ACR to offer first cardiac CT proficiency exam

The American College of Radiology (ACR) will offer its first cardiac CT certificate of advanced proficiency exam on Sept. 9, open to all physicians who meet eligibility requirements and professional experience qualifications.

The exam, to be offered on a quarterly basis, will be given at the ACR Education Center, a training and testing facility located on the campus of the ACR national headquarters in Reston, Va. The four-hour test will contain both a practical, case-based component, as well as a knowledge-based multiple-choice section.

Candidates will take the CCT CoAP exam on an individual workstation using the vendor software of their choice, according to the ACR. Each workstation includes computer equipment, high-resolution monitors, fiber optic connectivity to secured servers and proprietary testing software.

Although the ACR only recognizes radiology board certification, the college said that some added certification may be required by payors and medical institutions in specific, specialized areas of radiology. The goal in providing this exam is to assist its members and others in documenting additional training and expertise.

"This exam will allow physicians with considerable experience in cardiac CT to provide documentation to third-party payors, their institutions and other stakeholders that they are proficient in this increasingly important area of medicine," said ACR CEO Harvey L. Neiman, MD.

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