The American Board of Radiology continuously reviews the balance of content on its qualifying and certifying exams for relevance within the changing domain of knowledge and skills required of competent practicing radiologists. Extensive internal discussions over the past year, combined with data from recent post-exam surveys and informal conversations with residency faculty, suggested a need for adjustment for the Qualifying (Core) Exam. The number of questions about imaging physics and radioisotopes will be reduced beginning in 2024. The remaining questions in these areas will continue to focus on relevant concerns for clinical practice, especially safety issues.

While this is not anticipated to require a significant change in resident preparation for the exam, the net result will be to decrease the number of questions related to physics and radioisotopes from nearly 25% to less than 20% of the overall questions and to decrease the total number of questions on the three-day exam from 657 to 615.

If you have questions, please contact one of our Certification Managers at information@theabr.org or (520) 790-2900.