AB and OB/GYN Specialty

Earn Your RDMS® Credential and Elevate Your Expertise

Whether you’re beginning your RDMS® certification or expanding your expertise in Abdomen (AB) and Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN), your path to excellence in diagnostic medical imaging starts here.

Advance Your Career

Stand out as a trusted expert in diagnostic imaging with a globally recognized ARDMS credential.

Expand Your Expertise

Earn AB & OB/GYN certifications together to increase job opportunities and professional impact.

Excel in Patient Care

Stay ahead in sonographic advancements by maintaining Maintenance of Certification (MOC) requirements.

How to Earn Your RDMS® Credential

Step 1

Pass the SPI Exam

The Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam is the essential first step toward RDMS certification, building a strong foundation in ultrasound physics and instrumentation before advancing to a specialty.

SPI Exam

The SPI examination assesses the knowledge, skills and abilities in the areas of clinical safety, physical principles, pulsed echo instrumentation, and quality assurance.

Step 2

Choose Your Specialty

After passing the SPI exam, you can earn your RDMS® credential by passing at least one specialty exam. While you can choose to specialize in one area first, many professionals expand their expertise by earning credentials in both Abdomen (AB) and Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN).

Abdomen (AB) Exam

Assess proficiency in performing diagnostic imaging of abdominal organs, including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and gallbladder. It evaluates knowledge of vascular imaging, Doppler techniques, pathology, trauma-related abnormalities, postoperative anatomy, and clinical care practices. The exam also covers image optimization techniques, ultrasound physics, and imaging of small parts.

Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) Exam

Gain expertise in fetal imaging and gynecological assessments.

Not sure where to start ?

Sign up to receive more information and personalized guidance to help you achieve your career goals!

Frequently Asked Questions

These exams are for:

  •  Sonographers looking to validate their skills and advance in diagnostic imaging.
  • Students and recent graduates starting their careers in medical ultrasound. Please reference
    the prerequisite chart for eligibility requirements and prerequisite pathways
  • Physicians, midwives, nurses, and PAs expanding their expertise in sonographic imaging.
  • Medical professionals transitioning into ultrasound from other fields.

Check your eligibility inside the MyARDMS portal: Register Here

Holding both AB and OB/GYN credentials increases career flexibility and enhances your value in hospital and imaging center settings. Many employers prefer multi-specialty sonographers, as it allows for broader diagnostic capabilities and more diverse patient care. Earning both credentials can also lead to greater job stability and higher earning potential.

If you already hold one certification, you can earn the other at any time without retaking the SPI exam.

The Abdomen (AB) Sonography Examination assesses a candidate’s proficiency in performing diagnostic imaging of abdominal organs, including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and gallbladder. It evaluates knowledge of vascular imaging, Doppler techniques, pathology, trauma-related abnormalities, postoperative anatomy, and clinical care practices. The exam also covers image optimization techniques, ultrasound physics, and imaging of small parts.

This exam focuses on fetal imaging and gynecological assessments, including first, second, and third-trimester anatomy, placental health, amniotic fluid evaluation, and reproductive system pathology. Like the AB exam, it includes 165 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete.

To take a practice test, log in to MyARDMS.

If you don’t pass, you must wait 60 days before retaking the exam. However, you can submit a new application just three days after receiving your results.

Yes, ARDMS offers official practice exams for both specialties. The Abdomen practice test comes in two versions (A & B), while OB/GYN has one version. These practice exams provide a realistic preview of the test format and question types.

Access practice tests through MyARDMS.

Select ARDMS exams are available via online proctoring through Pearson VUE’s OnVUE system. To take an exam remotely, you’ll need a webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection. Online testing is not available in all countries. For more information regarding online proctoring availability you may visit our Online Proctoring page.

To apply, you must first create a MyARDMS account. From there, you will submit your application, upload any required documentation, and schedule your exam after your documentation has been reviewed and approved. The MyARDMS portal provides step-by-step guidance throughout the process.

Start your application here.

If an individual fails, they have to reapply and submit payment. The applicant must wait 60 days before retaking the AB examination; however, they can reapply after 3 days.

Already RDMS® Certified?

If you’ve already earned your RDMS® credential with a specialty in Abdomen (AB) or Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN), consider adding the other specialty to maximize your career potential.

  • Increase Career Flexibility
    Holding both AB and OB/GYN credentials broadens your expertise, making you a stronger candidate for specialized roles.
  • Higher Professional Value
    Many hospitals and imaging centers prefer sonographers with multi-specialty expertise.
  • No Need to Retake Sonography Principles and Instrumentation
    Since you’ve already passed the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation exam, you can add another specialty at any time.