The process to becoming a certified medical dosimetrist requires dedication, education, and hands-on experience. At the heart of this journey is the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) exam, which serves as a critical step in demonstrating the knowledge, skills and abilities to achieve certification.
Eligibility and Requirements
To sit for the MDCB certification exam, candidates must meet specific prerequisites. Since 2017, all U.S. applicants are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in any field and must graduate from a JRCERT-accredited medical dosimetry program that lasts a minimum of 12 months.
Exam Overview
The MDCB certification exam is developed through a recognized industry practice, the Job Task Analysis ed which is designed to meet stringent certification industry standards and best practice guidelines to ensure the exam reflects current medical dosimetry practice. It consists of 155 multiple-choice questions, covering areas such as treatment planning, dose calculation methods, radiation physics, localization, quality assurance, radiation protection, and brachytherapy. Candidates have 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete the exam, and a minimum scaled score of 600 out of 800 is needed to pass.
Preparation Tips
Because of the comprehensive nature of the MDCB exam, thorough preparation is critical. The MDCB offers practice tests to help candidates assess their knowledge and readiness. Additionally, hands-on clinical experience that aligns with the exam’s key topics is invaluable in preparing for the test. Successful candidates often combine their formal education with real-world practice and focused study sessions.
Maintaining Certification
Earning certification as a medical dosimetrist is a significant accomplishment, but it’s only part of the commitment to professional excellence. Certified Medical Dosimetrists (CMDs) are required to renew their certification annually and must complete a minimum of 50 continuing education credits every five years. This ongoing education ensures CMDs stay current with advancements in the field, enhancing their ability to provide quality patient care.
The journey to becoming a certified medical dosimetrist is both challenging and rewarding. With the right preparation and dedication, candidates can achieve certification, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career in radiation oncology.
We sat down with CAMP’s Justin Macal to reflect on his recent experience passing the MDCB exams.
What kind of preparation or training did you undergo before taking your dosimetry exams?
I attended John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences which provided their own comprehensive ARC Review Program. I also used DoseGrid, MDCB practice exams, and Raphex exams.*
Were there any materials that stood out as particularly important/helpful?
Raphex exams for their detailed answers and physics content. DoseGrid for its easy to use platform. MDCB practice exams to get a feel for how questions could be asked. I also purchased a membership to DoseGrid. This was another self-paced dosimetry review course filled with more practice tests, quizzes, and videos on how to do important calculations. This was the last step in my study routine and I felt this was the perfect way to conclude my studying efforts as it continued to fill more knowledge gaps I may have had, and strengthened current concepts I already knew.
Were there any specific topics or sections of the exam that were particularly challenging for you?
The exam was very fair. A well-rounded and consistent prep will overcome most challenges. MDCB does a great job at keeping their exam up to date with current practices and the dosimetry exam reflects real-world challenges in the field.
What are some practical tips you would give to someone preparing for their dosimetry exams?
Start your prep early, get a study buddy, and stay consistent. MDCB is not something you can cram for. Throughout this entire studying process that took about 4 months, I had study groups with prior classmates. This may have been the most important piece of the pie. We committed to meeting at least once a week throughout those months, and leading up to the exams it turned into every day. Having an accountability buddy made a huge difference—it helped me stay on track, talk through the material, and really absorb it. By the time I took the exam, I felt confident and at ease. It was the most comfortable I ever felt taking an exam, because we left no stone unturned as a group – and knowing that gives you the utmost confidence during any examination.
Are there any common mistakes or misconceptions you think candidates should avoid?
Thinking they can study in 3 weeks. You will need months to be well prepared.
How did you stay motivated and manage stress throughout the preparation and exam process?
Stay on a schedule with a study buddy and stick to it. Most of the stress comes from missed study sessions or feeling behind. If you stay on top of it little by little, the stress disappears and you’re prepared.
Can you describe your experience on exam day? Were there any surprises, and how did you handle them?
I would recommend driving to your exam center if applicable. Figure out where to park, where the check in is located. If possible, ask to see where you will take the exam and where your lockers are. I knew where everything was from visiting beforehand so it felt like I was walking into a familiar classroom. I was well prepared and at ease for this exam mainly due to all the study prep and familiarity with the testing center.
What strategies helped you stay calm and focused during the exam?
Budgeting my time was key. I kept my mind calm during and after the exam which involved a strategy I developed prior to the exam. I figured an 80% raw score would give me a passing mark. That means I could miss 31 questions. I flagged any question I wasn’t able to answer immediately. At the end of my exam I ended up with less than 31 flagged questions so this put my mind at ease. The worst part was the 6 week wait for results. So during that time my strategy helped me reassure myself that I was in a good position for a passing score.
What advice would you give to someone who might not pass on their first attempt?
Don’t wait too long to retake the exam again. Do it while things are still fresh and fully commit to a study schedule. See if there are any other resources you haven’t already found and find a way to utilize them.
What advice do you have for upcoming dosimetry exam takers?
Overprepare, schedule out your time to do it and have a study plan. Get a study buddy to help keep you accountable.
Who or what inspired you during your journey, and how did that influence your success?
My goal has always been to push myself to be the best planner I can be. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth comes from surrounding yourself with the best and constantly striving to improve. It’s a tough mindset, but it’s one that has driven me throughout this journey. Ultimately, our patients deserve the highest quality care, and that’s the standard I strive to uphold in providing them with the best possible plans.
I was most inspired early on by Thomas Costantino. When starting school at JPU, there was all this buzz about one of our instructors that has accomplished all these great things in Dosimetry plan challenges. So I knew he was my number one resource at the time, I needed to learn as much as possible from. Tommy helped me build a strong and advanced base for treatment planning. He also wasn’t short on any resources, so everything he told me to read, I read. I also had the realization that Dosimetry is still an art and that there is more than one way to approach a plan. This is where three other colleagues, Jena Burrow, Imran Shah, and Kirsten Hart, helped me develop an even broader base on how to achieve things in different ways. I kept repeating this process with as many Dosimetrists and Physicists I had access to. It’s still a key part in my learning today. I have had the privilege of learning from dosimetrists with years of experience, each contributing to the foundation of my skills. By absorbing their knowledge, techniques, and insights, I’ve been able to refine and adapt them as my own. This wealth of guidance, combined with my own dedication and determination, has given me the confidence to independently support a clinic right out of school. It helped me achieve the best plan in the United States utilizing the Eclipse Treatment Planning System in the 2024 AAMD Plan Challenge. Most importantly, it helps give each and every patient the best cancer care treatment plan, which they deserve.
*Disclaimer: The study materials referenced here are for informational purposes only and are not officially endorsed by either CAMP or the MDCB. MDCB does not approve, review, or promote any specific study programs. The inclusion of any material does not imply accuracy or guarantee success on the exam. It is the responsibility of the user to verify all information independently and rely on official MDCB resources for exam preparation. CAMP and MDCB assume no responsibility for any outcomes resulting from the use of these materials.
Connect with CAMP
Looking to connect with Justin? You can find him on LinkedIn.
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