrombolysis indications/contraindications, and mechanical thrombectomy selection criteria - Updated McDonald criteria for multiple sclerosis and algorithmic selection of disease-modifying therapies - Evidence-based stepped management of generalized convulsive and non-convulsive status epilepticus - Localization principles of peripheral nerve, plexus, nerve root, and spinal cord lesions - Differential diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism (PSP, MSA, CBD) versus idiopathic Parkinson's disease - Emergency evaluation of acute altered mental status, delirium, and non-traumatic coma ### Common Pitfalls - Underestimating the English-language MCQ format after years of speaking and writing clinical notes exclusively in German or French - Neglecting hands-on examination drills, leading to disorganized or incomplete bedside clinical testing under timed observation - Overemphasizing ultra-rare neurological entities while failing to demonstrate crisp mastery of acute stroke pathways or status epilepticus protocols - Failing to articulate a succinct, prioritized differential diagnosis and logical diagnostic workup during the structured oral exam - Allowing the strict 3-year validity window between passing the written MCQ and completing the oral/practical examination to elapse ### Recommended Resources - Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice (Jankovic, Mazziotta, Pomeroy, Newman) - Adams and Victor's Principles of Neurology (Ropper, Samuels, Klein, Prasad) - European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Clinical Practice Guidelines (published in European Journal of Neurology) - Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology (American Academy of Neurology peer-reviewed journal modules) - Guidelines and Consensus Statements of the Swiss Neurological Society (SNG) and Swiss Federation of Clinical Neuro-Societies (SFCNS) - Neurology Self-Assessment: A Companion to Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice (Cheng-Ching et al.) Study Pathways ---------------- Choose the pathway that matches your SNG 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 #### Exam Coverage SNG First Part — Written Examination [ 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 SNG Second Part — Oral and Practical Examination [ Start Learning ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) Last refreshed: October 2026 Flexible Pricing Plans ------------------------ Choose the plan that fits your SNG study schedule ### Try Risk-Free for 5 Days Start your free trial today and get full access to all SNG 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 SNG Updates -------------------- Recent changes and developments for the SNG examination 2025 ### Clarification of SAYN Member Fee Eligibility The Swiss Neurological Society maintained differentiated examination fee tariffs providing substantial fee reductions for candidates with verified ongoing membership in the Swiss Association of Young Neurologists (SAYN). Candidates should verify their membership status well ahead of the May registration deadline. 2024 ### Strict Enforcement of Three-Year Window Between Exam Parts The SIWF and SNG examination commissions reiterated that candidates who pass the written MCQ paper must complete both the structured oral and practical components within three years, after which the written examination must be repeated. Candidates should verify regulations with Schweizerische Neurologische Gesellschaft under the SIWF framework. 2023 ### Standardization of Structured Oral Station Blueprints The examination board aligned the structured oral clinical scenarios more closely with CanMEDS role descriptors and European Board of Neurology assessment blueprints, ensuring consistent scoring rubrics across testing centers in Bern and regional hospital hubs. Updates are based on publicly available information and may not reflect the very latest changes. Always verify with the official Schweizerische Neurologische Gesellschaft, under the Schweizerisches Institut für ärztliche Weiter- und Fortbildung framework 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) [ ### AOBNP American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry USA ](https://mdster.com/speciality/neurology/aobnp-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) Frequently Asked Questions ---------------------------- Everything you need to know about SNG preparation ### Who is eligible to take the Facharztprüfung Neurologie? Only physicians holding a Swiss federal medical diploma or a formal recognition certificate of their foreign medical degree issued by the Federal Office of Public Health (MEBEKO) are eligible under Art. 23 of the SIWF Weiterbildungsordnung (WBO). Candidates should ideally sit the examination during the final year of their accredited neurology residency or shortly after completing the six-year curriculum. ### Can I take the written and oral/practical parts in different years? Yes. Candidates are permitted to sit the written multiple-choice examination earlier during their postgraduate training. However, according to Section 4.5.1 of the neurology postgraduate training program, candidates must successfully complete the structured oral and practical components within three years of passing the written test. ### What language is used for each part of the examination? The written multiple-choice examination is conducted entirely in English. The subsequent structured oral and practical bedside examinations are conducted in the national languages of Switzerland, primarily German or French (and Italian by prior arrangement), matching the candidate's preferred training language. ### What is the examination structure and question format? The examination consists of three distinct evaluations divided across two sessions. The first session is a 4-hour written test consisting of 120 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions. The second session consists of a structured oral exam based on clinical case vignettes, imaging, and neurophysiology, followed by a direct practical clinical examination on actual patients. ### What happens if I fail one part of the Facharztprüfung Neurologie? Each part (written, structured oral, practical) is graded independently. If you pass the written component but fail either the oral or practical exam, you only need to re-sit the failed oral or practical section, provided you pass it within the three-year validity window. ### How much does the examination cost? For candidates who are qualifying members of SAYN (Swiss Association of Young Neurologists), the combined examination fee is CHF 1,500, while non-members pay CHF 2,250. For candidates taking only one stage (either the written test or the oral/practical examination alone), the fee is CHF 800 for SAYN members and CHF 1,125 for non-members. ### How difficult is the Facharztprüfung Neurologie and what are the pass rates? The examination is considered rigorous and demanding, reflecting the comprehensive nature of Swiss neurological training. Pass rates among candidates who have completed at least four to five years of structured residency and rigorous question-bank practice are generally favorable, typically exceeding 80% to 85%. ### Where does the examination take place in Switzerland? The written examination is traditionally held at a central university venue, most commonly at the Inselspital in Bern. The oral and practical clinical sessions are conducted at major cantonal or regional hospital neurology centers designated by the SNG, such as Bern or Lugano. ### How do I register for the Facharztprüfung Neurologie? Candidates must register online via the SNG website (swissneuro.ch) between March 1 and May 31. Registration requires uploading a signed verification of completed postgraduate training rotations from your clinic director, a curriculum overview, and certified proof of your medical diploma or MEBEKO recognition. ### Does passing the Facharztprüfung Neurologie automatically grant the specialist title? No. Passing the specialist examination is an indispensable prerequisite, but the title 'Facharzt für Neurologie' is formally awarded by the SIWF only after fulfilling all required clinical training years, procedural logbook requirements, continuous educational credits, and attendance at mandatory national neurology congresses. Ready to Pass the SNG? ------------------------ Join medical professionals who are preparing for the Facharztprüfung Neurologie 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. 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