How to Study for Your Neurology Boards, According to Residents Who Have Passed

We asked a few residents who passed the neurology board exams to share  their recipe for success. Hear their favorite resources, study approaches, and advice for exam day. 

Study with Flashcards

Digital flashcards aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but they’re a great study resource when you’re always on the go. Whether you put an Anki deck together or use one by co-residents, ensure your cards are well organized for optimal studying.

Practice with a Qbank, like TrueLearn

Residents find using spaced repetition with practice questions especially helpful in preparing for the boards. That’s why they chose TrueLearn’s Smartbank, which has 850+ neurology board certification questions mapped to the exam blueprint. TrueLearn’s performance dashboard also allows residents to track their progress leading up to exam day. 

Use a Review Book: 2nd Edition of Comprehensive Review in Clinical Neurology 

This review book is well-loved among residents! It’s an effective and highly recommended resource to study for the neurology boards. The questions are mostly case-based, and explanations are clear and understandable. Try using it to create Anki cards or review topics in-depth. 

Self-Reflection and “Laughing Your Way to Passing the Neurology Boards” 

One resident says, “This one is best used for last-minute cramming.” Each chapter contains a section for self-assessment and reflection to help you build your confidence. And who doesn’t appreciate a little fun and humor in their study routine?

How to Create a Study Schedule

You’re likely already studying throughout your residency, but residents suggest at least 3 months minimum of in-depth studying for the boards. If you want success, you must dedicate a handful of hours to studying weekly. However, if you prefer a more lax approach, expand your overall routine by a month or two. 

Use the exam’s blueprint as a study guideline and dedicate more time to higher-yield topics, but don’t neglect other content areas. Study all areas even if you’re sure you know them.

One resident suggests creating daily study goals. If you don’t meet those goals during the week, you can make up for lost time over the weekend.

Advice for Exam Prep

There’s nothing like advice from residents who have walked in your shoes. Hear what they have to say for a confidence boost.

“The Board exam is slightly easier than the RITE®, but the RITE® is also reflective of how well you do,” says one resident who passed the exam, “I’d also say to trust your gut instinct and don’t second guess yourself. Your residency has prepared you for this.”

“Study confidently,” says another, “You are an expert in taking standardized exams at this point, so study ‘for the exam,’ and you’ll be fine. It’s a very clinically relevant exam, so as long as you put in the effort, you will pass.”

Pass Rates & Passing Score: What You Should Know

Residents receive a standard score for the total test. The passing rate isn’t predefined, so there is no “set” neurology boards passing score year over year. That may bring about some feelings of uncertainty, but don’t stress it. In 2024, the neurology board exam pass rate was 84%. 

As one resident mentioned earlier, your RITE feedback is essential. Use it to reflect on your knowledge and as an indicator of how you’ll perform on the ABPN.

Want to ensure you’ll pass on your first attempt? Check out TrueLearn. We offer a first-time pass guarantee on 90+ day subscriptions.