UCNS accredits programs, certifies new diplomates, and prepares for 2025 certification exams
February 7, 2025
The is an independent nonprofit established by the AAN and four other leading neurology organizations. As the accrediting and certifying body for emerging neurological subspecialties, the UCNS provides a means of formal recognition and improved training standards for subspecialties.
The UCNS has had a busy few months, with training programs achieving UCNS accreditation; new diplomates in Neonatal Neurocritical Care, Interventional Neurology, and Headache Medicine; and opening of the 2025 Neurocritical Care and Neuro-oncology Certification Examination application periods.
Eight programs achieve UCNS accreditation
Eight fellowship programs recently attained UCNS accreditation status by offering the core curriculum established by the subspecialty and meeting required quality standards established by UCNS. Fellows who complete a UCNS-accredited program meet the training eligibility requirements to apply for certification in the subspecialty. There are now 244 UCNS-accredited training programs in UCNS-recognized subspecialties.
The eight newly accredited programs are in the areas of Autonomic Disorders, Behavioral Neurology & Neuropsychiatry, Headache Medicine, Neonatal Neurocritical Care, and Neuro-oncology. Visit for a full listing of the newly accredited programs and program directors.
New piplomates certified in Neonatal Neurocritical Care, Interventional Neurology, and Headache Medicine
The UCNS has certified 44 new diplomates in the subspecialty of , 126 new diplomates in the subspecialty of , and 25 new diplomates in the subspecialty of . These physicians have demonstrated their expert knowledge in their neurologic subspecialty by passing their respective 2024 UCNS subspecialty certification examinations, and now hold the distinction of being UCNS diplomates. The next certification examinations in these subspecialties will take place in 2026.
Applications open for 2025 certification in Neurocritical Care and Neuro-oncology
The UCNS is now accepting applications for certification in Neurocritical Care and Neuro-oncology through May 1, 2025. The certification examinations will take place in November 2025 and will be administered through in-person testing centers or online with virtual live proctoring.
The 2025 Neuro-oncology examination schedule is:
- Application period: February 1–May 1
- Extended application deadline ($500 fee applies): May 15
- Examination registration: July 1–October 20
- Examination week: November 3–7
Visit for more information on eligibility and to apply.
The 2025 Neurocritical Care examination schedule is:
- Application period: February 1–May 1
- Examination registration: July 1–November 3
- Examination week: November 17–21
Visit for more information on eligibility and to apply.