OB/GYN vs PS: ARDMS Exam Comparison
This page compares the ARDMS Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) and Pediatric Sonography (PS) 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.
OB/GYN vs PS: Exam Comparison
| Factor | Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) | Pediatric Sonography (PS) |
|---|---|---|
| Credential earned | RDMS | RDMS |
| Question count | 170 | 170 |
| Exam duration | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| 2025 first-time pass rate | 80% | 71% |
About the Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) Exam
The ARDMS OB/GYN specialty exam has the highest first-time pass rate among all seven specialties (80% in 2025), but its content breadth is substantial. It covers the full spectrum of obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound: normal and abnormal pregnancy, fetal anatomy survey, biometry, Doppler surveillance, and gynecologic pathology.
About the Pediatric Sonography (PS) Exam
The ARDMS Pediatric Sonography (PS) specialty exam tests age-specific anatomy, neonatal pathology, and clinical skills that differ fundamentally from adult sonography. Key content areas include neonatal cranial ultrasound, developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), pyloric stenosis, and the spectrum of pediatric abdominal and genitourinary pathology.
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 obstetrics & gynecology imaging should consider the OB/GYN exam first, as applied clinical knowledge transfers directly to board performance. Similarly, those working predominantly in pediatric sonography settings will find the PS 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 — 80% for OB/GYN and 71% for PS — underscore the importance of structured, domain-aligned preparation for whichever exam you choose first.
Dig Deeper Into Each Specialty
- Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) exam prep · OB/GYN practice questions
- Pediatric Sonography (PS) exam prep · PS practice questions
Related Comparisons
See all ARDMS specialty comparisons → | Practice-question hub →