NIOSH B Reader Examination Study Syllabus

NIOSH strongly recommends pre-test preparation for examination participants to assure familiarity with the ILO Classification System and associated Roentgenographic Interpretation Form. Pre-test preparation is extremely important because anyone who fails the initial examination must wait six months before re-testing. The examination is difficult: only about half of the examinees pass.

The syllabus is also available in these formats:

1. Download Syllabus (Windows only)
1. Save the file B_Reader_Syllabus.zip (424 MB)
   (Right-click on the link and select "Save Target As...")
2. Extract the files to folder (i.e. B_Reader_Syllabus)
3. Open BReader.exe
2. CD-based (Windows only)
3. Hard-copy
4. Attendance at the American College of Radiology (ACR) Symposium on Radiology of the Pneumoconioses.

The electronic format (CD or download) is free of charge. The hard-copy format consists of 33 pages of text, 80 x-ray films (some with 4 images per film), 51 reading sheets, and answer keys for the 51 sheets.  It is available on a first-come, first-served basis 1 month prior to testing.  There is a $500 deposit required when requesting the hard-copy syllabus.  This deposit is returned once the syllabus has been returned to NIOSH.  Additionally, the hard-copy format may be used on-site at NIOSH by anyone interested in coming to Morgantown to study prior to taking the examination. To request a CD or hard-copy of the syllabus, call (888) 480-4042 or email CWHSP@cdc.gov.

The American College of Radiology (ACR) Symposium on Radiology of the Pneumoconioses is usually held every 2-3 years. Please contact the ACR for further details (800) 227-5463 ext. 4245.