After months of soliciting feedback from stakeholders, the ABR is making changes to the timing of the Qualifying (Core) and Certifying exams for diagnostic radiology (DR) and interventional radiology/diagnostic radiology (IR/DR) trainees.
The ABR hosted a webinar with program directors on November 10 to answer questions about implementation of exam timing. You can find the recording on our YouTube page.
DR Exam Timing
DR residents will see the timing of their exams change starting in 2028. In a steady state, DR residents will have their first opportunity to take the Qualifying (Core) Exam in the fall of their PGY-5/R4 year and their first opportunity to take the Oral Certifying Exam in June of their PGY-5/R4 year.
Details about the transition plan for DR residents graduating in 2027-2029:
|
Graduation Year |
DR Qualifying (Core) Exam |
DR Oral Certifying Exam |
|
2027 |
June 2026 (PGY-4/R3) |
Early 2028 (first oral exam) |
|
2028 |
June 2027 (PGY-4/R3) |
June 2028 (PGY-5/R4) |
|
2029 (steady state) |
Fall 2028 (PGY-5/R4) |
June 2029 (PGY-5/R4) |
IR/DR Exam Timing
Exam timing is also changing for IR/DR residents starting in 2028. In a steady state, IR/DR residents will have their first opportunity to take the Qualifying (Core) Exam in the fall of their PGY-5/R4 year and their first opportunity to take the DR Oral Certifying Exam in June of their PGY-5/R4 year.
Details about the transition plan for IR/DR residents graduating in 2028-2030:
|
Graduation Year |
DR & IR/DR Qualifying (Core) Exam |
DR Oral Certifying Exam |
|
2028 |
June 2026 (PGY-4/R3) |
N/A |
|
2029 |
June 2027 (PGY-4/R3) |
June 2028 (PGY-5/R4) |
|
2030 (steady state) |
Fall 2028 (PGY-5/R4) |
June 2029 (PGY-5/R4) |
If you have questions, please contact the ABR at information@theabr.org or 520-790-2900.
