Medical Physics Certification Study Guide | Content, Sample Questions & Exam Guidelines 2026

Medical Physics Certification Study Guide | Content, Sample Questions & Exam
Guidelines 2026


Part 1: General Content Guide

Overview of Medical Physics Certification

 The ABR (American Board of Radiology) provides a certification process for medical
physicists, ensuring they meet the necessary standards in knowledge and practice.

 The certification exam is divided into general and clinical content, with a focus on
various aspects of medical physics, including radiation safety and imaging techniques.

 Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with a list of constants and physical
values provided by the ABR, which is essential for exam preparation.

Key Topics in General Content Guide

 Atomic and Nuclear Physics: Understanding basic atomic structures, radioactivity, and
the interaction of radiation with matter is crucial for medical physics.

 Radiation Instrumentation: Familiarity with various detectors (gas-filled, scintillation,
solid-state) and their applications in medical imaging and therapy is essential.

 Diagnostic Medical Physics: Knowledge of imaging modalities such as radiography, CT,
MRI, and their respective quality control measures is vital.

Dosimetry and Radiation Safety

 Dosimetry Concepts: Understanding dose measurement units and the spatial
distribution of radiation is fundamental for safe practice in medical physics.

 Radiation Safety: Knowledge of radiation protection regulations, risk assessment, and
safety protocols is critical for protecting patients and personnel.

 Quality Assurance: Implementing quality control measures in imaging and therapy
ensures accurate and safe medical practices.

Clinical Applications of Medical Physics

 Therapeutic Medical Physics: Understanding the principles of linear accelerators,
photon and electron beam characteristics, and treatment planning is essential for
effective radiation therapy.

,  Nuclear Medical Physics: Familiarity with imaging techniques like SPECT and PET,
including image acquisition and processing, is crucial for accurate diagnostics.

 Radiation Biology: Knowledge of the biological effects of radiation, including
deterministic and stochastic effects, is important for patient safety and treatment
efficacy.

Part 1: Clinical Content Guide

Anatomy and Physiology

 Anatomical Systems: Understanding the structure and function of various systems (e.g.,
cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal) is essential for interpreting medical
images and treatments.

 Human Physiology: Knowledge of physiological processes and their relevance to medical
imaging and therapy is critical for effective patient care.

Radiation Biology and Safety

 Radiation Interactions: Understanding the physics and chemistry of radiation
interactions with biological tissues is crucial for effective treatment planning.

 Radiation Protection: Knowledge of radiation safety protocols, including exposure limits
and accident management, is essential for protecting patients and healthcare workers.

 Radiobiology: Familiarity with the effects of radiation on normal and tumor tissues,
including dose fractionation and response, is vital for effective therapy.

Clinical Procedures and Terminology

 Diagnostic Radiology: Understanding the principles and applications of various imaging
techniques is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

 Radiation Therapy: Knowledge of radiation therapy terminology and clinical procedures
is critical for effective communication and practice in the field.

 Pathology: Familiarity with common diseases and conditions encountered in medical
imaging and therapy is important for comprehensive patient care.

Sample Questions and Exam Preparation

General Sample Questions

 Sample questions are designed to reflect the types of questions candidates may
encounter on the exam, focusing on key concepts and applications in medical physics.