Neurosurgery certification in member societies of the WFNS: Global overview

OBJECTIVE: To determine the complexity and diversity of the neurosurgery certification and recertification process in member societies of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 13-item survey was sent to 88 national and regional societies that are members of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. Variables included in the survey covered a wide range of aspects pertaining to the certification process achieved by cognitive and oral examinations. The data received from 40 responding societies (response rate 45%) were tabulated, and an individual and comparative (global) analysis was performed for all categories, including eligibility and requirements for certification, examination components, use of computer-assisted technology and imaging, performance, validation of foreign degrees, recertification, and maintenance of certification. RESULTS: We present here the global analysis, which is comparative of all participating societies. Although there is high variability in the structure of certification programs worldwide, performance in knowledge-based examinations is similar. Recertification and maintenance of certification are still under development in many societies. CONCLUSION: With the onset of globalization, we anticipate that efforts will be made in the future to obtain homogeneity in the structure of certification, recertification, and in criteria for international reciprocity of postgraduate neurosurgical training. Peer-Review Article