EBIR

European Board of Interventional Radiology (EBIR) Examination

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About this exam

The European Board of Interventional Radiology (EBIR) is a certification of IR knowledge offered within the CIRSE certification framework, and the EBIR pages sit under CIRSE's certification section alongside separate certifications for endovascular specialists and interventional oncology specialists. Candidates typically encounter it as the core European credential for interventional radiologists who want documented, exam-based evidence of their knowledge of the specialty rather than a purely portfolio-based recognition. The exam is delivered as a two-part examination, and it is run as a remote online-proctored examination, so candidates sit it without travelling to a physical test centre. The content basis is the European Curriculum and Syllabus for IR, which has been revised and is now available in its third edition, meaning preparation should be anchored to that third-edition curriculum rather than older editions or locally assembled reading lists. CIRSE also publishes separate pages on the exam structure, entry criteria, and how to prepare, and its preparation guidance points candidates to CIRSE educational offerings, including its online library and academy resources. The exam is additionally offered in German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese alongside English. Candidates who pass join the community of certified EBIR holders, and holders can later pursue the endovascular and interventional oncology certifications. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by CIRSE or the EBIR board.

What you'll study

Common questions

About EBIR preparation

What format is the EBIR exam delivered in?

It is a remote online-proctored examination, so you sit it online under remote proctoring rather than at a physical test centre. CIRSE publishes a dedicated page explaining how that remote system works. Check the current technical requirements and identity checks on the official pages before exam day, since remote-proctoring setups are strict about environment and equipment.

How many parts does the exam have?

CIRSE describes the EBIR examination as a two-part examination and maintains a separate exam structure page covering both parts. Read that page early in your preparation, because the two parts may test knowledge in different ways, and knowing the structure shapes how you split study time between broad curriculum coverage and focused revision.

Which syllabus should I study from?

Use the European Curriculum and Syllabus for IR, third edition, which CIRSE states has been revised and is now available. Older editions and locally written reading lists may not match current expectations. Work through the third-edition curriculum topic by topic and mark your confidence on each area so revision targets genuine gaps rather than familiar material.

Can I take the exam in a language other than English?

CIRSE states that it now offers the EBIR exam in German, and its site also lists Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese versions. If you intend to sit in one of these languages, confirm availability, dates, and entry criteria on the official pages for that language before planning your preparation, as language-specific arrangements may differ from the English exam.

How should I order my study?

Start with the third-edition curriculum as your map, then use CIRSE educational offerings, including its online library and academy material, to fill weak domains. Cover the whole syllabus once before deep revision, because a broad pass exposes gaps early. Then revisit high-volume areas such as embolization, ablation, and vascular access, and finish with timed practice under exam-like conditions.

What causes people to fail?

The most common pattern is narrow preparation: deep knowledge of a favourite subspecialty with thin coverage elsewhere, so whole curriculum domains go untested until the exam. A second pattern is preparing from outdated or unofficial material rather than the current curriculum. A third is neglecting the remote format itself, including the proctoring setup, so technical problems consume attention on the day.

How do I find exam dates and entry criteria?

CIRSE maintains an upcoming exams and entry criteria page, and its EBIR landing page urges candidates to secure a spot for the upcoming examination. Dates, eligibility rules, and application steps are set by the board and can change, so verify them directly on the official pages rather than relying on second-hand summaries or older forum posts.

Can I retake the exam if I do not pass?

The retrieved source material does not state a retake policy, including any waiting period, attempt limits, or fees. Treat this as unconfirmed and check the official EBIR FAQs and entry criteria pages, or contact the board directly, before assuming you can simply rebook. Do not plan your timeline around an assumed retake window.

What can I do after passing?

Successful candidates are recognised as EBIR holders, and CIRSE publishes a successful candidates page. CIRSE also offers further certification for EBIR holders: a European Certification for Endovascular Specialists and a European Certification for Interventional Oncology Specialists. These let you extend your certified expertise into those specific areas after the core EBIR credential.

Is this page officially connected to the EBIR?

No. This is an independent study resource written for candidates searching for the exam. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by CIRSE or the EBIR board, and it does not reproduce official question material. Always confirm dates, fees, eligibility, and format on the official CIRSE certification pages before applying or booking travel.