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100+ Free ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology Practice Questions

Pass your ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology Specialty Examination (ABCN) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Pass rates vary by year; historically reported in roughly the 60-80% range on the written exam Pass Rate
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Which is the most appropriate role of feedback to patients and families after a neuropsychological evaluation?

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Key Facts: ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology Exam

125

Written Exam MCQs

ABCN Clinical Neuropsychology written examination

~3 hr

Written Exam Duration

Computer-based testing at Pearson VUE

2 yr

Post-Doc Fellowship

Houston Conference Guidelines for specialty training

$300

Written Exam Fee

ABPP fee (verify current pricing)

2017

APA Ethics Code (Current)

American Psychological Association Ethical Principles

2020

Specialty Guidelines

APA Specialty Guidelines for Clinical Neuropsychology

ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology (administered by ABCN) is the gold-standard board certification for clinical neuropsychologists. The 125-item written exam is approximately 3 hours and covers NP foundations (~25%), basic and clinical neuroscience (~20%), behavioral neurology (~20%), test interpretation/psychometrics (~15%), ethics and professional issues (~10%), and pediatric NP (~10%). The full process also includes credentials review, two written practice samples, and an oral examination. Prerequisites: doctoral degree in psychology, state licensure, and post-doctoral specialty training consistent with the Houston Conference Guidelines.

Sample ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1The ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology written examination, administered by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN), consists of how many multiple-choice items?
A.100 items
B.125 items
C.150 items
D.200 items
Explanation: The ABCN written examination is a 125-item multiple-choice test covering scientific and clinical foundations, neuroanatomy, behavioral neurology, psychometrics, and professional issues. Passing the written exam is a prerequisite to the practice samples and oral examination.
2A patient with a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke involving Broca's area would most likely demonstrate which language profile?
A.Fluent speech with poor comprehension and impaired repetition
B.Nonfluent, effortful speech with intact comprehension and impaired repetition
C.Fluent speech with intact comprehension but impaired repetition
D.Mutism with intact comprehension and intact repetition
Explanation: Broca's (expressive) aphasia is characterized by nonfluent, effortful, agrammatic speech with relatively preserved auditory comprehension and impaired repetition. The lesion involves the left posterior inferior frontal gyrus, typically in the dominant hemisphere supplied by the superior division of the MCA.
3Which performance validity test is considered a freestanding, forced-choice measure with extensive empirical support for detecting noncredible effort in adult neuropsychological evaluations?
A.Boston Naming Test
B.Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM)
C.Rey Complex Figure Test
D.WAIS-V Digit Span
Explanation: The TOMM is a freestanding, forced-choice visual recognition memory test with robust sensitivity and specificity for detecting invalid effort. A score below 45 on Trial 2 or Retention is the standard cutoff and is widely cited in performance validity research.
4A 68-year-old presents with prominent visual hallucinations, fluctuating cognition, REM behavior disorder, and parkinsonism. Which dementia is most likely and what medication class should be AVOIDED?
A.Alzheimer dementia; avoid cholinesterase inhibitors
B.Lewy body dementia; avoid typical antipsychotics due to neuroleptic sensitivity
C.Frontotemporal dementia; avoid SSRIs
D.Vascular dementia; avoid memantine
Explanation: The core features (fluctuating cognition, recurrent well-formed visual hallucinations, RBD, spontaneous parkinsonism) characterize dementia with Lewy bodies. Severe neuroleptic sensitivity can cause irreversible parkinsonism, NMS, or sudden decline; typical antipsychotics should be avoided. Cholinesterase inhibitors (rivastigmine) are often beneficial.
5Which structure is the primary site of damage in the classical amnestic syndrome seen in Korsakoff syndrome?
A.Anterior cingulate cortex
B.Mammillary bodies and medial dorsal thalamus
C.Caudate nucleus
D.Cerebellar vermis
Explanation: Korsakoff syndrome results from thiamine deficiency, classically producing damage to the mammillary bodies and medial dorsal nuclei of the thalamus. The clinical picture is anterograde and retrograde amnesia with confabulation and relatively preserved IQ.
6A 16-year-old sustains a sports-related concussion. Per current pediatric concussion guidelines, when can graduated return-to-learn typically begin?
A.After 4 weeks of complete cognitive rest
B.After 24-48 hours of relative rest, then gradual reintroduction
C.Only after neuroimaging is normal
D.Only after neuropsychological testing returns to baseline
Explanation: Current consensus (Berlin/Amsterdam concussion statements) supports 24-48 hours of relative cognitive and physical rest followed by graduated return-to-learn and return-to-play, monitored for symptom exacerbation. Prolonged complete rest is no longer recommended.
7Which feature most strongly differentiates frontotemporal dementia behavioral variant (bvFTD) from early Alzheimer disease?
A.Prominent early episodic memory loss
B.Early personality change, disinhibition, and loss of empathy
C.Severe early visuospatial impairment
D.Resting tremor and bradykinesia
Explanation: bvFTD presents with early changes in personality and social conduct (disinhibition, apathy, loss of empathy, perseverative/ritualistic behavior, hyperorality) with relative preservation of memory and visuospatial skills early on. Alzheimer disease presents with prominent early episodic memory loss.
8On the WAIS-V, which index most directly indexes processing speed?
A.Verbal Comprehension Index
B.Working Memory Index
C.Processing Speed Index
D.Visual Spatial Index
Explanation: The Processing Speed Index (PSI) on the WAIS-V is derived from timed visual scanning and graphomotor subtests (e.g., Coding, Symbol Search) and directly indexes processing speed. PSI is sensitive to mild TBI, MS, and subcortical pathology.
9A patient referred for evaluation following a right hemisphere stroke shows neglect of the left side of space, anosognosia, and impaired drawing. Which lobe is most likely involved?
A.Left frontal
B.Right parietal
C.Right occipital
D.Left temporal
Explanation: Hemispatial neglect, anosognosia, and constructional apraxia are classically associated with right parietal lobe (specifically right inferior parietal/temporoparietal junction) lesions. The right hemisphere is dominant for spatial attention.
10Per the 2018 AAN/AANP/IOPN performance validity test consensus, what is the recommended minimum number of independent PVTs to administer in a comprehensive adult neuropsychological evaluation?
A.1 PVT is sufficient
B.At least 2 independent PVTs
C.At least 5 PVTs
D.PVTs are not required
Explanation: Consensus guidance recommends administering at least two independent performance validity tests across the evaluation, with attention spread across the testing day. Multiple PVT failures substantially raise the likelihood of noncredible performance.

About the ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology Exam

The ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology Specialty Examination is administered by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN). The written component is a 125-item multiple-choice test covering scientific and clinical foundations of NP assessment, basic and clinical neuroscience, behavioral neurology, neuropsychological test interpretation and psychometrics, professional and ethical issues, and pediatric/developmental neuropsychology. Successful candidates also complete a credentials review, two written practice samples, and an oral examination to earn ABPP board certification. Eligibility requires a doctoral degree in psychology, state licensure, and post-doctoral specialty training in clinical neuropsychology consistent with the Houston Conference Guidelines.

Questions

125 scored questions

Time Limit

~3 hours for the 125-MCQ written examination (separate oral examination)

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced cut set by ABCN (commonly cited near 70%)

Exam Fee

~$300 written exam fee plus separate credentials review, practice samples, and oral exam fees (American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) / American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN))

ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology Exam Content Outline

~25%

Scientific & Clinical Foundations of NP Assessment

Test theory (CTT, IRT — latent trait modeling), reliability (true/error variance) and validity (construct, criterion, incremental), base rates of low scores in normal samples, regression-based change scores, demographically corrected norms, premorbid IQ estimation (TOPF, NAART, demographic equations), confidence intervals around standard scores, cultural and linguistic considerations, MoCA vs MMSE sensitivity to MCI, RBANS for serial assessment, WAIS-V and WISC-V index structure, NEPSY-II, WJ-IV co-normed cognitive/achievement, D-KEFS executive battery, CVLT-3 and RAVLT verbal memory.

~20%

Basic & Clinical Neuroscience

Functional neuroanatomy of frontal-subcortical circuits (dorsolateral, lateral orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate), hippocampus and medial temporal lobe, thalamus (anterior, dorsomedial), basal ganglia, cerebellum. Neurotransmitter systems — dopamine (nigrostriatal), acetylcholine (nucleus basalis), serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamate. Neuroimaging — CT, MRI, fMRI, Wada test for hemispheric language and memory laterality, DBS targets (STN, GPi). EEG (3-Hz spike-and-wave in absence epilepsy; PLEDs; hypsarrhythmia; triphasic waves). CSF biomarkers (decreased Aβ42, increased total/phospho-tau in AD). Autoimmune encephalitis (anti-NMDA receptor, anti-LGI1).

~20%

Behavioral Neurology

Stroke — left MCA (Broca, Wernicke, conduction aphasias, right hemiparesis); right MCA (left hemispatial neglect, anosognosia, constructional/dressing apraxia); PCA (homonymous hemianopia, alexia without agraphia, mesial temporal memory effects); thalamic strokes (apathy, executive dysfunction). TBI severity (mild GCS 13-15/LOC<30 min; moderate LOC 30 min-24 h; severe LOC>24 h or GCS≤8); DAI plus orbitofrontal/anterior temporal contusions. Dementias — Alzheimer (cholinergic loss, anti-amyloid lecanemab/donanemab, cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine); Lewy body (visual hallucinations, RBD, parkinsonism, AVOID typical antipsychotics); FTD (behavioral and primary progressive aphasia variants); vascular (small-vessel slowing); Huntington (caudate atrophy, chorea); PSP (vertical gaze palsy, falls); NPH (gait, urinary, cognitive). MS cognitive (slowed processing, SDMT sensitivity). Pseudobulbar affect.

~15%

Test Interpretation & Psychometrics

Performance validity testing — freestanding (TOMM, Word Memory Test, Rey 15-Item) and embedded indicators (Reliable Digit Span on WAIS-V, recognition discrimination on CVLT-3/RAVLT). AAN/AACN consensus — at least 2 PVTs spread across the day. Symptom validity testing on personality measures (MMPI-3 F-r/Fp-r/FBS-r/RBS; PAI ICN/INF/NIM/PIM). Reliable change indices and regression-based change scores for serial assessment (control for practice, regression to the mean). Confidence intervals (90%/95%) around standard scores. Base rates of low scores in healthy populations. Premorbid estimation strategies and limitations.

~10%

Professional & Ethical Issues

APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (2017) — Standard 2.01 (Boundaries of Competence), 3.10 (Informed Consent), 9.01 (Bases for Assessments), 9.03 (Informed Consent in Assessments), 9.04 (Release of Test Data), 9.06 (Interpreting Assessment Results), 9.07 (Assessment by Unqualified Persons), 9.08 (Obsolete Tests), 9.10 (Explaining Assessment Results), 9.11 (Maintaining Test Security). HIPAA Privacy/Security Rules. Tarasoff duty to warn/protect. AACN/NAN position statements on third-party observers. APA Specialty Guidelines for Clinical Neuropsychology (2020). APA Multicultural Guidelines (2017). Forensic context — APA Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychology.

~10%

Pediatric & Developmental Neuropsychology

Developmental assessment — Bayley-4 (1-42 months), WISC-V (6-16), NEPSY-II (3-16), WIAT-4 achievement, Vineland-3 adaptive behavior. ADHD (DSM-5-TR; inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, combined). Specific learning disorder (impairment in reading, written expression, mathematics; DSM-5-TR). Autism spectrum disorder (early developmental, social communication + restricted/repetitive). Intellectual disability (deficits in intellectual AND adaptive functioning with developmental onset). Pediatric TBI/concussion (Berlin/Amsterdam consensus — 24-48h relative rest, then graduated return-to-learn/play). Congenital hydrocephalus (verbal-relative-stronger profiles).

How to Pass the ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Criterion-referenced cut set by ABCN (commonly cited near 70%)
  • Exam length: 125 questions
  • Time limit: ~3 hours for the 125-MCQ written examination (separate oral examination)
  • Exam fee: ~$300 written exam fee plus separate credentials review, practice samples, and oral exam fees

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology Study Tips from Top Performers

1Lewy body dementia pearls: core features are fluctuating cognition, recurrent well-formed visual hallucinations, REM behavior disorder (often years before motor onset), and spontaneous parkinsonism. AVOID typical antipsychotics (haloperidol, etc.) due to severe neuroleptic sensitivity (irreversible parkinsonism, NMS risk). Cholinesterase inhibitors (rivastigmine) often help cognition AND behavioral/hallucination symptoms. When antipsychotic use is necessary, prefer quetiapine or pimavanserin (D2/5HT2A inverse agonist).
2PVT consensus: per 2018 AAN/AACN/IOPN guidance, administer at least TWO independent performance validity tests in adult comprehensive evaluations, spread across the testing day. Combine freestanding (TOMM Trial 2 <45, Word Memory Test, Rey 15-Item) and embedded (Reliable Digit Span on WAIS-V Digit Span — generally ≤7 raw flag; CVLT-3/RAVLT recognition discrimination; FAS Effort Index). Multiple failures = strong evidence of noncredible performance; consider contextual factors before inferring intent (severe psychopathology, medications, fatigue, cultural/linguistic factors).
3Stroke localization map: Broca's aphasia (left inferior frontal — nonfluent, intact comprehension, impaired repetition) — left MCA superior division. Wernicke's aphasia (left posterior superior temporal — fluent, poor comprehension, impaired repetition) — left MCA inferior division. Conduction aphasia (arcuate fasciculus — fluent, intact comprehension, impaired repetition). Left PCA — right hemianopia ± alexia without agraphia (splenium of corpus callosum). Right MCA — left hemispatial neglect, anosognosia, constructional/dressing apraxia.
4Alzheimer CSF/imaging pearls: AD CSF shows DECREASED Aβ42 (sequestered in plaques) and INCREASED total tau and phosphorylated tau. Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio improves specificity. MRI shows medial temporal/hippocampal atrophy. Anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies — lecanemab and donanemab — FDA-approved for early symptomatic AD; risk of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA-E edema, ARIA-H hemorrhage), particularly in APOE ε4 homozygotes. Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) and memantine (NMDA antagonist for moderate-severe AD) remain symptomatic standards.
5APA Ethics Code 9.x quick map: 9.01 Bases for Assessments (opinions must be supported by sufficient information). 9.02 Use of Assessments (appropriateness/validity). 9.03 Informed Consent in Assessments (nature/purpose/fees/third parties/limits of confidentiality). 9.04 Release of Test Data (with appropriate authorization). 9.06 Interpreting Assessment Results. 9.07 Assessment by Unqualified Persons. 9.08 Obsolete Tests and Outdated Results. 9.10 Explaining Assessment Results (feedback). 9.11 Maintaining Test Security (protecting copyrighted/secure materials). Pair with 2.01 (competence), 3.10 (consent), and 4.05 (disclosures).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology examination?

The ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology specialty examination is administered by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN). The written component is a 125-item multiple-choice test taken on a computer at a Pearson VUE test center. Full ABPP board certification additionally requires credentials review, two written practice samples, and an oral examination. Achieving ABPP/ABCN certification is widely viewed as the specialty standard in clinical neuropsychology in North America.

Who is eligible to sit for the ABCN written exam?

Candidates must hold a doctoral degree (PhD/PsyD/EdD) in psychology from an APA/CPA-accredited program (or equivalent), be licensed as a psychologist in a U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction, and have completed post-doctoral specialty training in clinical neuropsychology consistent with the Houston Conference Guidelines (typically a 2-year fellowship). Candidates first complete ABCN credentials review before scheduling the written exam.

How is the written exam structured?

The ABCN written exam is a 125-item multiple-choice test delivered via computer at Pearson VUE, typically scheduled over approximately 3 hours. Items cover scientific and clinical foundations of NP assessment, basic and clinical neuroscience, behavioral neurology, NP test interpretation and psychometrics, professional/ethical issues, and pediatric/developmental neuropsychology. Items include both factual and applied clinical reasoning.

How much does the ABPP Clinical Neuropsychology process cost?

ABPP's written examination fee is approximately $300, with separate fees for credentials review, practice samples submission, and the oral examination. Total cost across the process commonly falls in the $1,500-$2,000 range; verify current ABPP and ABCN fee schedules. Retakes require separate fee payment.

How should I study for the ABCN written exam?

Use a structured 6-12 month plan organized around the ABCN content outline. Foundations and neuroanatomy first (test theory, neuroanatomy, stroke syndromes), then behavioral neurology (dementias, TBI, MS, epilepsy), then psychometrics and PVTs (TOMM, Rey 15-Item, embedded indicators, MMPI-3/PAI), then ethics and professional issues (APA Ethics Code 2017, Specialty Guidelines 2020, AACN/NAN position statements), then pediatric NP. Use board-review materials such as Lezak's Neuropsychological Assessment, Strub & Black's The Mental Status Examination in Neurology, Stern's Clinician's Guide to Neuropsychological Assessment, and ABCN study group materials. Complete timed full-length practice exams.

What are the highest-yield topics?

Highest-yield topics include: Lewy body dementia neuroleptic sensitivity; Alzheimer biomarkers (decreased CSF Aβ42, increased tau) and anti-amyloid therapies (lecanemab, donanemab); stroke syndromes by vascular territory; TBI severity grading and orbitofrontal/anterior temporal contusion patterns; MS cognitive profile (slowed processing, SDMT sensitivity); PVT consensus (≥2 PVTs spread across testing day, TOMM, Rey 15-Item, embedded RDS); MMPI-3/PAI symptom validity; APA Ethics Code (9.01, 9.03, 9.04, 9.11), Specialty Guidelines for Clinical Neuropsychology (2020); AACN/NAN third-party observer position; Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (thiamine before glucose); Wada test for language/memory laterality; pediatric concussion 24-48h rest then graduated return; Bayley-4/WISC-V/Vineland-3 indications; intellectual disability requiring both intellectual and adaptive deficits with developmental onset.

How is the ABCN exam scored?

ABCN uses a criterion-referenced passing standard set by content experts. The written exam reports pass/fail; specific score reports and subdomain feedback follow ABCN's published procedures. Failing candidates may retake per ABCN policy.

What other steps follow the written exam?

After passing the written exam, candidates submit two written practice samples (case studies) for blinded review by ABCN board examiners. Candidates whose practice samples are accepted then sit for an oral examination, which includes discussion of the practice samples and a fact-finding case. Successful completion of the oral exam confers ABPP board certification in Clinical Neuropsychology with ongoing MOC requirements.