ARDMS - Abdomen Specialty Examination
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers assessments and credentialing for medical sonographers, and the Abdomen Specialty Examination is one of the assessments offered. This criterion-referenced test lasts three hours, and includes approximately 170 questions in multiple-choice format. Around 15% of the test questions are not counted as part of the total grade, but are used as pre-trial questions for future exams. The student will not know which questions count towards the final score and which do not. The final score will be within the 300-700 range. Candidates must receive a minimum score of 555 to be successful. A candidate may re-take the test if unsuccessful, but must wait 60 days to retake the test. This test is taken in pursuit of the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential. Before taking this assessment, a candidate must have fulfilled the academic requirements of classes, clinical work and mandated paperwork. These three areas have to be finished and accepted before a candidate can take the test. If the test is being retaken and the candidate's clinical verification was completed in the same year, the candidate does not have to go through the approval process again. If it has been more than a year, the candidate will need an updated clinical verification.
The subject areas of the Abdomen Specialty Examination include:
- Liver - 16%-24%
- Gallbladder and biliary tree - 10%-18%
- Pancreas - 6%-14%
- Kidneys and urinary tract - 16%-24%
- Scrotum - 3%-7%
- Prostate - 1%-2%
- Spleen - 1%-5%
- Retroperitoneum - 3%-7%
- Abdominal vascular - 7%-15%
- Gastrointestinal tract - 1%-5%
- Neck - 1%-3%
- Abdominal wall, superficial and muscular structures - 1%-5%
- Instrumentation - 1%-2%
- Invasive procedures - 1%-2%
Commercial Resources for ARDMS Exam Preparation (provided for information only, no endorsement implied)
ARDMS Exam Study Guide from Mometrix Media
ARDMS Exam Flashcards from Mometrix Media
