The ABHP Health Physics Part I Examination is certified and administered by the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP). The exam covers measurements and instrumentation, standards and requirements, hazards analysis and controls, operations and procedures, and fundamentals and education to comprehensively evaluate professional qualifications and baseline health physics knowledge for certification candidates.
Candidates seeking certification from the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP) who meet the qualifications for early admission to Part I and are prepared to test their professional health physics knowledge.
Successful candidates plan a structured study program well in advance of the test date. Reviewing health physics fundamentals, measurement techniques, and applied aspects of health physics several months before taking the 180 minute examination helps ensure complete readiness for all tested domains.
This domain covers measurements and instrumentation, focusing specifically on the selection and proper use of measuring instruments, interpretation and reporting of values, quality control, calibration, and maintenance procedures.
This domain covers standards and requirements, examining the guidelines of groups like ICRP, NCRP, ANSI, ASTM, and the specific requirements of regulatory agencies such as the NRC, DOE, EPA, DOT, and OSHA.
This domain covers hazards analysis and controls, focusing heavily on the identification of hazards, the use of engineered controls, and the detailed analysis of potential failures of protective control systems.
This domain covers operations and procedures, carefully addressing the application and incorporation of radiation protection considerations into daily operating programs as well as complete and meticulous emergency response plans.
This domain covers fundamentals and education, including the primary content of training programs that health physicists receive, review, and present regarding radiation effects and fundamental characteristics of radionuclides.
Personal calculators are not permitted for Part I. A computer-based calculator program will be available on the testing center computer. Arrive prepared and manage your time across the multiple-choice questions.
The Part I examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. Each question has five possible answers and tests the knowledge of fundamental aspects of health physics expected of eligible candidates.
The passing score required for successfully completing the Part I examination is exactly 95 questions correct out of the total multiple-choice items administered on the test.
Candidates are allotted a total duration of 180 minutes to complete Part I of the certification examination administered at authorized testing centers located worldwide for all applicants.
The exam is certified and administered by the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP). Check with the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP) for current certification path details.
Verified 2026-09-13
This detailed page was built using official exam prep guides and documentation provided directly by the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP).