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35.50 Training for Radiation Safety Officer and Associate Radiation Safety Officer
The following are specialty boards whose certification process have been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and meet the NRC requirements in 10 CFR 35.50, "Training for Radiation Safety Officer and Associate Radiation Safety Officer." Authorized Medical Physicists who meet the specialty board requirements in 10 CFR 35.50(c)(1) may also work as a Radiation Safety Officer or an Associate Radiation Safety Officer.
As part of the NRC-recognition process, the specialty boards submit a sample certificate for each recognized specialty area. The certificates are only applicable to the NRC-licensing process when they are issued within the date ranges included below. If the certificate or the specialty board process changes, then an updated certificate is listed below. The chart is only applicable to original certificates. Recertification certificates are not used in this process. The following chart enables regulators and medical-use licensees to ensure that personnel have met NRC requirements for training and experience.
Specialty Board Certification Process |
Specialty Area |
Sample Certificate for Date Range |
Notes |
American Board of Health Physics (ABHP) |
Health Physics |
January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2017 |
|
January 1, 2018 to present |
|
|
American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine (ABSNM) |
Nuclear Medicine Physics and Instrumentation |
June 2006 to December 31, 2009 |
|
January 1, 2010 to present |
|
Radiation Protection |
June 2006 to December 31, 2009 |
|
January 1, 2010 to present |
|
|
American Board of Radiology (ABR) |
Diagnostic Radiologic Physics |
June 2007 to June 2010 |
The words "RSO Eligible" must appear above the ABR seal. |
Diagnostic Medical Physics |
May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012 |
The words "RSO Eligible" must appear above the ABR seal.
Certificates issued from May 2012 forward will initially be recognized for 4 years from the date of issuance and after the 4-year period, the ABR web site should be checked to ensure that the individual is still certified. The ABR monitors the certification status of its diplomates and posts this information on its web site for all individuals including those certified after 2012.
|
May 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013 |
May 1, 2013 to April 30, 2019 |
May 1, 2019 to present |
Medical Nuclear Physics |
June 2007 to June 2010 |
The words "RSO Eligible" must appear above the ABR seal. |
Nuclear Medical Physics |
May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012 |
The words "RSO Eligible" must appear above the ABR seal.
Certificates issued from May 2012 forward will initially be recognized for 4 years from the date of issuance and after the 4-year period, the ABR web site should be checked to ensure that the individual is still certified. The ABR monitors the certification status of its diplomates and posts this information on its web site for all individuals including those certified after 2012.
|
May 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013 |
May 1, 2013 to April 30, 2019 |
May 1, 2019 to present |
|
American Board of Medical Physics (ABMP) |
Medical Health Physics |
2010 to December 31, 2016 |
The words "RSO Eligible" must be on the certificate. |
January 1, 2017 to present |

35.51 Training for an Authorized Medical Physicist
The following are specialty boards whose certification process have been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and meet the NRC requirements in 10 CFR 35.51, "Training for an authorized medical physicist."
As part of the NRC-recognition process, the specialty board submits sample certificates for each recognized specialty area. The certificates are only applicable to the NRC-licensing process when they are issued within the date ranges included below. If the certificate or the specialty board process changes, then an updated certificate is listed below. The chart is only applicable to original certificates. Recertification certificates are not used in this process. The following chart enables regulators and medical-use licensees to ensure that personnel have met NRC requirements for training and experience.
Specialty Board Certification Process |
Specialty Area |
Sample Certificate for Date Range |
Notes |
American Board of Radiology |
Therapeutic Radiologic Physics |
June 2007 to June 2010 |
"AMP Eligible" must appear above the ABR seal.
This also satisfies 10 CFR 35.50(c)(1) for Radiation Safety Officer and Associate Radiation Officer authorizations.
|
Therapeutic Medical Physics |
May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2012 |
"AMP Eligible" must appear above the ABR seal.
This also satisfies 10 CFR 35.50(c)(1) for Radiation Safety Officer and Associate Radiation Officer authorizations.
The certificates issued after May 2012 will initially be recognized for 4 years from the date of issuance. After the 4-year period, the ABR web site should be checked to ensure that the individual is still certified. The ABR monitors the certification status of its diplomates and posts this information on its web site for all individuals.
|
May 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013 |
May 1, 2013 to April 30, 2019 |
May 1, 2019 to present |
|
Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (CCPM) |
Radiation Oncology Physics |
January 2009 to present |
A certificate stamped with the words "AMP Ineligible" confirms that the candidate did not meet all the eligibility requirements.
This also satisfies 10 CFR 35.50(c)(1) for Radiation Safety Officer and Associate Radiation Officer authorizations.
|

35.55 Training for an Authorized Nuclear Pharmacist
The following are specialty boards whose certification process have been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and meet the NRC requirements in 10 CFR 35.55, "Training for an authorized nuclear pharmacist."
As part of the NRC-recognition process, the specialty board submits sample certificates for each recognized specialty area. The certificates are only applicable to the NRC-licensing process when they are issued within the date ranges included below. If the certificate or the specialty board process changes, then an updated certificate is listed below. The chart is only applicable to original certificates. Recertification certificates are not used in this process. The following chart enables regulators and medical-use licensees to ensure that personnel have met NRC requirements for training and experience.

35.190 Training for Uptake, Dilution, and Excretion Studies
The following are medical specialty boards whose certification process have been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and meet the NRC requirements in 10 CFR 35.190, "Training for uptake, dilution, and excretion studies."
As part of the NRC-recognition process, the medical specialty board submits sample certificates for each recognized specialty area. The certificates are only applicable to the NRC-licensing process when they are issued within the date ranges included below. If the certificate or the medical specialty board process changes, then an updated certificate is listed below. The chart is only applicable to original certificates. Recertification certificates are not used in this process. The following chart enables regulators and medical-use licensees to ensure that personnel have met NRC requirements for training and experience.
Medical Specialty Board Certification Process |
Specialty Area |
Sample Certificate for Date Range |
Notes |
American Board of Nuclear Medicine (ABNM) |
Nuclear Medicine |
October 28, 2005 to October 11, 2007 |
"United States" must appear under the certification number. |
October 12, 2007 to October 6, 2011 |
October 7, 2011 to October 4, 2012 |
October 5, 2012 to present |
|
Certification Board of Nuclear Endocrinology (CBNE) |
Nuclear Endocrinology—Low Dose |
January 1, 2013 to September 27, 2019 |
The Certification Board of Nuclear Endocrinology is inactive and is no longer recognized by the NRC.
The NRC did not recognize certificates that included "Hereby certifies with the designation of Grandfathered." |
Nuclear Endocrinology—High Dose |
January 1, 2013 to September 27, 2019 |

35.290 Training for Imaging and Localization Studies
The following are medical specialty boards whose certification process have been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and meet the NRC requirements in 10 CFR 35.290, "Training for imaging and localization studies."
As part of the NRC-recognition process, the medical specialty board submits sample certificates for each recognized specialty area. The certificates are only applicable to the NRC-licensing process when they are issued within the date ranges included below. If the certificate or the medical specialty board process changes, then an updated certificate is listed below. The chart is only applicable to original certificates. Recertification certificates are not used in this process. The following chart enables regulators and medical-use licensees to ensure that personnel have met NRC requirements for training and experience.
Medical Specialty Board Certification Process |
Specialty Area |
Sample Certificate for Date Range |
Notes |
Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology |
Nuclear Cardiology |
2000 to 2006 |
The wording "for Physicians Residing in the United States" must appear on the certificate. |
2006 to 2012 |
The wording "for Physicians trained in the United States" must appear on the certificate. |
2012 to 2013 |
Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology, a Division of the Council for Certification in Cardiovascular Imaging |
2013 to 2017 |
Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology, Part of the Alliance for Physician Certification and Advancement™ Medical Specialty Boards and Certification Programs (CBNC) |
2017 to December 31, 2021 |
January 1, 2022 to present |
|
American Board of Nuclear Medicine |
Nuclear Medicine |
October 28, 2005 to October 11, 2007 |
"United States" must appear under the certification number. |
October 12, 2007 to October 6, 2011 |
October 7, 2011 to October 4, 2012 |
October 5, 2012 to present |
|
American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (AOBR) |
Diagnostic Radiology |
July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2002 |
|
July 1, 2002 to May 16, 2015 |
All certificates issued beginning July 1, 2002 have a 10-year time limit from their date of issuance.
For certificates issued after May 17, 2015, the words "AU Eligible" must appear above the D.O. symbol. This does not include recertification certificates.
|
May 17, 2015 to May 11, 2017 |
May 12, 2017 to September 19, 2018 |
September 20, 2018 to present |
|
American Osteopathic Board of Nuclear Medicine (AOBNM) |
Nuclear Medicine |
May 18, 2006 to May 11, 2017 |
In a May 8, 2023 letter, the NRC terminated its recognition of the AOBNM certification processes. The NRC does not recognize AOBNM certifications issued after March 5, 2019.
On April 29, 2022, the staff received the AOBNM letter that stated that the board went into a dormant status. The board had determined that there were no longer interested/eligible candidates or Nuclear Medicine training programs to support the continuation of board certification in Nuclear Medicine. |
May 12, 2017 to September 19, 2018 |
September 20, 2018 to March 5, 2019 |
|
American Board of Radiology |
Diagnostic Radiology |
June 2006 to July 2012 |
The words "AU eligible" must appear above the ABR seal.
After May 2012, the certificates will be recognized for 4 years from the date of issuance and after the 4-year period, the ABR web site should be checked to ensure that the individual is still certified. The ABR monitors the certification status of its diplomates and posts this information on its web site.
|
July 2012 to July 2013 |
July 2013 to October 2018 |
October 2018 to present |
Interventional Radiology / Diagnostic Radiology |
March 2021 to present |
The words "AU eligible" must appear above the ABR seal.
The certificates will be recognized for 4 years from the date of issuance and after the 4-year period, the ABR web site should be checked to ensure that the individual is still certified. The ABR monitors the certification status of its diplomates and posts this information on its web site. |

35.390 Training for Use of Unsealed Byproduct Material for which a Written Directive is Required
The following are medical specialty boards whose certification process have been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and meet the NRC requirements in 10 CFR 35.390, "Training for use of unsealed byproduct material for which a written directive is required."
As part of the NRC-recognition process, the medical specialty board submits sample certificates for each recognized specialty area. The certificates are only applicable to the NRC-licensing process when they are issued within the date ranges included below. If the certificate or the medical specialty board process changes, then an updated certificate is listed below. The chart is only applicable to original certificates. Recertification certificates are not used in this process. The following chart enables regulators and medical-use licensees to ensure that personnel have met NRC requirements for training and experience.
Medical Specialty Board Certification Process |
Specialty Area |
Sample Certificate for Date Range |
Notes |
American Board of Nuclear Medicine |
Nuclear Medicine* |
October 28, 2005 to October 11, 2007 |
The words "United States" must appear under the certification number. |
October 12, 2007 to October 6, 2011 |
October 7, 2011 to October 4, 2012 |
October 5, 2012 to present |
|
American Board of Radiology |
Radiation Oncology* |
June 2007 to May 2012 |
The words "AU eligible" must appear above the ABR seal.
After May 2012, the certificate will be recognized for 4 years from the date of issuance and after the 4-year period, the ABR web site should be checked to ensure that the individual is still certified. The ABR monitors the certification status of its diplomates and posts this information on its web site.
|
May 2012 to May 2013 |
May 2013 to May 2019 |
May 2019 to present |
|
American Osteopathic Board of Radiology |
Radiation Oncology* |
May 1, 2007 to May 11, 2017 |
All certifications have a 10-year time limit from their date of issuance. |
May 12, 2017 to September 19, 2018 |
September 20, 2018 to present |
*Diplomates of this medical specialty board also satisfy the training and experience requirements in 10 CFR 35.392 and 35.394.

§35.392 Training for Oral Administration of Sodium Iodide (I-131) Requiring a Written Directive in Quantities ≤ 33 millicuries
The following are medical specialty boards whose certification process have been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and meet the NRC requirements in 10 CFR 35.392, "Training for the oral administration of sodium iodide I–131 requiring a written directive in quantities less than or equal to 1.22 gigabecquerels (33 millicuries)." Diplomates of medical specialty boards recognized under 35.390 and 35.394 also satisfy the training and experience requirements in 10 CFR 35.392 when indicated.
As part of the NRC-recognition process, the medical specialty board submits sample certificates for each recognized specialty area. The certificates are only applicable to the NRC-licensing process when they are issued within the date ranges included below. If the certificate or the medical specialty board process changes, then an updated certificate is listed below. The chart is only applicable to original certificates. Recertification certificates are not used in this process. The following chart enables regulators and medical-use licensees to ensure that personnel have met NRC requirements for training and experience.
Medical Specialty Board Certification Process |
Specialty Area |
Sample Certificate for Date Range |
Notes |
American Osteopathic Board of Radiology |
Diagnostic Radiology |
July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2002 |
|
July 1, 2002 to May 16, 2015 |
All certificates have a 10-year time limit from their date of issuance.
For certificates issued after May 17, 2015, the words "AU Eligible" must appear above the D.O. symbol. This does not include recertification certificates.
|
May 17, 2015 to May 11, 2017 |
May 12, 2017 to September 19, 2018 |
September 20, 2018 to present |
Radiation Oncology |
See Section 35.390 |
The AOBR Radiation Oncology certification process and associated certificates recognized in 10 CFR 35.390 also satisfies the training and experience requirements in 10 CFR 35.392. |
|
American Board of Radiology |
Diagnostic Radiology |
June 2006 to July 2012 |
The words "AU eligible" must appear above the ABR seal.
After May 2012, the certificates will be recognized for 4 years from the date of issuance and after the 4-year period, the ABR web site should be checked to ensure that the individual is still certified. The ABR monitors the certification status of its diplomates and posts this information on its web site.
|
July 2012 to July 2013 |
July 2013 to October 2018 |
October 2018 to present |
Radiation Oncology |
See Section 35.390 |
The ABR Radiation Oncology certification process and associated certificates recognized in 10 CFR 35.390 also satisfies the training and experience requirements in 10 CFR 35.392. |
|
American Board of Nuclear Medicine |
Nuclear Medicine |
See Section 35.390 |
The ABNM Nuclear Medicine certification process and associated certificates recognized in 10 CFR 35.390 also satisfies the training and experience requirements in 10 CFR 35.392. |
|
Certification Board of Nuclear Endocrinology |
Nuclear Endocrinology—Low Dose |
January 1, 2013 to September 27, 2019 |
The Certification Board of Nuclear Endocrinology is inactive and is no longer recognized by the NRC.
The NRC did not recognize the certificates that included, "Hereby certifies with the designation of Grandfathered." |

§35.394 Training for Oral Administration of Sodium Iodide (I-131) Requiring a Written Directive in Quantities > 33 millicuries
The following are medical specialty boards whose certification process have been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and meet the NRC requirements in 10 CFR 35.394, "Training for the oral administration of sodium iodide I–131 requiring a written directive in quantities greater than 1.22 gigabecquerels (33 millicuries)." Diplomates of medical specialty boards recognized under 35.390 also satisfy the training and experience requirements in 10 CFR 35.394 when indicated. Diplomates of medical specialty boards recognized under 35.394 also satisfy the training and experience requirements in 10 CFR 35.392 when indicated.
As part of the NRC-recognition process, the medical specialty board submits sample certificates for each recognized specialty area. The certificates are only applicable to the NRC-licensing process when they are issued within the date ranges included below. If the certificate or the medical specialty board process changes, then an updated certificate is listed below. The chart is only applicable to original certificates. Recertification certificates are not used in this process. The following chart enables regulators and medical-use licensees to ensure that personnel have met NRC requirements for training and experience.
Medical Specialty Board Certification Process |
Specialty Area |
Sample Certificate for Date Range |
Notes |
American Board of Radiology |
Diagnostic Radiology |
June 2011 to July 2012 |
The words "AU Eligible" must appear above the ABR seal.
After July 2012, certificates should be recognized for 4 years from the date of issuance and after the 4-year period, the ABR web site should be checked to ensure that the individual is still certified. The ABR monitors the certification status of its diplomates and posts this information on its web site for all individuals.
|
July 2012 to July 2013 |
July 2013 to October 2018 |
October 2018 to present |
Interventional Radiology / Diagnostic Radiology |
March 2021 to present |
The words "AU eligible" must appear above the ABR seal.
The certificates will be recognized for 4 years from the date of issuance and after the 4-year period, the ABR web site should be checked to ensure that the individual is still certified. The ABR monitors the certification status of its diplomates and posts this information on its web site. |
Radiation Oncology |
See Section 35.390 |
The ABR Radiation Oncology certification process and associated certificates recognized in 10 CFR 35.390 also satisfies the training and experience requirements in 10 35.394. |
|
Certification Board of Nuclear Endocrinology |
Nuclear Endocrinology—High Dose |
January 1, 2013 to September 27, 2019 |
The Certification Board of Nuclear Endocrinology is inactive and is no longer recognized by the NRC.
The NRC did not recognize the certificates that included, "Hereby certifies with the designation of Grandfathered." |
|
American Osteopathic Board of Radiology |
Diagnostic Radiology |
May 17, 2015 to May 11, 2017 |
The words "AU Eligible" must appear above the D.O. symbol.
All certificates have a 10-year time limit from their date of issuance.
|
May 12, 2017 to September 19, 2018 |
September 20, 2018 to present |
Radiation Oncology |
See Section 35.390 |
The AOBR Radiation Oncology certification process and associated certificates recognized in 10 CFR 35.390 also satisfies the training and experience requirements in 10 35.394. |
|
American Board of Nuclear Medicine |
Nuclear Medicine |
See Section 35.390 |
The ABNM Nuclear Medicine certification process and associated certificates recognized in 10 CFR 35.390 also satisfies the training and experience requirements in 10 CFR 35.394. |

35.490 Training for Use of Manual Brachytherapy Sources
The following are medical specialty boards whose certification process have been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and meet the NRC requirements in 10 CFR 35.490, "Training for use of manual brachytherapy sources."
As part of the NRC-recognition process, the medical specialty board submits sample certificates for each recognized specialty area. The certificates are only applicable to the NRC-licensing process when they are issued within the date ranges included below. If the certificate or the medical specialty board process changes, then an updated certificate is listed below. The chart is only applicable to original certificates. Recertification certificates are not used in this process. The following chart enables regulators and medical-use licensees to ensure that personnel have met NRC requirements for training and experience.

§35.590 Training for Use of Sealed Sources and Medical Devices for Diagnosis
None

35.690 Training for Use of Remote Afterloader Units, Teletherapy Units, and Gamma Stereotactic Radiosurgery Units
The following are medical specialty boards whose certification process have been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and meet the NRC requirements in 10 CFR 35.690, "Training for use of remote afterloader units, teletherapy units, and gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units."
As part of the NRC-recognition process, the medical specialty board submits sample certificates for each recognized specialty area. The certificates are only applicable to the NRC-licensing process when they are issued within the date ranges included below. If the certificate or the medical specialty board process changes, then an updated certificate is listed below. The chart is only applicable to original certificates. Recertification certificates are not used in this process. The following chart enables regulators and medical-use licensees to ensure that personnel have met NRC requirements for training and experience.

Specialty Boards Contacting the NRC
The specialty boards should officially contact the Division of Materials Safety, Security, State, and Tribal Programs (MSST) for the submission of an application, notification of any program or certification process changes (including name changes and changes to the certificate), and prior to the termination of the board. Official communications should be signed by a person authorized to speak for the board (i.e., its chief executive officer or designee) and should be on official letterhead.
Letter Addressee |
Director
Division of Materials Safety, Security, State, and Tribal Programs
Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001
Attention: Chief, Medical Safety & Events Assessment Branch
|
By mail |
For delivery services requiring a street address, mail to:
Director
Division of Materials Safety, Security, State, and Tribal Programs
Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
11545 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852-2738
Attention: Chief, Medical Safety & Events Assessment Branch, Mail Stop T5B60
|
By e-mail |
MedicalQuestions.Resource@nrc.gov
|

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, May 24, 2023