Remote Exams

ABR exams are delivered remotely for your safety and convenience. Learn about technical requirements, IT setup for institutions, webcam guidelines, and more.

  • All ABR exams are delivered remotely. This helps ensure a safer, healthier, and more convenient experience for you — our candidates and diplomates.

    Basic computer requirements for both computer-based and oral exams are provided in the IT Requirements for Institutions section below and in each exam guide. If you are taking a computer-based exam, you will also need to use a side-view webcam.

    If you would like to wear earplugs on exam day, the links below are provided solely as examples to illustrate the style of earplugs recommended for your exam. The ABR does not endorse or require any specific brand. You may choose any earplugs of a similar style from the vendor of your choice.

    Side-View Webcam Guidelines for Computer-based Exams

    To maintain a secure exam environment, you’ll need to use a side-view webcam that shows your full workspace during the exam.

    Your camera must show:

    • You
    • Your entire desk/work area
    • All devices and the monitor you’re using
    • A whiteboard, if applicable

    Only one monitor may be used during the exam. Virtual backgrounds are not allowed.

    Webcam Placement Instructions

    • Position the webcam four to six feet away and at least two feet above your desk.
    • Use a six-foot (or longer) cord to reach the right angle. You may need to use an extension cord.
    • Use only one keyboard and one mouse.

    If your camera setup doesn’t meet the requirements, someone from the ABR will reach out to assist you in fixing it.

    Check out our YouTube demonstration video for an example of proper webcam placement and this printable guide to help you achieve the ideal position.

    USB Extension Cords for Side-View Webcams

    If you need an extension cord or adapter for your side-view webcam, the links below are provided solely as examples to illustrate the options available for your exam. The ABR does not endorse or require any specific brand. You may choose any extension cord or adapter of a similar style from the vendor of your choice.

     

    Technical Requirements for OLA

    Online Longitudinal Assessment (OLA) is compatible with most modern devices and browsers. Here’s what works best.

    Supported Devices

    • Desktop computers
    • Laptop computers

    Tablets (like iPads) or smartphones also work. However, for optimal performance and ease of use, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer.

    Supported Browsers

    • Google Chrome
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Safari

    We recommend using a recent version of these browsers for the best experience.

    Recommended Operating Systems

    • Windows (latest version)
    • MacOS
    • IOS
    • Android

     

    Testing Your Setup

    Use the following resources to help you test whether your laptop or desktop computer is suitable for ABR remote exams. You’ll be shown images and given explanations of what you should see if your monitor is set up correctly.

     

    IT Requirements for Institutions

    ABR exams are hosted through a secure, custom web application, which has a JavaScript frontend with a restful NodeJS backend.

    Candidates registered to take a computer-based exam can access an Exam Readiness Check, and oral exam candidates can access a Self-Guided Technical Check. Both use the same technologies as the exams. To request an Exam Readiness Check or self-guided technical check login as an IT department, please email information@theabr.org.

    To ensure everything runs smoothly, we recommend IT teams at hospitals and universities review and test access in advance.

    Key System Details

    • All systems use TLS 1.3 encryption for secure communication.
    • Exams are hosted on Microsoft Azure with media delivered through Verizon Edgecast CDN.
    • AuthID handles identity verification through a secure iframe.
    • Twilio provides the video and audio recording services.
    • The following domains will be accessed during the exam:
      • *.theabr.org (the exam interface)
      • azureedge.net (media content distribution network)
      • azureedge.net (media content distribution network)
      • https://id.authid.ai
      • https://idlok.ipsidy.net

    Website Security

    *.theabr.org:

    • Certificate: DigiCert SHA2 Secure Server CA
    • Encryption: TLS 1.3, x25519, AES_256_GCM

    *.azureedge.net:

    • Certificate: DigiCert SHA2 Secure Server CA
    • Encryption: TLS 1.3, P-256, AES_256_GCM

    Basic Technical Requirements

    Candidates and diplomates taking an exam at your institution must have access to the following:

    • Reliable broadband internet connection
    • Desktop or laptop computer (no tablets), including a keyboard and mouse
    • Windows 10 or macOS X 10.11 or newer
    • Minimum 4 GB RAM and 10 GB free disk space
    • Monitor size 13” or larger, with at least 1080p resolution
    • Second monitor allowed for oral exams only, not for computer-based exams
    • Latest version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge with iframe support
    • Microphone and speakers or a wired headset
    • Webcam (640 x 480 @ 10 fps or higher)
      • Camera required for exam proctoring
      • Virtual backgrounds not permitted

The ABR is a not-for-profit organization and member of the American Board of Medical Specialties. Our mission is to certify that our diplomates demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skill, and understanding of their disciplines to the benefit of patients. Our vision is to positively impact the lives of all patients as the foremost trusted certifying body assuring the highest standards of specialty expertise and professionalism in the radiological sciences.

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