The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology: Historical Overview and Current Perspectives

The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1934 to serve the public interest and promote excellence in the practice of psychiatry and neurology. The ABPN is one of 24 American Board of Medical Specialties boards that have helped develop processes that identify qualified specialists through rigorous credential and training requirements and successful completion of respective certification examinations. The ABPN has had an enormous influence on the practice of psychiatry in America and the world and this influence continues to grow. Here we provide an historical overview of the ABPN, its formation, mission, roles, and changes that have taken place over the years in the certification, recertification, and maintenance of certification process.