ABN Name Change: The American Board of Neuropsychology
Announced this year at the 2026 NAN Conference, the ABN Board of Directors voted earlier this year to change the name of our organization to the “American Board of Neuropsychology”, dropping the word, “Professional”. The board took a vote only after hearing from our broader membership of Diplomates, which heavily favored the name change. The reasons for doing so are many, but include Consistency. We go by ABN in outward facing materials so is makes sense that the acronym of our organization stands for the actual name of our organization. The change promotes clarity of identity. For young neuropsychologists, the ABPN / ABCN similarity of names is easily confusing. Plus, many may not understand that ABN and the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology are actually the same organization and that is problematic for many reasons. The clear and simple name seems like a better option for branding of our organization. The registered name of our organization in the state of Vermont is still, the American Board of Professional Neuropsychology and will remain so. However, we now also have a registered trade name that reflects the new, simplified organizational name. So technically, both names are applicable to our organization.
The name change is now in effect. ABN has adopted a new logo and our website already reflects the new logo and name change. We have new marketing materials and a new event booth. Below is a photo of our event booth at NAN this year.
New wall certificates will be available free to our membership and will reflect the new organizational name. Electing to receive a new certification will probably occur during the next Diplomate renewal period that begins this December, through an “opt-in for new certificate option”, for those who want a certificate bearing the new organizational name. However, there is no obligation to do so as stated above, the former name continues to also be an accurate legal name of our organization. Stay tuned for more details on the option for new certificates.
