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Key Facts: EDiR Exam

3 parts

EDiR has MRQ, Short Case and CORE computer-based parts

European Board of Radiology - All about the examination

90 minutes

Each EDiR part runs for 90 minutes

European Board of Radiology - All about the examination

70% / 30%

Written weighted score is 70% MRQs plus 30% Short Cases

European Board of Radiology - All about the examination

Mean minus 1 SD

EDiR pass mark is set per session, not a fixed percentage

Insights into Imaging (CORE implementation, 2020)

EUR 500

EDiR examination fee for ESR members

European Board of Radiology - Our guide for your application

5th year

Candidates must be at least in their fifth year of radiology training

European Board of Radiology - Our guide for your application

Since 2016

CORE replaced the former oral examination in 2016

Insights into Imaging (CORE implementation, 2020)

100

Free original general-radiology practice questions here

OpenExamPrep

The European Diploma in Radiology (EDiR) is a European certification from the European Board of Radiology (EBR/ESR) for radiologists and final-year residents. It is fully computer-based with three 90-minute parts: Multiple Response Questions (MRQs), Short Cases, and the Clinically Oriented Reasoning Evaluation (CORE). MRQ items may have more than one correct answer, and the written weighted score is 70% MRQs plus 30% Short Cases. There is no fixed pass percentage; the pass mark is Mean minus one Standard Deviation per session (around 53% written and 58% CORE), and each part must be passed. The fee is EUR 500 for ESR members. This 100-question bank gives single-best-answer practice across the EDiR general-radiology knowledge base.

Sample EDiR Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the EDiR exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which interaction is the dominant source of contrast in diagnostic X-ray imaging at typical kilovoltages?
A.Photoelectric effect
B.Compton scatter
C.Pair production
D.Coherent (Rayleigh) scatter
Explanation: At diagnostic energies, the photoelectric effect is strongly dependent on atomic number (proportional to Z cubed) and produces the tissue contrast that distinguishes bone, soft tissue and contrast agents. Compton scatter occurs but degrades contrast rather than creating it.
2The ALARA principle in radiation protection stands for keeping doses:
A.As Low As Reasonably Achievable
B.Above Legal And Regulatory Allowances
C.At Least As Recommended Annually
D.Around Low Average Reference Amounts
Explanation: ALARA means As Low As Reasonably Achievable, balancing dose reduction against diagnostic image quality and economic and social factors. It is a cornerstone of justified and optimised imaging.
3Which imaging modality uses no ionising radiation?
A.Computed tomography
B.Magnetic resonance imaging
C.Conventional radiography
D.Fluoroscopy
Explanation: MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses, not ionising radiation, making it preferred when avoiding dose is important. CT, radiography and fluoroscopy all use X-rays.
4On a CT image, the Hounsfield unit of water is defined as approximately:
A.-1000 HU
B.0 HU
C.+100 HU
D.+1000 HU
Explanation: The Hounsfield scale is calibrated so that water is 0 HU and air is approximately -1000 HU. Dense cortical bone is around +1000 HU or higher.
5On a T2-weighted MRI sequence, simple fluid such as cerebrospinal fluid appears:
A.Bright (high signal)
B.Dark (low signal)
C.Identical to fat
D.Without any signal
Explanation: Fluid has a long T2 relaxation time, so on T2-weighted images cerebrospinal fluid and other simple fluids appear bright. On standard T1-weighted images the same fluid appears dark.
6An anechoic structure on ultrasound with posterior acoustic enhancement most typically represents:
A.A solid tumour
B.A simple cyst
C.A calcified stone
D.Gas-containing bowel
Explanation: A simple cyst is anechoic (no internal echoes) and transmits sound well, producing posterior acoustic enhancement deep to it. This combination is a classic sign of a benign fluid-filled lesion.
7Which radiopharmaceutical is most commonly used for a bone scan to detect osteoblastic activity?
A.Technetium-99m MDP
B.Iodine-131
C.Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)
D.Gallium-67 citrate
Explanation: Technetium-99m labelled methylene diphosphonate (MDP) binds to areas of active bone turnover and is the standard agent for skeletal scintigraphy. Increased uptake reflects osteoblastic activity from metastases, fractures or infection.
8Iodinated contrast media used in CT are based on which element to produce attenuation?
A.Gadolinium
B.Barium
C.Iodine
D.Iron
Explanation: CT contrast media contain iodine, whose high atomic number increases X-ray attenuation and opacifies vessels and enhancing tissues. Gadolinium is used for MRI, and barium is used for the gastrointestinal tract.
9Gadolinium-based contrast agents are most associated with which serious risk in patients with severe renal impairment?
A.Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis
B.Contrast-induced encephalopathy
C.Acute haemolysis
D.Malignant hyperthermia
Explanation: Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a rare fibrosing condition linked to gadolinium exposure in patients with severe renal impairment, particularly with older linear agents. Modern macrocyclic agents carry a much lower risk.
10First-line management of a severe anaphylactic reaction to intravenous iodinated contrast is administration of:
A.Intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine)
B.Intravenous hydrocortisone alone
C.Oral antihistamine
D.Intravenous furosemide
Explanation: Severe anaphylaxis is treated first with intramuscular adrenaline (epinephrine), typically 0.5 mg of 1:1000, alongside airway support and oxygen. Steroids and antihistamines are adjuncts with delayed onset.

About the EDiR Exam

The European Diploma in Radiology (EDiR) is a pan-European certification awarded by the European Board of Radiology (EBR) on behalf of the European Society of Radiology (ESR). It tests knowledge, skills and competence in general radiology, including anatomy, pathophysiology, imaging procedures, physics and management, based on the European Training Curriculum for Radiology, Levels I-II. The fully computer-based examination has three 90-minute parts: Multiple Response Questions (MRQs), in which items may have more than one correct option; Short Cases (SCs), which are image-based; and the Clinically Oriented Reasoning Evaluation (CORE), which uses practically oriented cases with a DICOM viewer and replaced the former oral examination in 2016. Candidates must be at least in their fifth year of national radiology training and ESR members, and must pass each part separately.

Exam sponsor: European Board of Radiology (EBR), an initiative of the European Society of Radiology (ESR).. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Three computer-based parts: Multiple Response Questions (MRQs, knowledge), Short Cases (image-based), and the Clinically Oriented Reasoning Evaluation (CORE, practically oriented cases with a DICOM viewer). The written weighted score combines 70% MRQs and 30% Short Cases.

Time Limit

Each part is 90 minutes, for three timed sessions on the examination day.

Passing Score

No fixed percentage. The pass mark per session is Mean minus one Standard Deviation, and candidates must pass each part. Recent pass marks are approximately 53% for the written weighted score and approximately 58% for CORE.

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 500 for ESR full members and ESR members in training.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

15%

Physics, Radiation Safety and Contrast Media

Image formation across modalities, radiation dose and protection, ALARA, MRI and ultrasound physics, and contrast media pharmacology, adverse reactions and safety thresholds.

15%

Imaging Modalities and Techniques

Indications, strengths and limitations of radiography, CT, MRI, ultrasound and nuclear medicine, with protocol selection, sequence basics and artefact recognition.

15%

Thoracic and Cardiovascular Radiology

Chest radiography and CT, pulmonary, mediastinal and pleural disease, pulmonary embolism, plus cardiac and vascular imaging including CT and MR angiography.

15%

Abdominal and Genitourinary Radiology

Imaging of the bowel, liver, pancreas, biliary tree, spleen, kidneys, urinary tract and pelvis, including acute abdomen and oncologic staging principles.

20%

Musculoskeletal and Neuroradiology

Fracture and arthropathy patterns, bone and soft-tissue tumours, plus brain, head and neck and spine imaging including stroke, haemorrhage and demyelination.

20%

Breast and Paediatric Radiology

Mammography, breast ultrasound and MRI with BI-RADS, and paediatric imaging principles including dose minimisation, congenital conditions and age-specific pathology.

Preparing for the EDiR Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: No fixed percentage. The pass mark per session is Mean minus one Standard Deviation, and candidates must pass each part. Recent pass marks are approximately 53% for the written weighted score and approximately 58% for CORE.
  • Assessment: Three computer-based parts: Multiple Response Questions (MRQs, knowledge), Short Cases (image-based), and the Clinically Oriented Reasoning Evaluation (CORE, practically oriented cases with a DICOM viewer). The written weighted score combines 70% MRQs and 30% Short Cases.
  • Time limit: Each part is 90 minutes, for three timed sessions on the examination day.
  • Exam / certification fees: EUR 500 for ESR full members and ESR members in training. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

EDiR: Suggested Study Strategy

1Anchor revision to the European Training Curriculum for Radiology, Levels I-II, so you cover every organ system and modality the EDiR samples rather than only your favourite subspecialty.
2Practise MRQ-style thinking by deciding for each option whether it is independently true or false; the official MRQ format allows more than one correct answer per item.
3Drill physics, radiation safety and contrast media early; these underpin many cases and are easy marks once the formulas and dose principles are memorised.
4Use a structured search pattern for short cases (review areas, compare sides, check tubes and lines) so image-based questions become systematic rather than pattern-spotting.
5Learn BI-RADS for breast and standard staging or grading systems, because the EDiR rewards correct terminology and management implications, not just diagnosis.
6Work timed blocks of 90 minutes to match each part of the computer-based exam and to build stamina across the MRQ, Short Case and CORE sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EDiR and who awards it?

The European Diploma in Radiology (EDiR) is a pan-European certification in general radiology awarded by the European Board of Radiology (EBR), an initiative of the European Society of Radiology (ESR).

What parts make up the EDiR examination?

There are three computer-based parts, each 90 minutes: Multiple Response Questions (MRQs), Short Cases (SCs) and the Clinically Oriented Reasoning Evaluation (CORE). Candidates must pass each part.

Are EDiR questions single-best-answer?

The MRQ section uses multiple-response items, meaning a question can have more than one correct option to mark. The Short Cases and CORE sections are image-based and practically oriented rather than simple single-best-answer.

What score do I need to pass the EDiR?

There is no fixed percentage. The pass mark is set per session as the Mean minus one Standard Deviation, and each part must be passed. Recent pass marks are roughly 53% for the written weighted score and 58% for CORE.

Who is eligible to sit the EDiR?

Candidates must be at least in their fifth year of national radiology training (or an equivalent four-plus years of training and supervised practice) and be ESR members in the examination year.

Are these official EBR practice questions?

No. These are original OpenExamPrep questions modelled on the EDiR general-radiology knowledge base. The EBR provides official sample tests, the EDiR Blueprint and other resources separately.