NeurologyExaminer · Last verified 16 Oct 2026 · Updated 16 Oct 2026
European Board Examination in Neurology (EBN)
The European Board Examination in Neurology (EBN) is a joint EAN and UEMS-SN/EBN assessment of general neurology, with written MCQs and three oral components. Successful candidates receive the Fellow of the European Board of Neurology (FEBN) title. This guide summarizes the published format, broad ETRN scope, and candidate checks.
What the EBN assesses
The European Board Examination in Neurology is a joint assignment of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) and the UEMS Section of Neurology/European Board of Neurology, coordinated through the Joint Education Board. The examination is based on the European Training Requirements for Neurology (ETRN) and EAN guidelines. Successful candidates are conferred the title Fellow of the European Board of Neurology (FEBN).
Assessment format and scoring
The assessment has a written part and an oral part. The published EAN format describes four separately weighted components:
| Component | Format | Share of final mark |
|---|---|---|
| Written examination | Approximately 100 MCQs across three sessions and four hours. The closed-book section is 40 MCQs in one hour; the open-book sections are 60 MCQs over three hours and permit paper reference sources. | 70% |
| Essay | Public-health or ethics topic; maximum 800 words, with a five-minute presentation and five minutes of questions. | 10% |
| Critical Appraisal of a Topic (CAT) | Original critical appraisal of a clinical-neurology topic, with a five-minute presentation and five minutes of questions. | 10% |
| Clinical case presentation | A case from the candidate's own practice, discussing the case and its diagnostic challenges. | 10% |
The three oral submissions must address different fields of neurology. The EAN page describes the announced 2027 examination as online-only; check the current exam information for updates.
Content and competencies
The ETRN describes the broad knowledge and practice scope as relevant basic and clinical sciences, public-health and behavioral sciences, and clinical practice in diagnosis, investigation, and treatment. The EAN exam page describes the written MCQs as general-neurology questions aligned with the ETRN and identifies review-paper and guideline material for the closed-book section. The oral tasks include public-health or ethics writing, critical appraisal of clinical neurology, and discussion of a clinical case.
The cited EAN summary and ETRN do not specify numerical weights by disease or subject area. Use these broad domains to organize revision rather than assuming topic percentages.
Who may apply
The ETRN states that the examination is open to candidates worldwide and recommends taking it after completing neurology training. The recommendation is not, by itself, a complete application checklist. Check the current application instructions linked from the EAN exam page for the criteria and documents that apply to your circumstances.
How to prepare
- Use the ETRN's broad domains to check your general-neurology revision, and review the EAN guideline and review-paper materials identified on the current exam page.
- Practice both written modes: rapid closed-book recall, then timed open-book work using paper references efficiently.
- Prepare the essay and CAT as distinct submissions on different neurology fields. For each, rehearse the stated five-minute presentation and follow-up questions; keep the CAT an original critical appraisal.
- Select a clinical case from your own practice and rehearse a clear account of its diagnostic challenges and your discussion of the case.
- Since the cited official materials do not give topic weights, avoid building your plan around assumed percentages.
Recognition and practical checks
The ETRN describes the examination as an additional sign of excellence and says it has no legal value unless national authorities adopt it as equivalent to, in place of, or as an exit examination for a national exam. Check the rules of the jurisdiction where you intend to practice; do not assume that FEBN replaces national requirements.
EAN currently advertises a 2027 sitting and states that both parts will be online-only. Before applying, revisit the EAN exam page for current updates and follow its link to the application instructions. Confirm the current procedure, technical requirements, dates, fees, and deadline there.
How our curriculum can help
Find your next area of focus. Explore the question bank by subject, then dive into the topics you want to strengthen.
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Acute Care Foundations
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Advanced Diagnostic Practice
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Advanced Therapeutics
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Basic Neurosciences
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Clinical Assessment
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Clinical Neurology
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Clinical Subspecialties
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Consultative Neurology
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Diagnostic Principles
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Disease Mechanisms
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Functional Neurobiology
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Lifespan Neurology
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Longitudinal Care
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Neurocritical Care
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Palliative Neurology
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Professional Foundations
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Professional Practice
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Scholarship and Quality
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Special Populations
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Structured oral examination (SOE)
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Therapeutic Principles
Common questions
The ETRN says the examination is open to candidates worldwide. Check the current application instructions linked from the EAN exam page for any application-specific criteria or documents.
No. The published format has a one-hour, 40-question closed-book section, followed by open-book sections with 60 questions over three hours. The open-book sections permit paper reference sources.
No. They are separate submissions, each worth 10% of the final mark. The essay addresses a public-health or ethics topic; the CAT is a critical appraisal of a clinical-neurology topic. They must also address different fields from the other oral submissions.
No. The ETRN says the examination has no legal value unless national authorities adopt it as equivalent to, in place of, or as an exit examination for a national exam. Check the requirements in the jurisdiction where you plan to practice.
Official sources
Use the official board or college website for current application windows, dates, fees, and definitive eligibility requirements.
Build your preparation plan
Explore relevant topics, practice clinical reasoning, and identify areas that need more study.