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Key Facts: RDMS Abdomen Exam
165
Exam Questions
ARDMS
555
Passing Score (Scaled)
ARDMS
3 hrs
Time Limit
ARDMS
$300
Exam Fee (AB only; SPI separate)
ARDMS 2026
42%
Largest Domain
Pathology, Vascular Abnormalities, Trauma, and Postoperative Anatomy
72%
First-Time Pass Rate (2023)
Inteleos
The ARDMS Abdomen specialty exam has approximately 165 multiple-choice and hotspot questions over 3 hours with a passing score of 555 on a 300-700 scale. RDMS also requires the SPI exam; pass both within five years of each other, in any order. Content emphasizes liver pathology (hepatic masses, cirrhosis, fatty liver), gallbladder/biliary disease (cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, CBD dilation), renal pathology (hydronephrosis, renal masses, stones), pancreatic pathology, splenic conditions, and abdominal vascular anatomy including Doppler assessment. The 2023 first-time pass rate was 72%.
Sample RDMS Abdomen Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the RDMS Abdomen exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 290+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1What is the normal sonographic appearance of the liver parenchyma?
2Which ligament separates the left lobe of the liver from the caudate lobe?
3What is the main portal vein formed by the union of?
4Which hepatic vein drains directly into the inferior vena cava?
5The ligamentum teres (round ligament) is the remnant of which fetal structure?
6What is the normal diameter of the main portal vein?
7Which Couinaud segment corresponds to the caudate lobe?
8What is the normal flow direction in the main portal vein?
9Which of the following is the most common location for focal fatty sparing in the liver?
10What is the characteristic ultrasound appearance of a simple hepatic cyst?
About the RDMS Abdomen Exam
The RDMS Abdomen specialty exam assesses knowledge of abdominal sonographic anatomy, physiology, and pathology. The exam covers liver, gallbladder, biliary system, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, abdominal vasculature, and peritoneal cavity using diagnostic ultrasound techniques. Candidates must also pass the SPI (Sonography Principles & Instrumentation) exam; the two can be taken in any order within five years.
Exam sponsor: ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
165 questions
Time Limit
3 hours
Passing Score
Scaled score 555 (300-700 scale)
Reported exam pass rate: 72%. first-time takers in 2023 (64% overall) This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. 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.
Anatomy, Perfusion, and Function
Normal sonographic anatomy and variants of the liver (segments, lobes, ligaments), biliary system, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and abdominal vasculature, plus normal Doppler waveform patterns and perfusion assessment for hepatic, portal, renal, and mesenteric vessels
Pathology, Vascular Abnormalities, Trauma, and Postoperative Anatomy
Liver disease (HCC, metastases, hemangioma, cirrhosis, fatty liver, Budd-Chiari), biliary pathology (cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, CBD obstruction, Klatskin tumor), renal pathology and Bosniak-classified cysts, pancreatic and splenic pathology, vascular abnormalities (AAA, portal hypertension, RAS, thrombosis), abdominal trauma (FAST), transplant assessment, and postoperative/hernia findings
Abdominal Physics
Ultrasound physics and instrumentation, transducer selection, Doppler modes (color, power, pulsed wave), imaging artifacts, image optimization, and bioeffects/safety (ALARA)
Clinical Care, Practice, and Quality Assurance
Patient preparation and communication, scanning protocols, informed consent and safety, infection control, HIPAA, procedure support and measurements, correlative imaging, and quality assurance documentation
Preparing for the RDMS Abdomen Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled score 555 (300-700 scale)
- Exam length: 165 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam / certification fees: $300 (SPI billed separately) Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 290 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
RDMS Abdomen: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RDMS Abdomen specialty exam?
The RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer) Abdomen specialty exam is administered by ARDMS to certify sonographers in abdominal imaging. The exam tests knowledge of abdominal anatomy, scanning techniques, pathology recognition, and Doppler assessment of abdominal organs and vasculature. Passing earns the RDMS credential with Abdomen (AB) specialty designation.
What are the prerequisites for the RDMS Abdomen exam?
Candidates must pass both the SPI (Sonography Principles & Instrumentation) exam and the Abdomen specialty exam within five years of each other, in any order. Additionally, you must meet one of ARDMS eligibility pathways: (1) Completion of a diagnostic medical sonography program, (2) Bachelor's degree with specific clinical experience, or (3) Other ARDMS-approved pathways including 12 months of clinical ultrasound experience.
How many questions are on the RDMS Abdomen exam?
The ARDMS Abdomen specialty exam contains approximately 165 questions, including multiple-choice and hotspot items. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. Questions are grouped into four task-based domains per the v24.1 outline: Anatomy, Perfusion, and Function (30%); Pathology, Vascular Abnormalities, Trauma, and Postoperative Anatomy (42%); Abdominal Physics (8%); and Clinical Care, Practice, and Quality Assurance (20%). A new outline applies to exams delivered on or after May 13, 2027.
What is the passing score for RDMS Abdomen?
The passing score is 555 on a scale of 300 to 700. Inteleos states that this is not percentage or curve-based. You receive a score report at the test center after the exam, and results are posted to your Inteleos portal within one week.
What organ systems are most tested on the Abdomen exam?
The outline weights domains, not organs. Pathology, Vascular Abnormalities, Trauma, and Postoperative Anatomy is the largest at 42%, followed by Anatomy, Perfusion, and Function at 30%, Clinical Care, Practice, and Quality Assurance at 20%, and Abdominal Physics at 8%. Know hepatic segmental anatomy, gallstone sonographic findings, hydronephrosis grading, renal mass characteristics (Bosniak classification), and Doppler waveform interpretation for abdominal vessels.
How do I maintain my RDMS Abdomen credential?
RDMS certification stays active through Inteleos Maintenance of Certification, with annual renewal due by December 31 and specialty-specific Knowledge Confirmation. Continuing medical education (CME) runs on a three-year cycle, and the number of credits required varies by certifications and specialties held. Your CME Bank in the Inteleos portal tracks your requirement.