ABR Neuroradiology
Neuroradiology Subspecialty Exam
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The American Board of Radiology (ABR) Neuroradiology Subspecialty Exam is the certification assessment for radiologists who have completed neuroradiology subspecialty training and want ABR subspecialty certification. Candidates must already hold an ABR specialty certificate in general radiology, diagnostic radiology, or interventional radiology/diagnostic radiology, and eligibility includes an accredited one-year neuroradiology fellowship plus a year of practice or additional approved training with at least one-third of that year spent in neuroradiology. The exam is a one-day, remote, computer-based test of 180 image-rich questions lasting approximately four hours, offered once a year, typically in August. Content is organized into three main categories: brain, spine, and head and neck. Scoring is criterion-referenced against a fixed standard rather than against other examinees, and results are reported by content category as pass, conditional pass, or fail. Preparation should start with the ABR neuroradiology study guide outline, which is a general overview rather than an exhaustive topic list. Because the exam is image-rich and remote, candidates should also complete the Exam Readiness Check on the same computer and in the same location they will use on exam day, verifying camera, microphone, internet, software, and identity verification in advance.
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About ABR Neuroradiology preparation
What is the format of the Neuroradiology Subspecialty Exam?
It is a one-day, remote, computer-based exam with 180 image-rich questions, lasting approximately four hours. The ABR offers it once a year, typically in August. A separate Conditioned Neuroradiology Subspecialty Exam takes approximately one hour and 35 minutes.
How is the exam scored?
Scoring is criterion-referenced: your score is compared with a fixed standard, not with other examinees. The neuroradiology exam is scored by content category, and the result is pass, conditional pass, or fail.
What happens if I fail one category?
If you fail one category, you receive a conditional pass and only need to retake the portions you did not pass, not the entire exam. If you fail two or more categories, you must retake the entire exam.
What content areas does the exam cover?
The exam includes three main categories: brain, spine, and head and neck. The ABR neuroradiology study guide offers an outline of topics that may be covered, but the ABR notes this is a general overview and not an exhaustive list.
When can I apply, and when are results available?
Applications are available in myABR from February 1 through April 30 each year. After your application is approved, you receive an invitation to register. Exam results are posted in myABR about one month after your exam, with an email notification when they are available.
How long do I have to obtain certification after training?
You have six calendar years from when you completed training to obtain certification. Plan your application and exam timing within that window, since the exam is offered only once per year.
What should I do before exam day given the remote format?
Complete the Exam Readiness Check on the same computer and in the same location you will use for the exam. It verifies your camera, microphone, internet, and software, and requires an identification check by scanning your ID and taking a selfie. Repeat it if you change computers or locations.
What is a common reason candidates struggle?
Underpreparing for one of the three content categories is a common risk, because scoring is by category and failing two or more categories means retaking the entire exam. Study the ABR outline across brain, spine, and head and neck rather than concentrating on a single area.