CNIM Exam Eligibility Requirements
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The Certification Examination in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring is designed and written for the advanced level electroneurodiagnostic professional who is currently practicing in an intraoperative environment.
All candidates for initial and renewal of a lapsed credential must meet the following requirements by the application deadline. There are no alternative routes.
1. A minimum of 150 surgical cases monitored. At least 10% (10) of the documented cases must have been performed within twelve months of the application deadline. The Candidate must be present and an active participant in the set-up and monitoring of each case listed. ABRET will accept documentation of up to two cases per day. Observation of a NIOM case, or studies performed while a student/trainee may not be included in the 150 cases.
2. Candidates must have a current neurodiagnostic credential, i.e. R. EEG T. or R. EP T., or Canadian equivalent of the above, OR Bachelor’s degree. A copy of current registration, certification, OR verification of bachelor’s degree must accompany the Application.
3. Candidates must provide proof of hands-on CPR/BCLS training. A copy of the CPR card or official documentation must accompany the application.
4. Complete and submit an Application for the Certification Examination in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring along with the required fee only after the above has been met and appropriately documented. Applications postmarked after the stated deadline may not be processed.
NOTE: The candidate’s supervisor or supervising physician must verify this eligibility by signing the Application.
Eligibility options for Candidates previously certified:
1. Candidate is taking the examination for recertification no more than one year prior to expiration of his/her current CNIM credential.
2. Candidate is taking the examination to reinstate a lapsed CNIM credential. This candidate is considered a new potential certificant and must meet the current eligibility requirements and submit all required documentation.
3. Candidates must provide proof of hands-on CPR/BCLS training. A copy of the CPR card or official documentation must accompany the application
CONTENT OF THE EXAM
1. The Certification Examination in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring is composed of multiple choice, objective questions.
Path 1 will consist of a maximum of 200 items based on the CNIM Practice Analysis.
Path 2 will consist of a maximum of 200 items based on the CNIM Practice Analysis and 50 items based on relevant portions of the Evoked Potential Practice Analysis.
2. The content for the examination is described in the Practice Analyses.
3. The questions for the examination are obtained from individuals with expertise in neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring and evoked potentials, and are reviewed for construction, accuracy, and appropriateness by ABRET®.
4. ABRET®, with the advice and assistance of the Professional Testing Corporation, prepares the examination.
5. The Certification Examination in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring will be weighted in approximately the following manner:
CNIM Practice Analysis
Domain I Preparation and Application of Fundamental Concepts 25%
Domain II Intraoperative Phase 66%
Domain III Post-operative Phase 6%
Domain IV Ethics and Professional Issues 3%
EP Practice Analysis (Additional content for Path 2)
Domain I Pre-Study Procedures 5%
Domain II Performing the EP Study 15%
4. Complete and submit an Application for the Certification Examination in Neurophysiologic Intraoperative Monitoring along with the required fee only after the above has been met and appropriately documented. Applications received after the stated deadline may not be processed.
Candidates with an EEG or EP credential will take the Path 1 Examination.
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree and no EEG or EP credential will take the Path 2 Examination.
PETITION OF PATH 2 ELIGIBILITY
Candidates who have earned an equivalent of 120 hours of college credit may petition the requirement of an bachelor’s degree for examination eligibility.
The following documentation must be submitted to the ABRET Executive Office.
1) A completed current examination application with the required fees.
2) Official transcripts
3) A letter of support for the candidate’s state of eligibility from a supervisor
4) A letter from the candidate outlining how he/she satisfies the current eligibility requirements by an alternative path.
If the candidate is deemed eligible for examination, the application will be forwarded to PTC for processing. If the candidate is not deemed eligible, the application and exam fee will be returned to the candidate, minus the processing fee.
Published deadlines will apply to petitioned applications.