Policies and Agreements

The ABR is committed to maintaining the integrity of our exams, ensuring fair certification processes, and supporting diplomates. In this section, you’ll find information on policies that impact diplomates and candidates. To review the ABR Bylaws, please visit our Leadership and Governance page.

General Policies

Accommodations Policy

This policy outlines how candidates and diplomates can request and receive reasonable and effective accommodations for ABR assessment processes.

Appeals Policy

This policy outlines how candidates and diplomates can request a formal review of ABR decisions related to exam eligibility, certification statuses, accommodations, or other board actions.

Exam Integrity Policy

This policy outlines the rules for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of ABR exams. It applies to all candidates and diplomates taking an ABR exam.

Logo and DABR Usage Policy

This policy governs how ABR logos and trademarks can be used. Third-party use of the ABR, ABRF, or myABR requires prior approval and is not permitted for commercial purposes.

Professional Standing Policy

This policy outlines licensure requirements for candidates and diplomates to achieve and maintain ABR certification. It applies to physicians and, in some cases, medical physicists.

 

Initial Certification Policies

Alternate Pathway to Certification for IMGs Policy

Coming soon. This policy outlines discipline-specific alternate pathways for International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

Board Eligibility Policy

This policy defines the timeframe in which candidates are considered board eligible after completing their training. It applies to all candidates getting certified and outlines discipline-specific timelines, consequences for exceeding the eligibility period, and the requirements for re-entry.

Diagnostic Radiology Core Exam Policy

This policy outlines eligibility, structure, and scoring for the Diagnostic Radiology Qualifying (Core) Exam.

Medical Physics Candidate Policy Limiting the Time Between Passing the Part 1 Exam and Attaining Board Eligibility

This policy defines the 10-year time limit between passing the Medical Physics Part 1 Exam and attaining board eligibility. It applies to candidates who have passed Part 1 but have not yet completed a CAMPEP-accredited residency or been approved for Part 2, with exceptions considered for extraordinary circumstances.

Medical Physics Part 1 Exam: Re-entry Eligibility

This policy outlines the procedure for candidates who do not pass the Medical Physics Part 1 Exam within five years of initial registration and want to re-enter the process.

Residency Completion Policy

This policy establishes time limits for completing residency training to achieve board eligibility in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, and radiation oncology. It applies to residents starting on or after July 1, 2026, and sets specific completion windows based on program type and duration.

Residency Leave Policy

This policy outlines how much time off (including vacation, parental, and medical leave) residents can take without extending training for Initial Certification eligibility.

Two-year IR/DR IMG Alternate Pathway for those who completed DR IMG Alternate Pathway

This policy defines the eligibility and requirements for a two-year Interventional Radiology/Diagnostic Radiology (IR/DR) International Medical Graduate (IMG) Alternate Pathway for candidates who have already completed the DR IMG Alternate Pathway. It applies to IMGs eligible for ABR DR certification who seek IR/DR certification through additional approved training in the U.S. or Canada.

 

Continuing Certification Policies

Continuing Certification Policy

This policy outlines the requirements for diplomates with a continuous certification to stay certified through the ABR Continuing Certification program. It applies to all diplomates participating in the program and includes guidance on requirements, fees, audits, special circumstances, public reporting, and regaining certification if participation lapses.

Professional Standing (Licensure) Requirements for Diplomates Practicing Outside the U.S. and Canada

This policy outlines the requirements for diplomates who practice outside the U.S. and Canada but still want to stay certified through the ABR. It applies to diplomates practicing in any country that licenses medical physicists and physicians.

Special Circumstances Policy

This policy outlines the waivers and substitutions available for diplomates participating in Continuing Certification who are experiencing extenuating circumstances. It may apply to diplomates who have been deployed by the military, been impacted by an acute illness, or are clinically inactive due to things like conducting research or being on sabbatical leave.

 

Agreements

Initial Certification Agreement

This agreement outlines the proper handling of ABR proprietary information necessary for candidates completing the Initial Certification process.

Continuing Certification Agreement

This agreement outlines the proper handling of ABR proprietary information necessary for diplomates in Continuing Certification.

Terms of Use Agreement

This agreement outlines the Terms of Use for using myABR. It’s for all new users registering for myABR for the first time.