New Perspectives: Remote Exam Advice From Several Who Succeeded
By Rodney Campbell, ABR Communications Manager
December 2021;14(6):11
The ABR offers resources to help candidates prepare for a positive exam-day experience. Here are a few pointers for candidates who have upcoming computer-based or oral exams.
Computer-based Exams
Candidates should complete the technical check at a time that is convenient for them. The check is performed by launching the practice exam through myABR on the cognitive expertise page.
The technical check is used to ensure that the candidate’s microphone, webcam, internet connection, and computer hardware and software are optimized for the exam. Candidates may need to download an updated version of Google Chrome or the Proctorio® extension for Google Chrome to complete the technical check.
Hala Mazin, MD, a radiology resident at Advocate Illinois Masonic in Chicago and president of the Chicago Radiological Society Resident/Fellow Section, passed the Qualifying (Core) Exam in August. She stressed the importance of what she learned during the technical check and added a few tips.
“Check, double check, and triple check your internet connection,” she said. “Have an ethernet cord handy just in case your Wi-Fi goes out. Also, have a backup location at which to take the test, such as your institution or a friend’s house, in case all else fails.”
Candidates also should complete the practice exam. They may take it as many times as they wish.
“The practice exam gives you a feel for the actual test day,” said Omar Chohan, DO, a vascular and interventional radiologist at the University at Buffalo and Great Lakes Medical Imaging who passed the IR/DR Certifying Exam in April. “It simulates exam day with the same interface, buttons, and feel.”
To help assure exam security, we require a side-view camera during administrations. All candidates will receive a $40 credit in their next billing to offset the expense of acquiring a camera.
Oral Exams (for Medical Physics, Radiation Oncology, and Interventional Radiology)
A navigator-led technical check must be performed three to four weeks before an exam. Candidates will receive an email notice to schedule a one-on-one with an ABR team member.
The technical check is scheduled for 30 minutes and will provide an overview of what to expect on exam day. A whiteboard (maximum size 8.5” x 11”) is required for medical physics (MP) candidates; it is optional for radiation oncology and interventional radiology candidates. MP candidates who don’t have a whiteboard should wait to schedule their technical checks until they can obtain one. Candidates will be required to log in to a WebEx® call and complete the Proctorio® check-in process during their navigator-led technical check.
“Overall, the platform worked very well,” said Mark Sittig, MD, a radiation oncologist practicing with Tennessee Oncology in Nashville who passed the RO Certifying Oral Exam in May. “The system of a navigator, examiner, and a backup examiner worked flawlessly. I utilized a wired internet connection, wired headphones, and a PC with two screens. The audio and video quality were excellent on my end.”
Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact one of our certification services managers at information@theabr.org or (520) 790-2900. There is a dedicated Exam Day Help Desk phone number that candidates will receive by email two days before their exams.
