ABR Diagnostic Radiology Core Exam Practice Test
Build your confidence for ABR Diagnostic Radiology Core Exam. Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.
Try a sample questionExam overview and details
The ABR Diagnostic Radiology Core Exam Practice Test is a comprehensive assessment tool designed for radiology residents preparing for the American Board of Radiology (ABR) Core Examination. This practice test covers the full breadth of the ABR exam blueprint, including Advanced Topics, Best Practices, Core Knowledge, Fundamentals, and Practical Application across all organ systems. The certification itself is the foundational credential for board-certified radiologists in the United States, representing the culmination of four years of residency training and rigorous preparation. Achieving board certification through the ABR Core Exam demonstrates mastery of diagnostic radiology, including physics, safety, image interpretation, and clinical decision-making. This credential is essential for hospital privileges, insurance reimbursement, and professional credibility. The practice test simulates the actual exam format with 140 questions spanning physics principles, normal anatomy, pathologic conditions, and emerging technologies like AI and advanced imaging. Success on the Core Exam opens doors to fellowship opportunities, academic positions, and private practice partnerships. It is widely recognized as the gold standard for quality in radiology, assuring patients and colleagues of a physician's expertise. The practice test helps candidates identify knowledge gaps, build test-taking stamina, and refine their approach to the computer-based, multiple-choice format that characterizes the actual ABR Core Exam.
Sample Questions
Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.
An 84-year-old ICU patient with septic shock, platelets 38,000/microliter, and acute acalculous cholecystitis is too unstable for surgery. The gallbladder is distended and directly apposed to the liver. What is the best image-guided option after correcting coagulopathy as much as feasible?
A 66-year-old man has a tender retroareolar lump. Mammography shows flame-shaped subareolar density radiating posteriorly without eccentric mass or suspicious calcifications. Ultrasound shows subareolar hypoechoic tissue without a discrete vascular mass. What is most likely?
A 32-year-old has acute pelvic pain and nausea. Ultrasound shows an enlarged ovary with peripheral follicles, stromal edema, small free fluid, and preserved but asymmetric arterial flow. What should the report emphasize?
A 44-year-old high-risk screening patient has MRI showing a 7 mm irregular enhancing mass with washout. Targeted ultrasound finds a subtle oval parallel hypoechoic mass, and US-guided biopsy returns fibroadenoma without atypia. The post-biopsy clip is 18 mm from the MRI finding on repeat MRI. What should the radiologist recommend?
A 27-year-old pregnant patient has pelvic pain, beta-hCG 2800 mIU/mL, and transvaginal ultrasound showing no intrauterine gestational sac, a thick echogenic ring adjacent to but separate from the ovary, and small complex free fluid. What is the best interpretation?
Exam insights and study advice
Passing the ABR Diagnostic Radiology Core Exam is a non-negotiable milestone for any radiologist seeking to practice independently in the United States. Board certification directly impacts career trajectory, salary potential, and professional autonomy. Hospitals and health systems require ABR certification for credentialing and privileging, making it impossible to practice without it in most settings. Beyond compliance, certification signals to referring physicians and patients that you meet the highest standards of diagnostic accuracy and safety. It distinguishes you in a competitive job market, often resulting in higher starting salaries and faster partnership tracks. For academic radiologists, board certification is typically required for faculty appointments and promotion. The exam's emphasis on both core knowledge and practical application ensures that certified radiologists can handle the full spectrum of cases, from routine to complex. This practice test is not just about passing-it is about building the confidence and competence that define a career-ready radiologist. In an era of increasing subspecialization, the Core Exam remains the unifying standard that validates your ability to practice comprehensive diagnostic radiology.
What this exam covers
01Breast imaging
This domain covers the clinical practice of breast imaging, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI. It focuses on screening, diagnostic concepts, and interventional procedures necessary for accurate patient assessment and management in a clinical setting.
02Cardiovascular imaging
This section assesses cardiovascular imaging knowledge, primarily using CT and MR modalities. It excludes vascular interventions and radiography of cardiovascular conditions, focusing instead on the interpretation of cardiac and vascular imaging findings for diagnostic purposes.
03Computed tomography
This domain evaluates knowledge of computed tomography techniques and clinical applications across various body systems. It covers the technical aspects of image acquisition and the interpretation of findings for a wide range of clinical indications.
04Gastrointestinal imaging
This section covers gastrointestinal imaging using fluoroscopy, radiography, CT, MRI, and ultrasound. It includes the study of percutaneous abdominal interventions and the interpretation of imaging findings related to various gastrointestinal diseases and clinical conditions.
05Genitourinary imaging
This domain focuses on genitourinary imaging, including fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, and ultrasound. It includes the study of obstetrical complications and percutaneous interventions, requiring a deep understanding of the urinary and reproductive systems in clinical practice.
06Interventional radiology
This section covers interventional radiology procedures, including both vascular and non-vascular interventions. It requires knowledge of percutaneous techniques, vascular access, and the management of complications that may arise during various image-guided procedures in clinical practice.
07Magnetic resonance imaging
This domain assesses knowledge of magnetic resonance imaging principles, safety, and clinical applications. It covers the physics of MRI, the use of various pulse sequences, and the safety protocols required for patient care during imaging.
08Musculoskeletal radiology
This section covers musculoskeletal radiology, including the imaging of bones, joints, and soft tissues. It focuses on the interpretation of findings related to bone tumors, joint pathology, and trauma imaging for effective clinical diagnosis.
09Neuroradiology
This domain focuses on neuroradiology, including the imaging of the brain, spine, and head and neck. It covers neuro-oncology, vascular neuroimaging, and spine pathology, requiring a deep understanding of neurological conditions and their imaging manifestations.
10Noninterpretive skills
This section covers noninterpretive skills necessary for professional radiology practice. It focuses on professionalism, effective communication with patients and colleagues, and the implementation of quality improvement initiatives within a clinical radiology department or practice setting.
11Nuclear radiology
This domain assesses knowledge of nuclear radiology, including both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. It covers the use of radiopharmaceuticals, PET/CT imaging, and the safety protocols required for the handling and administration of radioactive materials.
12Pediatric radiology
This section covers pediatric radiology, focusing on age-specific imaging considerations and pathologies. It includes the study of congenital anomalies, pediatric trauma, and the importance of radiation dose reduction techniques for the safety of pediatric patients.
13Physics
This domain evaluates the understanding of physics principles underlying diagnostic imaging modalities. It covers radiation physics, the process of image formation, and the principles of dosimetry required for safe and effective diagnostic imaging practice.
14Radiography/fluoroscopy
This section covers radiography and fluoroscopy techniques and clinical findings. It focuses on projection radiography, various fluoroscopic procedures, and the assessment of image quality to ensure accurate diagnostic results in a clinical radiology environment.
15Radioisotope Safety Content
This domain covers safety content related to radioisotopes in clinical practice. It focuses on the proper handling of radioisotopes, adherence to safety regulations, and the management of radiation exposure for both patients and medical staff.
16Thoracic radiology
This domain focuses on thoracic radiology, including the imaging of the lungs, pleura, and mediastinum. It covers the interpretation of lung nodules, interstitial lung disease, and thoracic trauma for accurate diagnosis and clinical management.
17Ultrasound
This section assesses knowledge of ultrasound imaging, including physics, techniques, and clinical applications. It covers ultrasound physics, Doppler imaging, and organ-specific ultrasound examinations for the diagnosis of various clinical conditions in patients.