100+ Free ABR DMP Practice Questions

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Question 1

Score: 0/0

In a diagnostic x-ray tube, characteristic x-rays are produced when:

Photons interact with atomic electrons via Compton scattering

An inner-shell electron is ejected and an outer-shell electron fills the vacancy

The filament current is increased above the space-charge-limited region

Electrons are decelerated near the nucleus of a target atom

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ABR DMP Exam

Pass/Fail

Scoring Method

ABR criterion-referenced

~125

Part 2 Questions

Computer-based, 5 hours

$1,630

Total Exam Fees

Parts 1 + 2 + 3 combined

3 Parts

Certification Exams

General, Specialty, Oral

75-85%

Part 2 Pass Rate

CAMPEP first-time takers

CAMPEP

Required Training

Accredited program + residency

The ABR Diagnostic Medical Physics exam is a three-part certification process administered by the American Board of Radiology. Part 2 is a 5-hour computer-based specialty exam with approximately 125 multiple-choice questions covering diagnostic imaging modalities. The total certification cost is $1,630 ($210 Part 1 + $640 Part 2 + $780 Part 3). First-time pass rates for CAMPEP-enrolled candidates on Part 2 typically range from 75-85%.

Sample ABR DMP Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ABR DMP exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In a diagnostic x-ray tube, characteristic x-rays are produced when:

A.Photons interact with atomic electrons via Compton scattering

B.An inner-shell electron is ejected and an outer-shell electron fills the vacancy

C.The filament current is increased above the space-charge-limited region

D.Electrons are decelerated near the nucleus of a target atom

Explanation: Characteristic x-rays are produced when an incident electron ejects an inner-shell (e.g., K-shell) electron from a target atom, and an electron from a higher energy shell transitions down to fill the vacancy. The emitted photon has an energy equal to the difference between the two shell binding energies, producing discrete spectral lines characteristic of the target material.

2Which of the following increases the proportion of characteristic radiation relative to bremsstrahlung in a tungsten-target x-ray tube?

A.Switching from tungsten to molybdenum target

B.Increasing the tube voltage from 60 kVp to 100 kVp

C.Decreasing the tube voltage from 80 kVp to 60 kVp

D.Increasing filtration with added aluminum

Explanation: Increasing the tube voltage increases the fraction of electrons with energy above the K-shell binding energy of tungsten (69.5 keV), thereby increasing the yield of K-characteristic x-rays relative to the total spectrum. At 60 kVp, most electrons lack sufficient energy to eject K-shell electrons from tungsten, so characteristic radiation production is minimal.

3The heel effect in an x-ray tube results in:

A.Higher intensity on the anode side of the field

B.Increased intensity at the edges with decreased central intensity

C.Uniform intensity across the entire field

D.Higher intensity on the cathode side of the field

Explanation: The heel effect causes the x-ray intensity to be higher on the cathode side than on the anode side of the field. This occurs because x-rays produced deeper within the anode target must travel through more target material to exit on the anode side, resulting in greater self-absorption. In mammography, this effect is exploited by placing the thicker chest wall toward the cathode side.

4A radiographic grid with a grid ratio of 12:1 compared to an 8:1 grid will:

A.Require a lower patient dose

B.Improve contrast at the cost of increased dose

C.Transmit more scatter radiation

D.Decrease image contrast

Explanation: A higher grid ratio (12:1 vs 8:1) means the lead strips are taller relative to the gap between them, which more effectively absorbs obliquely traveling scatter photons. This improves image contrast by reducing scatter reaching the detector, but it also absorbs more primary radiation, requiring an increase in technique (mAs) and thus patient dose.

5The primary purpose of an anti-scatter grid in diagnostic radiography is to:

A.Improve spatial resolution

B.Reduce scatter radiation reaching the image receptor

C.Filter low-energy photons from the primary beam

D.Reduce patient dose

Explanation: Anti-scatter grids are placed between the patient and the image receptor to selectively absorb scatter radiation that has deviated from its original path. Scatter radiation degrades image contrast, so the grid improves contrast by preferentially transmitting primary (unscattered) photons. Grids do not reduce patient dose; they typically increase it because higher technique factors are needed.

6In digital radiography, what does the Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) measure?

A.The total number of x-ray photons absorbed by the detector

B.The maximum exposure the detector can tolerate before saturation

C.The efficiency of the detector in converting absorbed x-ray energy to a useful signal relative to input SNR

D.The spatial resolution of the detector in line pairs per mm

Explanation: DQE measures how efficiently a detector converts the input x-ray signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) into the output image SNR. A DQE of 1.0 would mean the detector perfectly preserves the input SNR. Real detectors have DQE values less than 1, with higher DQE indicating a more dose-efficient detector. DQE depends on spatial frequency, dose level, and beam energy.

7In computed radiography (CR), the imaging plate stores x-ray energy as:

A.Light photons in a scintillator coupled to a CCD

B.Trapped electrons in metastable energy states within a photostimulable phosphor

C.Electric charge in a thin-film transistor array

D.Direct current in an amorphous selenium layer

Explanation: CR imaging plates use a photostimulable phosphor (typically BaFBr:Eu2+) that traps x-ray energy as electrons in metastable F-centers. During readout, a scanning laser beam (typically red He-Ne or solid-state) stimulates release of the trapped energy as blue-violet light (photostimulated luminescence), which is collected by a light guide and photomultiplier tube to create the digital image.

8What is the primary advantage of a flat-panel detector using indirect conversion (CsI scintillator + a-Si photodiode) compared to direct conversion (a-Se)?

A.Better DQE at typical diagnostic energies due to higher x-ray absorption efficiency of CsI

B.Lower manufacturing cost

C.Higher spatial resolution due to minimal lateral light spread

D.No need for a thin-film transistor (TFT) array

Explanation: Indirect flat-panel detectors using columnar CsI(Tl) scintillators have higher x-ray absorption efficiency than amorphous selenium, resulting in better DQE at typical diagnostic energies. The columnar structure of CsI also channels light toward the photodiode, limiting lateral spread. Direct-conversion a-Se detectors offer superior spatial resolution but lower DQE at higher energies used outside mammography.

9In mammography, the target/filter combination most commonly used for imaging an average-thickness compressed breast is:

A.Tungsten target with aluminum filter

B.Rhodium target with copper filter

C.Molybdenum target with molybdenum filter

D.Tungsten target with rhodium filter

Explanation: The Mo/Mo target/filter combination has traditionally been the standard for average-thickness compressed breasts in mammography. The molybdenum target produces characteristic x-rays at 17.5 and 19.6 keV, and the Mo filter (K-edge at 20 keV) preferentially absorbs photons above 20 keV, producing a near-monoenergetic beam optimized for breast tissue contrast. Modern systems increasingly use W/Rh or W/Ag for thicker breasts and spectral optimization.

10The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) requires that the mean glandular dose for a standard mammographic view of a 4.2 cm compressed breast with 50% glandularity must not exceed:

A.6.0 mGy per view

B.10.0 mGy per view

C.1.0 mGy per view

D.3.0 mGy per view

Explanation: MQSA sets an upper limit of 3.0 mGy (300 mrad) mean glandular dose per exposure for a standard breast equivalent (4.2 cm compressed thickness, 50% glandular/50% adipose composition using an FDA-approved phantom). Facilities must demonstrate compliance during annual physics surveys and MQSA inspections. Typical clinical doses are usually 1.0-2.5 mGy per view.

About the ABR DMP Exam

The ABR Diagnostic Medical Physics certification covers three exams: Part 1 (General + Clinical), Part 2 (DMP specialty), and Part 3 (Oral). The Part 2 exam focuses on diagnostic imaging physics including radiography, mammography, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, ultrasound, informatics, and radiation safety. Passing all three parts earns ABR board certification in diagnostic medical physics.

Questions

125 scored questions

Time Limit

5 hours (Part 2)

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced (pass/fail)

Exam Fee

$1,630 (total Parts 1-3) (American Board of Radiology (ABR))

ABR DMP Exam Content Outline

20%

Radiography, Mammography, Fluoroscopy & Interventional Imaging

X-ray imaging physics, radiography, mammography, fluoroscopy, interventional radiology, and clinical medical physics practice

20%

Computed Tomography

CT design and operation, clinical protocols, image quality, radiation dose, patient safety, and CT clinical practice

20%

MRI and Ultrasound

MR imaging and spectroscopy, MR safety, ultrasound production, beam properties, data acquisition, image characteristics, and clinical practice

20%

Informatics, Image Display & Image Fundamentals

Information systems design, image display and workstation, modality image characteristics, professionalism and ethics

20%

Radiation Biology, Dosimetry, Protection & Safety

Radiation biology, dosimetry, radiation protection, radiation safety, and room shielding design

How to Pass the ABR DMP Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced (pass/fail)
Exam length: 125 questions
Time limit: 5 hours (Part 2)
Exam fee: $1,630 (total Parts 1-3)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ABR DMP Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the physics of all diagnostic imaging modalities — radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography, CT, MRI, and ultrasound

2Understand radiation dose metrics, reference dose levels, and shielding calculations for each modality

3Study equipment QA procedures including accreditation standards for mammography (MQSA) and CT

4Review DICOM, PACS, image display calibration, and informatics fundamentals

5Practice clinical physics scenarios related to artifact identification and image quality optimization

6Know radiation biology principles, dose limits, and regulatory requirements (NRC, state regulations)

7Use the ABR content guide and sample questions available on theabr.org for exam preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ABR Diagnostic Medical Physics exam?

The ABR Diagnostic Medical Physics (DMP) exam is a three-part certification process administered by the American Board of Radiology. Part 1 covers general and clinical physics, Part 2 is a specialty exam focusing on diagnostic imaging physics (radiography, CT, MRI, ultrasound, mammography), and Part 3 is an oral certifying exam. Passing all three parts earns board certification in diagnostic medical physics.

How many questions are on the ABR DMP Part 2 exam?

The ABR DMP Part 2 exam is a computer-based test with approximately 125 multiple-choice questions delivered in one 5-hour session. Question types include traditional multiple-choice, case-based, multiple-select, fill-in-the-blank, and point-and-click formats. The exam uses criterion-referenced scoring where your performance is measured against a fixed standard, not other test-takers.

What are the ABR medical physics exam fees?

The total ABR medical physics certification fees are $1,630: Part 1 exam costs $210, Part 2 exam costs $640, and Part 3 oral exam costs $780. There is also a $250 initial application fee. Re-exam fees are $250 for Parts 1/2 and $390 for Part 3. All fees are nonrefundable but transfer to your next exam if you cancel or miss.

What are the prerequisites for ABR DMP certification?

To pursue ABR Diagnostic Medical Physics certification, you must graduate from a CAMPEP-accredited graduate program in medical physics and complete a CAMPEP-accredited medical physics residency with a focus on diagnostic imaging. Part 1 can be taken during graduate study, while Part 2 requires completion of residency training. You have six years from residency completion to finish the certification process.

What is the pass rate for the ABR DMP exam?

First-time pass rates for Part 2 among CAMPEP-enrolled candidates typically range from 75-85%. The Part 3 oral certifying exam has historically had pass rates around 58-79% for first-time takers, varying by year. The ABR uses criterion-referenced scoring, meaning your score is compared to a fixed standard rather than to other candidates.

How is the ABR DMP oral exam (Part 3) structured?

The Part 3 oral exam is a remote video exam lasting approximately 4 hours. You meet with five examiners, each covering one content category (radiography/mammography, fluoroscopy/interventional, CT, MRI, and ultrasound/professionalism/ethics). Each examiner asks five questions for about 30 minutes. Results are pass, conditional pass, or fail.