MRI Physics (CCPM) - Clinically Certified in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics

The Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (CCPM) offers a Certification in MRI Physics, a professional credential for physicists specializing in the application of physics principles in magnetic resonance imaging. This certification recognizes expertise in MRI physics, including the operation of MRI systems, quality control, safety and image interpretation.

Eligibility

The CCPM’s Diagnostic Radiological Physics certification is membership-based, so applicants must be eligible for CCPM membership and demonstrate competence in diagnostic radiology by meeting the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or have a confirmed clinical medical physicist position in Canada or completed a university degree, Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP) Accredited Residency program or Bridging program in Canada 

• Hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited college/university in Medical Physics, Physics, Science with Physics as a major option, Engineering or Applied Mathematics

• Complete a minimum of 2 years full-time equivalent (FTE) patient-related experience in physics in the past 5 years

• Submit 3 satisfactory letters of reference attesting candidate meets the experience requirement

• Be a Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP) member or commit to becoming one within 3 months

Once deemed eligible, candidates have 3 years to take the exam. However, they can apply for one 2-year extension, providing a total of 5 years to take the exam. Applicants may hold only 2 certifications in 2 different sub-specialties simultaneously.

Completion Time: 2.5 hours written exam / time limit not provided for oral exam

Cost: 

• $730 written and oral exam

• $540 oral exam only

• Refunds:

  • $540 if application for exam isn’t approved or is withdrawn at least 4 weeks prior to the written exam

  • $365 if candidates fails the written exam or application is withdrawn less than 4 weeks prior to the written exam

  • $365 if candidate passes the written exam but withdraws from the oral exam at least 4 weeks prior to the oral exam

  • No refund is given if candidate withdraws less than 4 weeks from the oral exam

Exam Format

The MRI Physics certification exam requires passing two parts, consisting of a written and an oral exam. Applicants may take the written exam up to 3 times. Once they pass the written exam, they move on to the oral exam and can challenge this exam up to 3 times. 

If they fail the written exam 3 times, then they’ve failed the exam process and the process ends. If they pass the written exam but fail the oral exam 3 times, they’ve failed the exam process. Candidates who fail the exam process can’t apply again for two years but can reapply in the third year following their failed attempt.

Written exams may be taken in English or French. MRI Physics certification exam candidates must answer the General Medical Physics question in Part 1 and the MRI Safety questions in Part 2, plus answer 4 questions from Part 3 and 4 questions from Part 4 found in the Exam Booklet for this specific sub-specialty. Candidates who achieve an overall mark of 65% shall pass the written exam. They receive their pass/fail results within 6 weeks of completing the written exam.

The oral exam consists of 3 sections. A minimum of three examiners shall evaluate the candidate's complete oral exam, but a minimum of two examiners shall evaluate each individual section. Candidates may take the oral exam in English or French. 

To be deemed successful on the oral exam, candidates must obtain 60% in each section and an overall score of at least 10/15. They receive their pass/fail/incomplete results within 1 week of the completion of oral exams by all candidates.

Application Process

• Submit the completed application and required documents to the CCPM office, including:

  • Signed application form and nondisclosure agreement

  • Current curriculum vitae

  • Documentary evidence of university degrees via official transcripts or certified copies of diplomas

  • Proof of completion of a CAMPEP accredited residency or proof of completion of a Bridging program, if applicable

  • 3 letters of reference (sent directly from the referees)

• Receive notification at least 8 weeks prior to the exam date of eligibility to sit for the exam

MRI Physics certification holders must renew their credentials every 5 years. Recertification consists of a credential review of evidence of clinical practice and appropriate continuing education. Renewal applicants must apply for recertification by September 30 of the year in which their credential expires. To be eligible for renewal, applicants must:

• Have been employed as a medical physicist in MRI radiology at least 40% FTE during the 5-year certification period

  • Applicants with two declared sub-specialties must have been employed as a medical physicist at least 25% FTE in each sub-specialty during the 5-year certification period

• Obtain 50 recertification credits for each sub-specialty

Renewal Fees

• $285 for on-time applications

• $405 for late applications

Applicants must earn 50 continuing education (CE) credits, also called recertification credits, within the 5-year certification period. CE may be obtained from any combination of the activities listed on pages 26 and 27 of the recertification section of the CCPM regulations guide. Recertification credits claimed for MRI Physics certification can’t be reused to fulfill the requirements of a second sub-specialty.

• MRI Physics Exam Booklet and Prep Guides

• Part I General Medical Physics Reading Syllabus

• Part II MRI Safety Reading Syllabus

• Exam Schedule and Fees

• Written Preparation Guide for the Membership Exam

• Oral Preparation Guide for the Membership Exam

• Regulations of the CCPM

The CCPM also offers the following certifications:

• Clinically Certified in Diagnostic Radiological Physics

• Clinically Certified in Nuclear Medicine Physics

• Clinically Certified in Radiation Oncology Physics

Other related certifications include the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT).