AB vs VT: ARDMS Exam Comparison

This page compares the ARDMS Abdomen (AB) and Vascular Technology (VT) exams side by side. Both are ARDMS-administered specialty examinations, but they differ in clinical scope, content focus, career setting, and 2025 pass-rate data.

AB vs VT: Exam Comparison

Factor	Abdomen (AB)	Vascular Technology (VT)
Credential earned	RDMS	RVT
Question count	170	170
Exam duration	3 hours	3 hours
2025 first-time pass rate	73%	70%

About the Abdomen (AB) Exam

The ARDMS Abdomen (AB) specialty exam covers the liver, gallbladder, biliary system, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, retroperitoneum, and abdominal vasculature. It is one of the most commonly pursued RDMS specialty registrations and rewards systematic, organ-by-organ preparation aligned to the official content outline.

About the Vascular Technology (VT) Exam

The ARDMS Vascular Technology (VT) specialty exam earns the Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) credential. It has the lowest first-time pass rate among all seven specialties (70% in 2025) and tests a deep understanding of hemodynamics, Doppler physics, carotid stenosis criteria, DVT protocols, peripheral arterial disease, and abdominal vascular assessment.

Which Exam Should You Take First?

The right choice depends on your clinical background, your current employer's needs, and your long-term career goals. Sonographers with strong clinical experience in abdomen imaging should consider the AB exam first, as applied clinical knowledge transfers directly to board performance. Similarly, those working predominantly in vascular technology settings will find the VT exam more immediately supported by their daily practice.

Both credentials are valuable additions to a multi-specialty credential portfolio. The 2025 first-time pass rates — 73% for AB and 70% for VT — underscore the importance of structured, domain-aligned preparation for whichever exam you choose first.

Dig Deeper Into Each Specialty

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