Timeline for Efficient Preparation for the ABR Core Exam

Daniel Hofstedt

Dec 03, 2024

This article outlines my personal journey in preparing for the ABR Core Exam, a crucial milestone in radiology training. The timeline provides month-by-month guidance, detailing resources, strategies, and key insights. While everyone’s approach is unique, this timeline is based on what worked for me and observations of effective methods used by my peers.

PGY-2 Year (First Year of Radiology Residency)

Months 1–6: Build a Foundation

Start Reading Early:
I recommend Frank Gaillard’s How to Be a Better Radiologist on Radiopaedia. This course provided me with a solid philosophy and approach to radiology that shaped my early training.

RadPrimer Basics:
Begin using RadPrimer, focusing on basic-level questions related to your rotations. While I didn’t complete the entire question bank, I managed about 75% before the exam, which proved helpful for understanding fundamental concepts.

Start Using Anki (If Familiar):
If you used Anki in medical school, continue creating simple cards for topics you encounter. Keep them concise—review sessions should not be learning sessions.

Months 7–12: Expand Your Knowledge

Integrate Case-Based Learning:
Start exploring case books like RadCases. These are invaluable for familiarizing yourself with common pathologies and integrating image-based learning into your routine.

Supplement Reading with Core Radiology:
Use Core Radiology as a reference for quick look-ups and diagrams. I didn’t read it cover-to-cover but found it useful for targeted study.

Learn Efficient Physics Basics:
Attend your institution’s physics lectures to build a basic understanding. If you find them overwhelming, don’t worry—better physics resources are coming.

PGY-3 Year (Second Year of Radiology Residency)

Months 1–6: Begin Exam-Specific Study

Crack the Core:
Start studying Crack the Core. While I initially made detailed Anki cards for every detail, I found this unsustainable. Instead, focus on sections where you feel weaker and supplement with image-rich resources.

Dive Deeper into Physics:
Use resources like the Core Physics Review or War Machine for structured physics preparation.

Anki for High-Yield Cases:
Create cards from case books like RadCases. Follow the “seven-second rule”: if it takes longer than seven seconds to review a card, rework or delete it.

Months 7–12: Consolidate Knowledge

Ramp Up Anki Review:
By this point, I had separate decks for each exam section. Review them regularly and collaborate with peers for rapid case review sessions.

Explore Additional Question Banks:
Start using resources like Aunt Minnie QBank for targeted practice. These are great for filling gaps.

Physics Intensive Prep:
Continue physics review with the Radiology Core Physics App. It’s the best physics QBank available.

PGY-4 Year (Final Year Before the Exam)

Months 1–3: Structured Review

Targeted Study:
Focus on high-yield sections in Crack the Core and review question banks like Board Vitals, which I found most representative of the actual exam.

Noninterpretive Skills (NIS):
Thoroughly review the NIS document and complete the corresponding QBank. It’s a must for this section.

Months 4–6: Intensive Physics and High-Yield Study

Attend the Ram Srinivasan Physics Course:
This spring course was a game-changer for me. It provides a comprehensive review shortly before the exam, with time to drill down on concepts afterward.

High-Yield Question Banks:
Focus heavily on Board Vitals,  Aunt Minnie, and the Radiology Core Physics App,

Months 7–9: High-Volume Image Review

Case-Based Anki Sessions:
Review case-based Anki decks with peers. Rapid, high-volume sessions are key in this stage.

Focus on Images:
Spend most of your study time reviewing case books and question banks. The Core Exam is image-heavy—prioritize recognizing common pathologies.

Months 10–12: Final Stretch

Rapid Review:
Use case books and question banks for high-yield, surface-level review. Avoid deep dives unless you encounter weak areas.

Simulate Exam Conditions:
Practice timed sessions to build pacing and confidence.

Rest and Recharge:
Study 3–4 hours a day max. Take at least one or two full days off before the exam to relax and reset.

Summary of Key Resources and Ratings

Final Thoughts

The ABR Core Exam is less about perfection and more about consistent, steady preparation. Balance your study efforts, focus on image-heavy review, and trust the process. Tailor this timeline to your needs, and remember—you’ve got this!