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Part 1/Phase 1 Examination Changes in 2022

Part 1/Phase 1 Examination Changes in 2022

The College commissioned a review of its Clinical Radiology Training Program in 2016 to evaluate the quality and sustainability of its training, assessment, and examination activities, and to recommend strategies for improvement. 

What changes are expected? 

The Training Program has been revised based on the recommendations of the review, with changes to learning outcomes, learning experiences, work-based assessment and examinations being implemented in February 2022. 

The Part 1 examinations have been reviewed and new Phase 1 Anatomy and Applied Imaging Technology (AIT) examinations will commence from Series 1 in March 2022, aligned with Phase 1 of the 2022 Training Program.

The changes aim to optimise the way the examinations assess candidate knowledge and will apply to all trainees, including all existing transitioning trainees and new trainees commencing in 2022. 

What does the new exam format look like?

From Series 1 2022, both the examination format and examination rules will change.

Examination format: 

  • The Anatomy examinations will change from the current two x 2-hour exams to a single 3-hour exam comprising labelling, MCQ, very short answer questions and short answer questions. 
  • The Applied Imaging Technology examinations will change from two x 2-hour exams to a single 3-hour exam comprising MCQs and constructed response questions. 

Examination rules: 

  • Trainees will be permitted to apply to sit the Phase 1 Anatomy Examination and Phase 1 AIT Examination independent of each other, if they chose, or apply to sit both examinations at the same time. 
  • Trainees have up to a maximum of four consecutive examination opportunities from the date of commencement of training to successfully complete the examinations (two calendar years from the commencement of training). This is unchanged from current requirements and applies to both transitioning trainees, and new trainees commencing in 2022.

For transitioning trainees who have already commenced sitting the Part 1 examinations:

  • Trainees who have failed one or two components of the current Anatomy examinations must sit the new Anatomy examination in 2022.
  • Trainees who have failed one or two components of the current AIT examinations must sit the new AIT examination in 2022.
  • Trainees who have passed both Anatomy examinations are not required to sit the new Anatomy examination in 2022. 
  • Trainees who have passed both AIT examinations are not required to sit the new AIT examination in 2022. 

 

2022 Examination Changes

The Phase 1 Examinations consists of two separate written examinations, which will be delivered in an electronic format twice a year.

Trainees may apply to sit the Anatomy and AIT examinations together, or independent of each other.

Anatomy Examination

One three-hour paper to assess trainee knowledge of radiologic anatomy:

  • 120 Labelling 
  • 60 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) 
  • 30 Very Short Answer Questions (VSAs) 
  • 20 Short Answer Questions (SAQs) 

There are six topic areas (body regions) covered in the examination:

1. Brain 

2. Head and neck

3. Spine

4. Thorax

5. Abdomen and pelvis

6. Limbs

Applied Imaging Technology examination

One three-hour paper to assess trainee knowledge on:

  1. Theoretical Principles, 

  2. Imaging Technology and Radiation Protection 

  3. Patient Safety.

  • 9 Constructed Response Questions* (CRQs)
  • 60 MCQs 

*Constructed-response questions require candidates to demonstrate their knowledge in an area by providing in-depth written responses.

 

The examination policy which governs the examinations will be updated to reflect the above-mentioned examination changes and circulated when available in late 2021.