A Few FAQs About the ABR and AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at a pace that is prompting reflection across the medical community, including within organizations responsible for certification and establishing lifelong professional standards. For the American Board of Radiology (ABR), this moment presents an opportunity to consider how emerging technologies may intersect with our mission — not only in terms of potential innovation, but also in safeguarding the principles that underpin the value of and trust in certification.
Rather than moving quickly to adopt new tools, the ABR is taking a deliberate approach: studying developments, engaging experts and stakeholders, and establishing thoughtful guardrails before considering the introduction of any changes. This work is ongoing and will continue to evolve alongside the technology itself.
These FAQs provide an overview of how the ABR is approaching AI at this stage, with an emphasis on clarity, responsibility, and long-term stewardship.
- What is the ABR’s overall approach to AI?
The ABR recognizes that AI presents both meaningful opportunities and potential risks. Our approach is to evaluate AI thoughtfully, with a focus on maintaining the integrity, validity, and credibility of ABR certification programs.
We are committed to transparency, human oversight, and ethical use as AI technologies evolve.
- Is the ABR currently using AI in its certification decisions?
No. We continue to study potential applications while maintaining strict safeguards to ensure that certification decisions remain the responsibility of human experts in subject matter and adhere to (or meet) psychometric standards.
The ABR is taking a cautious and intentional approach to incorporating AI into certification-related activities.
- Will AI be used to create ABR exam content?
No. The ABR does not permit the use of generative AI to produce exam content, including images.
All exam content is developed and reviewed by qualified subject matter experts to ensure accuracy, fairness, and clinical relevance.
- Will AI be used to make scoring or certification decisions?
No. Certification decisions and scoring determinations must remain the responsibility of qualified human experts.
This principle is foundational to maintaining trust in the ABR certification process.
- Is the ABR exploring other potential uses of AI?
Yes. The ABR is actively exploring potential AI applications in a structured and responsible way.
Efforts include:
- Engagement with external experts to better understand opportunities and risks.
- Internal committees and advisory groups evaluating use cases, governance, and ethical considerations.
- Ongoing discussions about how AI might enhance processes while maintaining high standards and the reliability of certification decisions.
- What governance structures are in place for AI at the ABR?
The ABR has established multiple groups to guide its AI strategy, including:
- A staff AI advisory group focused on use cases, governance, and ethical parameters.
- A Trustee-level committee providing recommendations related to optimization of assessment content (exam and OLA questions).
- Ongoing collaboration among leadership and staff.
These structures help ensure careful evaluation and consistency in decision-making.
- Will AI be used in ABR exams in the future?
The ABR remains open to carefully evaluated innovations that may improve certification programs. Any future use of AI would:
- Be introduced gradually.
- Occur first in low-risk areas.
- Include rigorous human oversight.
- Be consistent with ABR’s standards for fairness and validity.
- Be transparent to our stakeholders (candidates and diplomates).
- How is the ABR addressing risks associated with AI?
The ABR is proactively developing policies and guidelines to address potential risks, including:
- Limitations on AI use in sensitive areas.
- Policies governing data use, documentation, and record retention.
- Careful consideration of privacy, security, and ethical concerns.
- How is the ABR preparing its staff to use AI responsibly?
The ABR is developing a structured training program to help staff understand:
- Appropriate uses of AI.
- Potential risks and limitations.
- Responsibilities associated with different roles.
Training will be tailored to levels of data access and responsibility to support safe and effective use.
- How will the ABR communicate changes related to AI?
The ABR is committed to maintaining a high level of transparency regarding its use of AI.
As developments occur, we will communicate updates through established ABR channels (The Beam newsletter, the ABR blog, etc.) to ensure candidates, diplomates, and the public remain informed.
- Is the ABR going to include questions about the clinical use of AI tools in its exams in the foreseeable future?
Because the field is evolving quickly and inconsistently across thousands of hospitals and health systems, we cannot reasonably determine a standard level of knowledge and skill. When AI becomes an expected part of effective clinical practice, the ABR will have a responsibility to assess those related subjects, and we intend to publicly announce the introduction of AI into the exam blueprints when that time comes.
- Why is the ABR taking a cautious approach to AI?
As a certifying body, the ABR has a responsibility to ensure that certification programs remain credible, valid, and trusted. The rapid evolution of AI applications in general business, cognitive testing, and the practice of radiologic professionals requires that the organization consider potential opportunities in a thoughtful and measured manner.
