Certification in child neurology: new directions for the twenty-first century

The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology was formed in 1934, and the first certifying examination was administered in 1935. It was not until 1969 that the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology began conducting certifying examinations in child neurology. Since then, 10 child neurologists have served as American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology directors and nearly 1500 child neurologists have been certified, more than 200 of whom have also attained certification in the subspecialties of clinical neurophysiology, neurodevelopmental disabilities, and pain medicine. This article describes the evolution of the certification process as the Board has endeavored to use the best testing methodologies to fulfill its commitment to the public and to its constituents in psychiatry and neurology. Training pathways in child neurology are also reviewed as they have evolved in response to evident staff shortages and to promote entry into academic careers.