Find Your Specialty 813-433-2277

What Is BCR?

What Is BCR? The Board of Certification in Radiology (BCR) is a nationally recognized certifying board that offers certification to physicians who wish to present themselves to the public as qualified medical specialists in radiation oncology or diagnostic radiology. The BCR is a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), one of the nation’s most prominent multispecialty certifying bodies.

BCR Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for initial board certification in diagnostic radiology, an applicant must first satisfy the general requirements of the ABPS. These include being a graduate of a recognized U.S., Canadian, or international allopathic or osteopathic college of medicine, and holding a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States, its territories, or Canada. The Board of Certification in Radiology (BCR) has its own eligibility requirements, which include:

  • Completing an ACGME or AOA-accredited post-graduate year one program or internship
  • Completing an accredited residency in diagnostic radiology
  • Conformity with the ABPS Code of Ethics
  • Three current, original letters of recommendation from colleagues

As a board that has long maintained a pragmatic and non-discriminatory approach to physician certification, the BCR invites Diplomates of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to apply for recertification with the BCR. To become recertified with the BCR, applicants must provide documentation of their certification, which must be current or no more than two years past the expiration date. Candidates may apply for recertification as early as two years before their certification expires.

To earn BCR certification in diagnostic radiology, candidates must pass both a written and an oral exam. Candidates must pass the written exam first before taking the oral component.

The format of the written exams for certification and recertification in both diagnostic radiology both and radiation oncology and is multiple-choice, single-response questions. The oral exam for diagnostic radiology consists of three to five case presentations from each of six different categories. Trained examiners who have achieved radiology board certification conduct the oral exams. Once granted, BCR certification is good for eight years, expiring on December 31 of the eighth year.

If you’re interested in becoming board certified in radiology or would like more details about recertification with the BCR, contact the ABPS today.

Save the Date
House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
Innovation & Overcoming Challenges
June 10-15, 2022
Plan Your Visit. Meeting Information
Patient Care Is Our Priority

Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine
When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine
Meet Our Staff Read All Reviews
Boards
Careers
Login
Contact