Core Exam
Last verified on July 10, 2020
The exam tests knowledge and comprehension of anatomy, pathophysiology, all aspects of diagnostic radiology, and physics concepts important for diagnostic radiology.
Exam Categories
Eighteen categories are included on the exam:
| Breast Imaging |
Thoracic |
| Cardiac Imaging |
Urinary |
| Gastrointestinal Imaging |
Vascular |
| Interventional Radiology |
Computed Tomography |
| Musculoskeletal |
Magnetic Resonance |
| Neuroradiology |
Radiography/Fluoroscopy |
| Nuclear Radiology |
Ultrasound |
| Pediatric Radiology |
Physics |
| Reproductive/Endocrinology |
Safety |
Study guides for these categories may be found here.
More Information
Core Exams are administered twice yearly, typically in June and November. Please refer to the Exam Dates and Locations page for upcoming exam dates. A candidate is eligible to take the Core Exam in the 36th month of interventional radiology training. Residents who take the exam before their 36th month of training are often at a disadvantage because they have not had enough exposure to all clinical rotations covered in the exam. Fail rates have been significantly higher for candidates who have taken the exam early. The ABR will allow residents who are in or beyond their 32nd month of IR training to take the exam if their program director attests the resident is believed to have sufficient knowledge and training, and the candidate attests that he or she understands the potential consequences of taking the exam early. For more information, contact the ABR at information@theabr.org or call (520) 790-2900.
Exam Breakdown and Timing
The Core Exam is a computer-based exam that is taken over two days. Candidates need to plan for approximately 7.5 hours for Day One and 6 hours for Day Two. Candidates will receive 30 minutes of break time for each exam.
For more details visit the Exam Breakdown and Timing page.
