The American Board of School Neuropsychology (ABSNP) is organized for the purpose of contributing to the development and maintenance of school neuropsychology practice at its highest level for the protection and well-being of the public, the profession, and the Board’s members. ABSNP is an association of psychologists who through their training, education, and experience have been qualified as Diplomates by the American Board of School Neuropsychology.
The Board’s mission is to:
• articulate the highest standards of education, training, and credentialing for the school neuropsychology specialty
• facilitate the application of the principles of professional psychology to the practice of school neuropsychology
• facilitate the application of scientific activity to practice
• promote board certification of school neuropsychologists
• encourage professional development activity in school neuropsychology
• provide the opportunity for professional fellowship among current Diplomates
Article I. Name and Purpose
The name of this organization shall be The American Board of School Neuropsychology (ABSNP).
The purpose of ABSNP shall be to advance School Neuropsychology as a science and practice and to promote and enhance the discipline in its various settings and through its professional organizations. Specifically, these purposes are:
A. To recognize, recommend, and support board certification in School Neuropsychology.
B. To advance School Neuropsychology as a science and practice.
C. To maintain an active group of current Diplomates who review work samples of prospective Diplomates.
D. To facilitate communication and collaboration between ABSNP Diplomates.
Article II. Membership
Membership shall consist of two groups:
A. Diplomates: Individuals who have met and maintained the standard for board certification in School Neuropsychology.
B. Retired Diplomates: Individuals who have declared their retirements from professional practice but wish to maintain a relationship with ABSNP.
Article III. Rights and Privileges
Section 1. Application and Admissions Procedures
Diplomate status may be conferred upon individuals who demonstrate competence in the application of neuropsychological principles to the assessment and intervention in their professional work with students/clients. Competency is demonstrated via completion of coursework, practical work experience, and supervised practice; successful completion of a written examination; and presentation and defense of a work sample to two current Diplomates.
Section 2. Use of Titles to Designate Professional Status
Only Diplomates and Retired Diplomates may use a title to designate their competency. This title shall be Diplomate of the American Board of School Neuropsychology, or Diplomate in School Neuropsychology; and can use the post nominal acronym ABSNP.
Section 3. Maintenance of Diplomate Status
To maintain current Diplomate status, members must earn a minimum of 6 continuing education credits annually; the CEs must be reasonably related to the practice of School Neuropsychology. Retired Diplomates are not required to earn CEs to retain their status.
Section 4. Termination
Diplomats may voluntarily terminate membership with ABSNP by notifying the Executive Director. Diplomates will be terminated by ABSNP for violation of the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, the Professional Conduct Manual and Principles for Professional Conduct of the National Association of School Psychologists, the ethical principles of a state or provincial psychological association, the rules of a state or provincial psychology licensing board, or if convicted of a felony.
Article IV. Dues
Section 1. Annual Dues and Special Assessments
Annual dues for Diplomates are set at $75.00. Retired Diplomates may maintain their credential for an annual fee of $25.00.
Section 2. Payment of Dues/Good Standing
Good standing is defined as individuals who are current with dues payments. Dues are payable on the first of the month that precedes the anniversary of the awarding of the Diplomate credential (e.g., if the credential was earned on July 12, annual dues are payable starting June 1). Membership renewal notices will be sent by the Executive Director prior to the Diplomate’s membership anniversary.
Section 3. Suspension of Privileges
Individuals whose dues are not received within 60 days of the membership anniversary will not be considered members in good standing and shall have their various rights and privileges suspended, including the use of the title: Diplomate of the American Board of School Neuropsychology or Diplomate in School Neuropsychology; and use of the post nominal acronym ABSNP.