MO‐G‐19A‐01: ABR Exams; A Glimpse Behind the Curtains

Abstract

While the vast majority of clinical medical physicists either have taken, or will take the ABR certification exams, there appears to be limited understanding about the process of creating, administering, scoring and evaluating the exams. In this course, ABR trustees and volunteers will educate current and future ABR diplomates about the process of question writing, written exam assembly, evaluation of the performance of the exams, and preparation and delivery of the oral board exam. By understanding the process behind creating the written and oral exams, ABR candidates and diplomates will gain a better understanding of the framework of the exams, including the financial resources needed. At the same time, understanding the many hours of volunteer work needed to create a fair and meaningful exam may create a positive incentive to respect the exam confidentiality.Learning Objectives: Understand the characteristics of a well‐written exam question. Learn about the process of developing and administering an exam. Review the application of psychometric analysis to the ABR exams. Appreciate the effort and expense involved in preparing the certification exams.