ABPS Offers a Recognized Choice in Diagnostic Radiology
Physician board certification in diagnostic radiology gives qualified and experienced physicians a chance to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and expertise required to provide effective medical care and diagnostic services. As one of the three most prominent nationally recognized multi-specialty certifying bodies in the United States, the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) offers certification in diagnostic radiology through the Board of Certification in Radiology® (BCR).
Eligibility Requirements of the BCR
To be eligible for board certification in diagnostic radiology through the ABPS, a physician must have an active unrestricted medical license to practice in the U.S., the U.S. territories, or Canada. Additionally, the ABPS requires:
- The completion of an accredited residency in diagnostic radiology, including the completion of an ACGME- or AOA-accredited post-graduate year one program or internship
- Adherence to the ABPS Code of Ethics
- Three current, original letters of recommendation from colleagues
- A current curriculum vitae that includes medical school, degrees earned, and work experience, in chronological order
- Completing a self-query of the National Practitioner Data Bank and submitting the report. Get your self-query report here.
To earn certification with the BCR, candidates must pass clinically based written and oral examinations, both of which have been developed and validated under rigorous standards by BCR Diplomates. Only candidates who pass the written exam can advance to the oral exams.
Benefits of Physician Certification Through an ABPS Member Board
Board certification through one of the ABPS Member Boards not only serves as tangible evidence of a physician’s expertise but also enables physicians across various medical specialties to:
- Become part of an esteemed community of physicians dedicated to advancing patient care and safety.
- Share clinical experiences and best practices with peers.
- Access numerous leadership opportunities within the community.
- Contribute meaningfully as respected members of the community.
Important Facts About the ABPS
If you’re considering becoming board certified in diagnostic radiology, it’s important to know that the ABPS represents an ideal option, one that has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Handbook. Additionally, various state medical boards have retained strict language that accepts and recognizes the ABPS as a recognized certifying body that meets the higher certification standards they require. ABPS certification exams, procedures, and protocols are clinically, psychometrically, and legally defensible, and have been found to be equivalent to those set by the ABMS and the AOA.
As with any ABPS Member Board, certification with the BCR lasts for eight years. The ABPS has no formal Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process, but physicians are required to complete self-assessment CME and ethics training and sit for a recertification exam every eight years. Radiologists who are board certified by the ABMS or the AOA are eligible to recertify with the ABPS once they have met eligibility requirements determined by our specialty board.
Contact the ABPS for more information about our eligibility requirements and the benefits of becoming certified in diagnostic radiology through the BCR.