The Validity and Timing of the ABR Core Exam

Abstract

The American Board of Radiology's (ABR) new Core Exam is not working, at least not as well as it needs to. Having helped to prepare candidates (RG), studied for and taken the exam (WK), and talked with hundreds of candidates who have taken the exam (RG and WK), we believe that that one aspect of the exam, its validity, can be significantly enhanced. Just as we expect candidates for board certification and practicing radiologists to measure up to the high standards, so we should subject the board exam to continuous scrutiny, seeking opportunities to rectify errors and enhance the exam's overall quality, with a view to better promoting excellence in radiology practice and the care of patients. Here we focus on two exam parameters: validity and timing.