The American Board of Radiology

In October 2007, the ABR Board of Trustees announced its plans for future changes in the initial qualifying and certifying examinations in diagnostic radiology.
(read the original announcement)

Deliberations by the Board of Trustees concerning this Exam of the Future began nearly five years ago, owing to the rapid changes in diagnostic radiology and the increasing emphasis on lifelong learning and professional development in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program of the ABR.

As determined by the Board through its deliberations, and presented by President Dr. Philip Alderson, future ABR exams must reflect contemporary training and clinical practice.

The anticipated changes in content, timing and structure of the examinations are projected to affect residents entering diagnostic radiology training in 2009, or perhaps 2010 or 2011, depending on the readiness of the new exams.

Please note: The discussed changes will not affect residents currently in training.

PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS OF FUTURE EXAMS:

An image-rich, computer-based radiology core exam to be given >= 36 months after the beginning of radiology residency training.

will require knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology and principles of radiological physics
will include case presentations

A computer-based and image-rich final certifying examination in diagnostic radiology to be given 15 months after completion of diagnostic radiology residency (yearly in September/ October)

exam given in commercial examination centers
to reflect individual's training profile, experience and planned practice emphasis*
will also include material pertinent to all diagnostic radiologists

*Changes in practice emphasis following initial certification are accommodated by participation in ABR's Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program.