Success rates in psychiatry and neurology certification examinations

The authors traced the progress of a sample of 200 psychiatrists and 150 neurologists on the ABPN examination. Overall success rates were high-64% of psychiatrists and 75% of neurologists became Board- certified. Performance on the written exam was a significant predictor of outcome for both groups-88% of psychiatrists and 94% of neurologists who passed Part I on their first try eventually obtained certification. Given the criticism that has been directed toward the oral exam, it was interesting that only 10% of psychiatrists and 5% of neurologists failed to become diplomates because of difficulties with Part II. Future research will deal with the validity and reliability of the oral exam.