Initial Certification for Radiation Oncology

Prerequisites and Registration

Last verified on December 15, 2023
 

Prerequisites

To be eligible to take the Qualifying Exam, residents must meet the following minimum requirements:
  • Have submitted an initial application by October 31 of the year before they plan to take the exam
  • Be current with all ABR fees and pay all exam fees before registration for the exam
Residents have the option to take the Medical Physics for Radiation Oncology and the Radiation and Cancer Biology parts of the Qualifying Exam at any time after completing 32 months of residency training. With written approval of their program director, this option may be exercised after completion of 24 months of residency. Residents who wish to take the exam early should have their program reach out to the ABR. Residents may take the Clinical Radiation Oncology part of the Qualifying Exam at any time after completion of 44 months of residency.
To be eligible to take the Certifying Exam, candidates must have passed all three qualifying exam parts and be, at a minimum, in the calendar year following completion of their residency training. All additional documentation requirements must be met.
 

Registration

The Medical Physics for Radiation Oncology and the Radiation and Cancer Biology parts of the Qualifying Exam are currently offered annually in July. The Clinical Radiation Oncology part of the Qualifying Exam is currently offered annually in May. Eligible candidates will receive an exam invitation approximately three months prior to the exam.