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Practice Sample and Oral Exam #

Candidates who successfully pass the Credentials Review and the subsequent Written Examination become eligible to submit practice samples and proceed towards the Oral Examination. This phase involves the Practice Sample and Oral Exam: ABCN form and its associated workflow.

A. Practice Sample Submission and Assignment: #

  • Candidates register using the Practice Sample Registration form and then submit their materials via the Practice Sample and Oral Exam: ABCN form.
  • Submissions typically include a Professional Data Sheet (PDS), two distinct practice sample cases (reports, test score summaries, raw data), and potentially supplemental materials. Candidates also indicate the age range (Adult, Pediatric, Lifespan) and language of assessment.
  • Submissions undergo an initial “Practice Sample Triage” by a coordinator. The coordinator may request revisions from the candidate if necessary before assigning reviewers.
  • Once ready, the coordinator assigns the practice sample to three reviewers. Assigned reviewers are notified via email. Candidates may list potential conflicts, which coordinators consider during assignment.

B. Practice Sample Review Task: #

  • Reviewers evaluate the submitted cases based on established ABCN criteria for professional competence in clinical neuropsychology.
  • Reviewers provide a decision (“Practice Sample Acceptable” or “Unacceptable – Revise in Entirety”).
  • They also submit comments for the candidate (especially if unacceptable) and specific questions derived from the cases intended for the subsequent Oral Examination.

C. Collective Review and Decision: #

  • The system tracks the completion of reviews
  • Once three reviews are complete, the feedback is often consolidated (“Merge Reviewer Feedback”). An editor or chair may review the individual reviewer feedback (“Final Review #1” through “#5” steps involve specific individuals reviewing the reviews). Feedback may be sent back to the original reviewers.
  • An “ABCN Practice Sample Summary Decision” is made by a designated coordinator or chair based on the collective reviewer input. The possible decisions are:
  • Practice Sample Acceptable – Proceed to Oral Examination: The candidate moves to the next stage.
  • Practice Sample Unacceptable – Submit New Practice Sample: The candidate must submit a new set of samples. Feedback, potentially reviewed by the Executive Officer (“Executive Officer’s Review of Practice Sample Feedback”), is provided.
  • Request Fourth Review: If reviews are split or unclear, an additional reviewer (often the assigned “Editor”) is tasked to provide a deciding review.

D. Outcomes of Practice Sample Review: #

  • Acceptance: The candidate receives notification and becomes eligible to register for the Oral Examination using the Oral Exam Registration form.
  • Rejection: The candidate receives notification (“Notify Candidate of Practice Sample’s Rejection”) along with consolidated feedback. They typically need to restart the practice sample submission process after addressing the feedback.
  • Reassignment: If a reviewer cannot complete a review (e.g., conflict, timing), the coordinator can reassign the review.

E. Oral Examination (Reviewers as Examiners): #

  • Candidates who pass the Practice Sample Review register for the Oral Exam.
  • Coordinators schedule the exam and assign a team of examiners. Examiners are often selected from the pool of experienced reviewers and board-certified specialists. Assignments include specific roles like Ethics Examiner, Fact-Finding Examiner, and Practice Sample Examiner.
  • Assigned examiners receive the candidate’s practice sample materials and the questions generated during the practice sample review phase.
  • Examiners conduct the Oral Examination according to ABCN protocols, evaluating the candidate’s knowledge, reasoning, and application of neuropsychological principles.
  • Following the exam, examiners submit their ratings.

F. Final Certification Decision: #

  • Exam results are compiled and reviewed. There may be internal reviews, especially for non-passing results (“Executive Officer’s Review of Results,” “Internal Review of Results”).
  • A final decision is made: “Award” or “No Award”.
  • Award: The candidate is notified, receives a certification number, and their status is updated. Examiners may receive CE credit notifications.
  • No Award: The candidate is notified, often with specific feedback derived from the examiners’ ratings and comments. The notification may differ based on the attempt number. Depending on the circumstances and attempt number, the candidate may be eligible to re-take the exam or may need to restart the application process. Examiners involved also receive CE notifications.

This documentation outlines the primary interactions reviewers have with the ABCN certification process via the online system. The thoroughness and expertise of reviewers at both the Credential Review and Practice Sample stages are fundamental to maintaining the high standards of ABPP and ABCN certification.