100+ Free ABPS Radiation Oncology Practice Questions
Pass your ABPS Radiation Oncology Certification Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
Which type of DNA damage is the principal lethal lesion produced by ionizing radiation?
More ABPS Board Certifications Prep
Continue through related practice pages, study guides, comparisons, and articles from the same exam family.
Key Facts: ABPS Radiation Oncology Exam
1.1
Clinical Proton RBE
Conventional proton therapy clinical RBE vs photons
~10 Gy
Alpha/Beta Most Tumors
Linear-quadratic model — early-responding tissues and most tumors
8 Gy x 1
Bone Met Single Fraction
Dutch BMS, RTOG 9714, ASTRO Choosing Wisely
26 Gy / 5
FAST-Forward Breast Regimen
Lancet 2020 — non-inferior to 40 Gy/15 fx
50 mSv
Annual Occupational Limit
NRC 10 CFR 20.1201 whole-body TEDE
~$2,500
2026 Exam Fee
ABPS/BCRO (verify current schedule)
The ABPS Radiation Oncology Certification Exam is a computer-based test administered by BCRO/ABPS for residency-trained radiation oncologists. Content blueprints across radiobiology and physics, treatment planning (3DCRT/IMRT/VMAT/SBRT/brachytherapy/protons), CNS tumors, head and neck, breast, thoracic, GI, GU, gynecologic, hematologic, pediatric tumors, palliative radiation, normal tissue tolerance, and radiation safety/QA. The 2026 fee is approximately $2,500; eligibility requires accredited radiation oncology residency training and an unrestricted medical license.
Sample ABPS Radiation Oncology Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your ABPS Radiation Oncology exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which type of DNA damage is the principal lethal lesion produced by ionizing radiation?
2The 4 R's of classical radiobiology are best described as:
3In the linear-quadratic model, the alpha/beta ratio for most early-responding tissues and most tumors is approximately:
4What is the approximate oxygen enhancement ratio (OER) for X-rays at clinically relevant doses?
5Which phase of the cell cycle is generally MOST radiosensitive?
6The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of protons compared to photons is conventionally taken as:
7The depth of maximum dose (Dmax) for a 6 MV photon beam is approximately:
8What is the defining physical property of a proton beam that gives it a Bragg peak?
9ICRU 50/62/83 defines which volume as the GTV plus a margin for subclinical microscopic disease?
10Which technique uses inverse planning with multiple beam angles and modulated fluence delivered while the gantry rotates?
About the ABPS Radiation Oncology Exam
The ABPS Radiation Oncology Certification Examination, administered by the Board of Certification in Radiation Oncology (BCRO) under the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS), validates competencies for radiation oncologists practicing across the discipline. Content spans radiobiology and radiation physics (DNA damage, the 4 R's of fractionation, linear-quadratic model, oxygen enhancement ratio, RBE/LET, Bragg peak, AAPM TG-51 dosimetry), treatment planning (3DCRT, IMRT, VMAT, SBRT/SABR, brachytherapy LDR/HDR, proton therapy, MR-Linac adaptive RT, ICRU 50/62/83 target volumes, IGRT/CBCT, DIBH), site-specific oncology (CNS tumors per Stupp/RTOG 9802/NRG CC001, head and neck per RTOG 1016/De-ESCALaTE, breast per START B/Canadian/FAST-Forward/Darby, thoracic per PACIFIC/Turrisi/SABR-COMET, GI per CROSS/PRODIGE 23/RAPIDO/Nigro, GU per CHHiP/PACE-B/EORTC 22863/STAMPEDE/FLAME, gynecologic per EMBRACE/PORTEC, pediatric per COG/AEWS, hematologic per HD10/ISRT/TBI/TSEBT, palliative per Dutch BMS/SCORAD), normal tissue tolerance and toxicity (QUANTEC constraints, pneumonitis, dermatitis, xerostomia, cardiac dose, re-irradiation), and radiation safety/QA (10 CFR Parts 20/35, AAPM TG-43/51/100/142, RO-ILS, ALARA, medical event reporting, Authorized User status). Eligibility requires an MD/DO with unrestricted license and completion of an accredited radiation oncology residency or equivalent BCRO-recognized training pathway.
Questions
200 scored questions
Time Limit
~4 hours CBT
Passing Score
Criterion-referenced scaled score set by BCRO (modified Angoff standard)
Exam Fee
~$2,500 examination fee (ABPS/BCRO 2026 — verify current schedule) (American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) — Board of Certification in Radiation Oncology (BCRO))
ABPS Radiation Oncology Exam Content Outline
Radiobiology & Radiation Physics
Double-strand DNA breaks as principal lethal lesion, Withers' 4 R's (Repair, Redistribution, Repopulation, Reoxygenation) plus intrinsic Radiosensitivity, linear-quadratic model and alpha/beta ratios (~10 Gy early/tumor, 2-3 Gy late), oxygen enhancement ratio (~2.5-3 for X-rays), cell-cycle radiosensitivity (G2/M most sensitive, late S resistant), LET and RBE (proton clinical RBE 1.1), Bragg peak and SOBP, photon Dmax (1.5 cm at 6 MV), HVL and beam quality, electron beam range, BED and EQD2 calculations.
Treatment Planning & Delivery
ICRU 50/62/83 GTV/CTV/ITV/PTV definitions, 3DCRT vs IMRT vs VMAT, SBRT/SABR for lung/liver/spine, brachytherapy LDR/MDR/HDR (Ir-192, I-125, Pd-103), TG-43 brachytherapy dosimetry, proton therapy (PBS/passive scatter, RBE 1.1, distal Bragg peak uncertainty), MR-Linac adaptive replanning (Elekta Unity, ViewRay MRIdian), CBCT-based IGRT and PTV-margin reduction, deep inspiration breath-hold, motion management (4DCT, gating, ITV), dose calculation algorithms (AAA, Acuros, Monte Carlo), inverse planning.
CNS Tumors
Glioblastoma Stupp protocol (60 Gy/30 fx + concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide; MGMT methylation), low-grade glioma RTOG 9802 (RT + PCV; IDH-mutant 1p/19q-codeleted), brain metastases — RTOG 9508 (WBRT+SRS), RTOG 9005 SRS doses (24/18/15 Gy by size), NRG CC001 hippocampal-avoidance WBRT + memantine, RTOG 0614 memantine, pituitary adenoma FSRT/SRS with optic constraints, ependymoma focal RT, meningioma fractionated/SRS, vestibular schwannoma SRS.
Head & Neck Cancer
Locally advanced HNSCC concurrent cisplatin 100 mg/m^2 q3 weeks + 70 Gy/35 fx, RTOG 1016 / De-ESCALaTE — cisplatin superior to cetuximab in HPV+ oropharynx, T1 glottic larynx hypofractionated lateral fields (e.g., 63 Gy at 2.25 Gy/fx, Yamazaki), nasopharyngeal carcinoma — concurrent cisplatin + IMRT 70 Gy with induction gem/cis (Zhang 2019), EBV DNA biomarker (NRG-HN001), parotid sparing (QUANTEC mean <26 Gy), elective nodal coverage.
Breast Cancer
Hypofractionated whole-breast 40-42.5 Gy/15-16 fx (START B, Canadian), ultra-hypofractionated 26 Gy/5 fx (FAST-Forward), DIBH for left-sided breast (Darby — 7.4% per Gy increase in major coronary events), regional nodal irradiation (EORTC 22922 Poortmans, MA.20), partial breast irradiation (ASTRO 2017/2023 — APBI for low-risk), DCIS post-BCS RT (NSABP B-17), EBCTCG meta-analysis (4:1 benefit), boost to lumpectomy cavity, postmastectomy RT for high-risk, ALND vs SLNB (Z0011).
Thoracic Malignancies
Early-stage NSCLC SBRT (RTOG 0236 — 54 Gy/3 fx peripheral; RTOG 0813 5 fx for central), unresectable stage III NSCLC PACIFIC (CRT + durvalumab 12 mo consolidation), limited-stage SCLC INT 0096 Turrisi (45 Gy BID + cisplatin/etoposide; CONVERT 66 Gy/33 fx alternative), PCI 25 Gy/10 fx for LS-SCLC responders, oligometastatic SABR-COMET (Palma), mesothelioma IMRT, esophageal — see GI.
GI Cancers
Esophageal CROSS regimen (carbo/taxol weekly + 41.4 Gy/23 fx then surgery), rectal total neoadjuvant therapy (PRODIGE 23, RAPIDO short-course or long-course CRT), anal squamous cell carcinoma Nigro regimen (5-FU/MMC + 50.4-59.4 Gy), pancreatic locally advanced — induction FOLFIRINOX or gem/nab then CRT or SBRT, hepatocellular SBRT 27.5-50 Gy/5 fx adapted to Child-Pugh, gastric adjuvant CRT (INT 0116 MacDonald), cholangiocarcinoma.
GU Cancers
Prostate hypofractionation CHHiP (60 Gy/20 fx) and PACE-B SBRT (36.25 Gy/5 fx), short-term ADT 4-6 months for unfavorable intermediate-risk, long-term ADT 18-36 months for high-risk (EORTC 22863 Bolla, RTOG 8531/9202), prostate LDR brachytherapy (I-125 145 Gy monotherapy, Pd-103 125 Gy), STAMPEDE arm H — prostate RT for low-volume metastatic, FLAME focal boost, Ra-223 (ALSYMPCA) and Lu-177 PSMA (VISION) for mCRPC, bladder trimodality (BC2001), seminoma stage I surveillance.
Gynecologic Cancers
Locally advanced cervical cancer — definitive concurrent cisplatin (40 mg/m^2 weekly) + EBRT 45-50.4 Gy then HDR/LDR brachytherapy boost to HR-CTV D90 EQD2 ≥85-90 Gy (EMBRACE, RetroEMBRACE), endometrial adjuvant vaginal cuff brachytherapy 7 Gy x 3 at 0.5 cm (PORTEC-2), early-stage cervical surgery vs RT, vulvar concurrent CRT, ovarian (limited RT role), uterine sarcoma, gestational trophoblastic disease.
Pediatric Tumors
Medulloblastoma — average-risk 23.4 Gy CSI + 54 Gy boost, high-risk 36 Gy CSI; proton CSI to spare anterior structures, ependymoma focal 54-59.4 Gy with proton preference, Wilms tumor 10.8 Gy flank for stage III FH, Ewing sarcoma definitive ~55.8 Gy or postop, rhabdomyosarcoma per COG (36-50.4 Gy), neuroblastoma 21 Gy primary site for high-risk, Hodgkin per pediatric ISRT, late-effects mitigation.
Hematologic Malignancies
Hodgkin lymphoma involved-site RT (ISRT) replacing IFRT, HD10 — 20 Gy non-inferior to 30 Gy in favorable early-stage post-ABVD, DLBCL consolidation RT 30-36 Gy after R-CHOP, MALT lymphoma low-dose RT (4 Gy x 2 — FoRT trial), TBI 12 Gy in 6 BID + cyclophosphamide for ALL allogeneic HCT (FORUM), TSEBT for mycosis fungoides (Stanford 6-field, 30-36 Gy or low-dose 12 Gy), tumor lysis syndrome with bulky lymphoma RT.
Palliative Radiation
Uncomplicated bone metastases — single-fraction 8 Gy (Dutch BMS, RTOG 9714, ASTRO Choosing Wisely), spinal cord compression 8 Gy x 1 / 20 Gy/5 fx / 30 Gy/10 fx (SCORAD; Patchell — surgery + RT > RT alone in selected), SVC syndrome hypofractionated (often 30 Gy/10 fx), brain metastases palliative WBRT 20 Gy/5 fx or 30 Gy/10 fx with memantine, hemibody RT (largely supplanted), end-of-life pain management.
Normal Tissue Tolerance & Toxicity
QUANTEC constraints — spinal cord Dmax ~50 Gy (<1% myelopathy), parotid mean <26 Gy (xerostomia), heart V25 < 10% (long-term cardiac mortality), lung V20 < 35% conventional / V20 < 10% SBRT (pneumonitis), esophageal V60 (esophagitis with concurrent chemo), liver mean <30 Gy (RILD), kidney mean <15-18 Gy, bowel V45, skin reactions (~20-30 Gy onset), late effects in pediatric patients, second malignancy risk, re-irradiation BED accounting (Nieder).
Radiation Safety, QA & Regulation
10 CFR Part 20 dose limits (50 mSv whole-body occupational, 5 mSv pregnancy), 10 CFR Part 35 medical use of byproduct material and Authorized User status, 10 CFR 35.3045 medical event reporting (24-hour notification, 15-day report), ALARA principles (time/distance/shielding), AAPM TG-51 (photon/electron beam absolute dose calibration), TG-43 brachytherapy dosimetry, TG-100 risk-based QM with FMEA, TG-142 linac QA (daily/monthly/annual), Joint Commission Universal Protocol time-out, RO-ILS (ASTRO/AAPM PSO), acute radiation syndrome thresholds.
How to Pass the ABPS Radiation Oncology Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Criterion-referenced scaled score set by BCRO (modified Angoff standard)
- Exam length: 200 questions
- Time limit: ~4 hours CBT
- Exam fee: ~$2,500 examination fee (ABPS/BCRO 2026 — verify current schedule)
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
ABPS Radiation Oncology Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ABPS Radiation Oncology Certification Examination?
The ABPS Radiation Oncology Certification Examination is administered by the Board of Certification in Radiation Oncology (BCRO) under the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS). It validates the competencies required of practicing radiation oncologists across radiobiology and radiation physics, treatment planning (3DCRT, IMRT, VMAT, SBRT, brachytherapy, protons), site-specific disease management (CNS, head and neck, breast, thoracic, GI, GU, gynecologic, hematologic, pediatric), palliative radiation, normal tissue tolerance and toxicity, and radiation safety/QA. ABPS is a non-ABMS multispecialty board with credentialing pathways recognized in select hospital and managed-care settings.
Who is eligible to take the BCRO Radiation Oncology exam?
Candidates must hold an MD, DO, or equivalent doctoral medical degree with a valid unrestricted medical license and have completed an accredited radiation oncology residency (ACGME or equivalent) or a BCRO-recognized international training pathway. Candidates submit documentation of training, hospital privileges, and case logs as required, along with letters of reference attesting to clinical competence in radiation oncology practice. Candidates should always verify the most current eligibility criteria on the ABPS BCRO website.
What is the format of the exam?
The BCRO Radiation Oncology exam is a computer-based test of single-best-answer multiple-choice questions delivered at secure CBT testing centers. Items are blueprinted to the BCRO content outline covering radiobiology and radiation physics, treatment planning and delivery, site-specific clinical oncology (CNS, head and neck, breast, thoracic, GI, GU, gynecologic, hematologic, pediatric), palliative radiation, normal tissue tolerance, and radiation safety/QA. Verify the current item count, time limit, and testing logistics on the ABPS BCRO schedule.
How much does the 2026 exam cost?
The 2026 BCRO Radiation Oncology examination fee is approximately $2,500 — always verify the current schedule on the ABPS website. Candidates should also budget for travel to the testing center, study materials (textbooks such as Hall and Giaccia Radiobiology, Khan Physics of Radiation Therapy, Perez and Brady Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology, Halperin Pediatric Radiation Oncology), high-volume practice question banks, and ongoing Continuous Certification fees after passing. Cancellation and refund policies follow the BCRO schedule with decreasing refunds as the exam date approaches.
When is the 2026 exam administered?
BCRO offers the Radiation Oncology certification examination at multiple test administrations each year per the published ABPS/BCRO schedule. Candidates schedule specific appointments after their application is approved. Exact 2026 administration windows and registration deadlines should be confirmed on the ABPS BCRO Radiation Oncology page.
How is the exam scored?
BCRO uses criterion-referenced scaled scoring with a passing standard set by subject-matter experts using the modified Angoff method. A candidate's pass/fail result depends on performance relative to the fixed cut-score, not on other candidates. Score reports typically include domain-level feedback so candidates know their strongest and weakest content areas to direct any retake preparation.
What are the highest-yield topics for the exam?
Highest-yield topics include the Stupp protocol for GBM, RTOG 1016/De-ESCALaTE in HPV+ oropharynx, START B and FAST-Forward breast hypofractionation, Darby cardiac dose-response, PACIFIC durvalumab consolidation in stage III NSCLC, CROSS for esophageal and PRODIGE 23/RAPIDO TNT for rectal, CHHiP/PACE-B prostate fractionation and EORTC 22863 long-term ADT, EMBRACE cervical brachytherapy targets, NRG CC001 hippocampal-avoidance WBRT + memantine, QUANTEC normal tissue constraints, AAPM TG-43/51/100/142 physics and QA, 10 CFR Part 20/35 regulations, and ALARA principles.
How should I study for this exam?
Use a structured 6-12 month plan layered on your clinical practice. Map preparation to the BCRO content outline: begin with radiobiology and radiation physics, move to treatment planning and brachytherapy, then drill site-specific disease (CNS, head and neck, breast, thoracic, GI, GU, gynecologic, hematologic, pediatric, palliative), and close with normal tissue tolerance and radiation safety/QA. Combine high-yield textbooks (Hall and Giaccia, Khan, Perez and Brady, Halperin, Gunderson and Tepper), landmark trial review (Stupp, START B, CROSS, PACIFIC, CHHiP, PACE-B, EMBRACE, NRG CC001), QUANTEC constraints, AAPM TG documents, and high-volume MCQ practice including 2-3 timed full-length mock exams.