RITE Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get from residents and programs for the RITE exam. For additional questions, please contact us at theRITE@aan.com.
Use these links to access important information regarding the 2024 RITE Exam.
Registration is now closed.
EXAM REGISTRATION
The testing period of the 2024 RITE has concluded.
Q: How do I register for the RITE?
A. Residents typically are registered by their program directors and/or program coordinators. Practicing physicians who wish to register individually can register using the online form once it is available.
Q. What is the difference between PGY and NYIT and why does it matter how I'm registered?
A. PGY is a designation for post-graduate year, which is different than Neurology Year in Training (NYIT), as shown in the table below. If you are registered using your PGY designation, your score on the RITE will be compared to residents with 1 more year of neurology training than you. Note: You will be prompted at the beginning of the test to verify your NYIT.
Q: What do I do if I need to cancel my registration?
A: Notify your program director or coordinator as soon as possible.
Q: How do I request accommodation, if necessary?
A: Notify your program coordinator before you are registered, as accommodation requests are made during registration. You will need to supply the type of accommodation requested as well as the rationale/verification/documentation of need as described here. You will be notified by the second week of January 2024 if your request has been approved.
| Adult Neurology | Child Neurology | Neurodevelopmental Disabilities | |
| PGY1 | Pediatrics | Pediatrics | |
| PGY2 | NYIT1 | Pediatrics | Pediatrics |
| PGY3 | NYIT2 | NYIT1 | NYIT1 |
| PGY4 | NYIT3 | NYIT2 | NYIT2 |
| PGY5 | NYIT3 | NYIT3 | |
| PGY6 | NYIT4 |
The testing period of the 2024 RITE has concluded.
Q: How do I register residents for the RITE?
A: Program directors will receive an email with a link to the program’s registration page, which lists program and resident information, registration information, and a program resident roster.
Q: What is the difference between PGY and NYIT and why does it matter when I register residents?
A: PGY is a designation for a Post-Graduate Year, which is different than Neurology Year in Training (NYIT), as shown in the table below. If you register residents using their PGY designation, their score on the RITE will be compared to residents with 1 more year of neurology training. Rescoring to correct this error results in a $75.00 rescoring fee per resident.
| Adult Neurology | Child Neurology | Neurodevelopmental Disabilities | |
| PGY1 | Pediatrics | Pediatrics | |
| PGY2 | NYIT1 | Pediatrics | Pediatrics |
| PGY3 | NYIT2 | NYIT1 | NYIT1 |
| PGY4 | NYIT3 | NYIT2 | NYIT2 |
| PGY5 | NYIT3 | NYIT3 | |
| PGY6 | NYIT4 |
Preparation for 2024 Exam
The testing period of the 2024 RITE has concluded.
Q: Can I take the RITE at home?
A: The 2024 RITE will be administered at your institution in a proctored environment unless your program determines otherwise.
Q: How do I best prepare my computer to take the exam?
A: It is critically important to complete the following steps in advance of your scheduled exam:
- Ensure the operating system of the device you are using is up to date.
- Verify internet connectivity before and during test administration.
- Check the Surpass Test Driver link before your testing date to ensure you can successfully access the login screen. See instructions on How to Open the Surpass Test Driver.
- Do not “test” your keycode prior to taking the exam. This will start the timer on the exam and it cannot be reset.
- Ensure all other browser windows are closed before launching the RITE.
Q: Can I take the exam at any time during the testing window?
A: You will take the RITE according to the date/time designated by your program director or program coordinator. This way program coordinators can easily deliver exam keycodes, monitor exam progress, and verify responses have been successfully uploaded after test completion.
Q: Do I need to sign the online nondisclosure agreement (NDA) as in past years?
A: Yes, but the NDA will now be presented as part of the exam, not as a separate form generated by AAN. You must agree to maintain the confidentiality of the exam before you can access any of the questions. Failure to agree will void your exam.
The testing period of the 2024 RITE has concluded.
Q: Do residents need to download Secure Client to take the test?
A: No, the RITE will be delivered through Surpass Test Driver, a web-based application. No PIN is needed.
Q: How do I best prepare residents to take the exam?
A: Encourage residents to do the following:
- Ensure the operating system of the device they are using is up to date.
- Verify internet connectivity before test administration.
- Check the Surpass Test Driver link before their testing date to ensure they can successfully access the login screen. View How to Open the Surpass Test Driver.
- Emphasize that they should not “test” their keycodes prior to taking the exam. This will start the timer on the exam.
- Ensure all other browser windows are closed before launching the RITE.
Q: Can residents take the exam at any time during the testing window?
A: Yes, however, programs are encouraged to have residents take the exam at a date/time designated by the program. This way program coordinators can easily deliver exam keycodes, monitor exam progress using the Invigilation screen in Surpass, and verify responses have been successfully uploaded after test completion.
Q: Do residents, program directors, and program coordinators need to sign the online nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) as in past years?
A: Yes, the NDA for residents will be presented as soon as they log in to the exam. You will not need to verify that they have signed. They cannot proceed to the RITE unless they agree to maintain the test’s confidentiality. Program directors and coordinators no longer need to sign the NDA, as neither has access to the test questions.
Q: How do I print my Invigilation Pack?
A: Instructions on how to print the Invigilation Pack are included in the 2024 RITE Institution Guidelines & Proctor's Manual. This should be done well in advance of exam administration days. Note: You must print separate Invigilation Packs for adult and child neurology programs. These cannot be printed together.
Q: Do I need to record whether residents “show up” for the test on the Attendance Roster?
A: Yes, this information is needed for the Invigilation Report after test administration. AAN needs the Invigilation Report from all programs to ensure the candidate census matches the scoring data. Also, mark ABS on the report for those residents who are registered but do not take the exam.
Q: Will test administration support, including keycode verification, be available at all times during the testing window?
A: No, technical support will be available only during business hours on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. CST.
Note: AAN staff is not able to troubleshoot hardware, software, or internet connectivity issues with resident personal computers.
Exam Administration
Q: Is the RITE timed?
A: Yes, the RITE is to be taken in one session within an 8-hour total administration time. Programs monitor test administration whenever residents are scheduled to take the exam to verify continuous internet connectivity, manage the scheduled break (optional), and verify that your exam responses are successfully uploaded upon test completion. The test timer is set for 8 hours and will run continuously as you take the exam.
Q: How does the exam timer work?
A: The way the test timer is set for the RITE has changed based on your comments; the timer will now run continuously for the 8 hours of the RITE. The same amount of time is available to take the exam and for ample breaks, but the timer will run continuously.
Q: How do I take breaks, including a lunch break?
A: You can take breaks between sections and/or between Parts 1 and 2 of the exam, at your discretion (or at the program’s discretion). Beginning with 2024 administration, breaks do not need to be managed with the timer. The timer runs consecutively for 8 hours, which gives you and your program greater flexibility in planning a longer lunch break or several shorter breaks. The total amount of time to take the exam is the same; the 8-hour timer includes both test sitting time and break time.
Q: Will the exam be paused for me to take a break?
A: No, exams will not be paused during breaks, as the timer now runs continuously; the additional hour on the timer allows for all breaks.
Q: When and how will I receive my test keycode?
A: Your unique eight-digit keycode will be provided by your program coordinator immediately before your scheduled exam administration. Programs should determine the best and most secure way of distribution, but it is recommended that the program coordinator confirm that each keycode be given directly to the resident taking the exam and that the identity on the keycode be verified by the resident. Residents should not give keycodes to one another nor should the list of program keycodes be emailed as a group or posted on a website. Note: Remember to keep your keycode available as you need to enter it before each part of the exam.
Q: What if I have an “Invalid Keycode” error message and cannot access the test?
A: Verify with your program coordinator that you have the correct code and then re-enter it.
Q: What if the keycode error message continues?
A: Turn off your computer, wait a minute or two, confirm internet connectivity, then log back in to Surpass Test Driver again. If the keycode problem persists, notify your program coordinator.
Q: What if I lose internet connectivity while taking the exam? Will I lose my work?
A: It is critically important that you confirm internet connectivity before logging in to the test. In the case of a brief internet outage, the exam will upload and refresh once the internet connection is restored. Responses are saved every 30 seconds and also between questions; therefore, the most you will lose will be 30 seconds of work. You may be returned to the question within a section you were working on prior to the outage. The timer will also be restored with no time lost.
Q: What if I accidentally exit a section of the exam before finishing?
A: You are prompted three times before you can exit a section of the exam; you cannot return to that section once you exit. Be mindful of agreeing to exit a section if you are not sure you have finished.
Q: When and how do I distribute keycodes to residents?
A: Distribute keycodes to residents immediately before their scheduled exam administration. Programs should determine the best and most secure way of distribution, but it is recommended that the program coordinator confirm that each keycode is given directly to the resident taking the exam and that the identity on the keycode is verified by the resident. Residents should not give keycodes to one another nor should the list of program keycodes be emailed as a group or posted on a website. Note: Remind residents to keep their keycodes available as they need to enter them before each part of the exam.
Q: What if a resident has an “Invalid Keycode” error message and cannot access the test?
A: Remind the resident to verify and then re-enter the assigned key code.
Q: What if the keycode error message continues?
A: Recommend that the resident turn off the computer, wait a minute or two, confirm internet connectivity, then log back in to Surpass Test Driver again. The only reason a keycode would appear invalid is if the resident entered it incorrectly. If the keycode problem persists, the resident should notify the program coordinator for verification of the code.
Q: Should I still monitor resident progress using the Invigilation screen?
A: Yes, you can monitor exam progress in real-time, as described in the 2024 RITE Institution Guidelines and Proctor's Manual.
Q: What if I accidentally sign out of Surpass? Will it affect residents taking the test?
A: No. If you accidentally log out of Surpass, simply log back in to continue monitoring the exam. Note: If you are inactive in Surpass for more than 15 minutes, you will need to log back in. Refresh the screen frequently so you will not have to log back in.
Q: Is the RITE timed?
A: Yes, the RITE is to be taken in one session within an 8-hour total administration time. Programs monitor test administration whenever residents are scheduled to take the exam to verify continuous internet connectivity, manage the scheduled break (optional), and verify that your exam responses are successfully uploaded upon test completion. The test timer is set for 8 hours and will run continuously as you take the exam.
Q: How does the exam timer work?
A: The way the test timer is set for the RITE has changed based on your comments; the timer will now run continuously for the 8 hours of the RITE. The same amount of time is available to take the exam and for ample breaks, but the timer will run continuously.
Q: How do I manage breaks, including lunch break?
A: You can take breaks between sections and/or between Parts 1 and 2 of the exam, at your discretion (or at the program’s discretion). Beginning with 2024 administration, breaks do not need to be managed with the timer. The timer runs consecutively for 8 hours, which gives you and your program greater flexibility in planning a longer lunch break or several shorter breaks. The total amount of time to take the exam is the same; the 8-hour timer includes both test sitting time and break time.
Q: Will the exam be paused for breaks?
A: No, exams will not be paused during breaks, as the timer now runs continuously; the additional hour on the timer allows for all breaks.
Q: Can residents take unscheduled breaks?
A: Though it is ideal to wait until the scheduled (lunch) break, residents can take a restroom break. Refer to the 2024 RITE Institution Guidelines and Proctor's Manual for instructions for pausing exams for unscheduled breaks. The pause function will save the resident’s place in the exam but will not add extra time to the section. Recall that pausing the exam can only be done via the Invigilation screen; residents cannot pause their own exams.
Q: What if a resident loses internet connectivity while taking the exam?
A: It is critically important that residents confirm internet connectivity before logging in to the test. In the case of a brief internet outage, the exam will upload and refresh once the internet connection is restored. Responses are saved every 30 seconds and also between questions; therefore, the most they would lose will be 30 seconds of work. Residents may be returned to the question within a section they were working on prior to the outage. The timer will also be restored with no time lost. Internet outages should be reported on the Invigilation Report and reported to theRITE@aan.com within 10 days of the last day of exam administration.
Q: What if a resident accidentally exits a section of the exam before finishing?
A: Residents are prompted three times before they exit a section of the exam; they cannot return to that section once they exit.
FINISHING THE EXAM AND RESULTS
Q: How do I verify that residents have finished the exam and their responses have been uploaded?
A: Ensure residents contact you after they have completed their exams to verify their responses have been successfully uploaded. Review the State column to ensure there is a green checkmark for all residents who completed the exam that day. This confirms their responses have been uploaded. You do not need to select the “Upload Responses” button at the bottom of the Invigilation screen. Refer to the 2024 RITE Institution Guidelines & Proctor's Manual for additional information.
Q: When and how will we receive score reports?
A: Scores typically are available approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the end of testing. Program directors will receive an email with a link to the program summary report, the all-examinee report, and the Missing Item list for their program. These notifications are sent to the email address on file at AAN. Note: if the Program Director or residents have opted out of receiving AAN emails, they will not receive RITE communications.
EXAM SCORING AND POST-RITE DOCUMENTS
Q: When and how will I receive my score?
A: Scores typically are available approximately 6 to 8 weeks after the end of testing. You will receive an email with a link to your individual score report. Program directors also receive an email with a link to the program summary report, the all-examinee report, and the Missing Item list for their program.
Q: Why does it take so long to receive score reports?
A: Scoring does not begin until all registered residents have taken the exam. Once all responses are collected and recorded, the results are reviewed and analyzed to ensure no anomalies or errors occurred. Once the results are confirmed and approved, scoring data are aggregated to calculate percentile ranks for individual residents and for programs. This process requires several weeks to complete.
Q: What if I don’t receive the email with the link to my score report or the Discussion and Reference Manual?
A: Emails with links to the score report and Discussion and Reference Manual are sent approximately 6 weeks after the close of testing. If you have opted out of receiving AAN emails, or if you have several different email addresses, you may not receive this communication with the links. If you do not receive a link to your score report or to the Manual by May 15, 2024, contact AAN at theRITE@aan.com.
Other Issues
Q: What if a resident(s) requests a testing accommodation?
A: Ask residents as soon as possible if they plan to request a testing accommodation. You can request the accommodation during registration by checking the box in the line where the resident’s name appears. This information will trigger an email to the program with a link to the Application for Testing Accommodations and appropriate checklist documents.
Q: What is required for an accommodation request and where do I submit the request?
A: The process of applying and the documentation requirements are listed below. Required documentation includes completion of the Application for Testing Accommodations and the appropriate checklist documents.
Q: When is the deadline for submitting the application and all necessary documentation?
A: January 8, 2024