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The Committee on Advanced Subspecialty Training (CAST) functions under and is responsible for the Council of The Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS). CAST is responsible for accreditation of subspecialty training fellowships and for the development and updating of subspecialty training requirements.
CAST New Application Cycle (updated February 2023)
CAST has historically had two application cycles per year for new applications, five year renewals, complement changes and/or site changes. However, that changed in 2023.
The new application cycle will be available for fellowship applications and will remain open January 1st and closing February 28th.
The fall cycle that previously open August 1st through September 30th has been discontinued. Five year renewal applications are no longer required as CAST is moving to continuous accreditation with the yearly annual report. Complement changes and site changes will be available in the Annual Report application, so a separate renewal application will no longer be required for those.
Click here to request access to a new fellowship application. Once CAST receives a request, the application will be available to the program via SM Apply.
Application fees must be electronic and can be paid online within the application. Although the payment gateway used is PayPal, it is not necessary to have a PayPal account to submit payment. There is a guest check out option. To pay via ACH, contact cast@abns.org,
CAST Annual Report
CAST accredited fellowship programs are required to complete an Annual Report each year. Effective June 1, 2021, the annual report cycle is as follows:
- Annual Report: Opens June 1st and Closes July 31st
Starting in 2023, the annual report application will offer continued accreditation for CAST accredited fellowships. If your yearly annual report is found to be in compliance, your accreditation is continued for another year. If there are serious concerns and/or results in probation, a new application could be required which would be submitted during the following new application cycle.
Complement and/or site changes will be available within the annual report application. A separate renewal application will not be necessary.
Annual reports are available via SM Apply
Click here for more information on Annual Reports