The development of the board certification process in neurophysiologic monitoring by the American Board of Neurophysiologic Monitoring (ABNM) was an outgrowth of the original goals of many individuals and societies to improve operative patient care through enhanced surgical, physiological and anesthetic management through electrophysiological monitoring. Many of these organizations had goals of fostering the growth and stature of the field of neurophysiological monitoring, developing unified standards for training and practice, promoting the highest standards of neurophysiological monitoring through research in clinical neurophysiology and neurophysiological monitoring and promoting education and the dissemination of knowledge in the field of neurophysiologic monitoring. Recognizing that setting standards and credentialing was a critical part of this, the ABNM was formed in 1995 by a group of individuals experienced in the field and committed to developing a process of credentialing for individuals that would set an appropriate standard of excellence in intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. The ABNM endorses the concept of voluntary, periodic certification by examination in Neurophysiologic Monitoring. Board certification is highly valued and provides formal recognition of expertise in this important and expanding area of patient care. The ABNM is a legally independent organization with its Board of Directors being members of numerous organizations and representing several relevant fields of study. The original volunteer Board attempted to develop a credentialing process that would recognize qualified individuals in the field who come from a diverse background yet remain of the highest professional standards. The ABNM endorses the examination of ABRET for certification at a technical level (CNIM) and has therefore focused on certification at a level which includes professional neurophysiologic data interpretation and technical supervision. The main objective of the ABNM is to promote enhanced delivery of competent patient care through the certification of qualified individuals deemed to be competent by:

1. Recognizing formally those individuals who meet eligibility requirements of the ABNM and pass both a Written (Part I) and an Oral (Part II) examination in Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring (IONM).

2. Encouraging continued professional growth in the practice of Neurophysiologic Monitoring.

3. Requiring continuing medical education in IONM for Diplomates seeking ABNM Recertification.

4. Establishing and measuring the level of knowledge and judgment required for certification of professionals practicing Neurophysiologic Monitoring.

5. Providing the standard of specialty practice deemed appropriate for professionals in Neurophysiologic Monitoring; thereby assisting the employer, public and members of the health professions in the assessment of these professionals.

The policies and procedures set forth in this Manual are applicable to all persons who tender an application for the ABNM certification examination, all ABNM Diplomates, all ABNM officers and all members of its Board of Directors.

TEST ACCOMMODATIONS


ABNM and PTC support the intent of and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will take steps reasonably necessary to make testing accessible to persons with disabilities covered under the ADA. According to the ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity (such as seeing, hearing, learning, reading, concentrating, walking) or a major bodily function (such as neurological, endocrine, or digestive system). The information you provide and any documentation regarding your disability and test accommodations is confidential and is not included in scoring or reporting. All approved testing accommodations must maintain the psychometric nature and security of the examination. Accommodations that fundamentally alter the nature or security of the exam will not be granted. Note that accommodations for an examination (test accommodations) may not be the same as accommodations provided by your employer for your job. You can find more information about testing accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (www.ada.gov).

Requests for Test Accommodations must be uploaded with the candidate’s application and fees at least 8 weeks before the start of your testing period.  You must complete and upload both Part 1 and Part 2 of this Form at the same time. Missing information or incomplete Forms will result in a delay in processing.   If your Form is incomplete and/or not received at least 8 weeks before the start of the testing period, we cannot guarantee that we can make these test accommodations in time for you to test and you may need to transfer to another testing period and pay the transfer fee.

To request test accommodations, follow these 4 steps:
1. Download the Request for Test Accommodations Form, available from www.ptcny.com or by calling PTC at (212) 356-0660.

2. Complete Test Accommodations Form with your doctor/healthcare professional.

3. Upload the completed and signed Request for Test Accommodations Form with the online exam application. Submit your application at least 8 weeks prior to the start of your chosen testing period.

NOTES:
• Only those requests made and received on the official Request for Test Accommodations Form will be reviewed.   

• All requests must be made at the time of application. Accommodations cannot be added to an existing exam appointment.

• Do not go to www.prometric.com or contact Prometric to request test accommodations as they are not authorized to approve accommodations. All requests for test accommodations must be submitted on the PTC Request Form.

• If you need to use your cell phone or another electronic device to monitor a medical condition, such as diabetes, please be sure to include this on Part 1 of the Request for Test Accommodations Form so that we can notify Prometric in advance.

• If you are a nursing parent and will need to use a breast pump during your exam, please complete Part 1 of the Request for Test Accommodations Form and submit it at least 8 weeks before your testing period to allow time to make suitable arrangements at the test center.

• Only pre-approved test accommodations will be permitted on the day of the examination. Test center personnel are not authorized to make any changes to the test accommodations on the day of the testing session and any such change may result in your examination score being canceled.