If you need help studying for the ARDMS Abdomen (AB) exam or just want some more information about what the exam is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free ARDMS Abdomen practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the ARDMS Abdomen exam, you’ll have to meet at least ONE of the prerequisites below:
Prerequisite 1
Allied Health Pathway
You need to complete a two-year allied health education program in a patient-care field.
Experience
You need at least 12 months of full-time ultrasound/vascular experience.
Prerequisite 2
Accredited Sonography Graduate Pathway
You need to be a graduate from or student of a CAAHEP/CMA/HSO-accredited ultrasound/vascular program.
Experience
No additional experience required.
Prerequisite 3A
Degree with Clinical Experience Pathway
You need to have a bachelor’s degree in any major.
Experience
You need at least 12 months of full-time ultrasound/vascular experience.
Prerequisite 3B
Degree in Sonography Pathway
You need to be a graduate from or student in a bachelor’s degree program specifically in sonography or vascular technology.
Experience
No additional experience required.
Prerequisite 4
Physician Pathway
You need to have an MD, DO, or MBBS degree.
Experience
You need to have at least 500 ultrasound/vascular cases over at least 6 months.
Prerequisite 5
Cross-Credentialing Pathway
You need to have an active credential in RCS, RCCS, RVS (CCI), Sonography/Vascular/Breast Sonography (ARRT), or CRGS, CRCS, CRVS (Sonography Canada).
Experience
You’ll have met the necessary clinical experience through your credentialing organization.
If you meet the requirements within one of these pathways, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
There are 165 questions on the exam, which are grouped into four domains, and the time limit is 3 hours (this includes a 5-minute survey).
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the Abdomen exam.
1. Anatomy, Perfusion, and Function
30% of the exam
- Assessing physical characteristics of anatomic structures
- Assessing perfusion and function of anatomic structures
2. Pathology, Vascular Abnormalities, Trauma, and Postoperative Anatomy
42% of the exam
- Assessing anatomic structures for pathology
- Assessing anatomic structures for vascular abnormalities
- Assessing anatomic structures for trauma-related abnormalities
- Assessing aspects related to postoperative anatomy
3. Abdominal Physics
8% of the exam
- Applying concepts of equipment/image optimization
- Applying concepts of imaging artifacts
4. Clinical Care, Practice, and Quality Assurance
20% of the exam
- Incorporating clinical data with performed study
- Incorporating clinical standard/guidelines with performed study
- Obtaining accurate measurements
- Assisting/supporting during procedures
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam.
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application on the ARDMS website. The application will ask you for your contact information and any documentation to prove your eligibility (among other things).
When you submit the application, you’ll also need to submit the testing fee, which is $275.
ARDMS Abdomen Exam Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 300 and 700.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test after a 60-day waiting period.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay the full testing fee every time you retake the test.
FAQs
How many questions are on the ARDMS Abdomen exam?
The exam contains 165 questions.
What is the time limit for the ARDMS Abdomen exam?
The exam is timed at 3 hours.
What is the passing score for the ARDMS Abdomen exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 555 to pass.
How much does the ARDMS Abdomen exam cost?
The testing fee is $275.