Initial Certification
Last verified on February 8, 2023
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As candidates progress through their residency and after completion of training, they will take two exams to gain initial certification in diagnostic radiology: the Qualifying (Core) Exam and the Certifying Exam.
The Exams
The Qualifying (Core) Exam, offered after 36 months of residency training, is image rich and computer based; it covers 16 subspecialty and modality categories. Candidates must pass overall and in physics to receive a passing result.
The Certifying Exam, given approximately 15 months after completion of diagnostic residency training, is also computer based and image rich, and it includes four modules. Three modules are clinical practice areas and may be chosen by the examinee to fit his or her interests, experience, and training. The other module, Essentials of Diagnostic Radiology, is taken by all examinees.
Radioisotope Safety Content (RISC) is integrated into the Qualifying (Core) and Certifying exams. Candidates who have submitted the appropriate documentation, receive a passing score on the RISC, and achieve certification by 12/31/2023 will be given the Authorized User-Eligible (AU-E) designation on their certificate. The RISC result will not affect the pass results for either the Qualifying (Core) or Certifying exam.
