EDGAR - ESGAR Subspecialty Diploma
Introduction
The ESGAR Diploma is a new qualification, established due to the growing need for subspecialised recognition in gastrointestinal and abdominal radiology. The ESGAR diploma offers a recognition of expertise at a European level for radiologists who have reached a subspecialised level of knowledge in abdominal radiology and who are keen to maintain this level through continuous education and involvement in the field, and by taking the examination.
The ESGAR Diploma, as a form of testing gastrointestinal and abdominal radiology knowledge, presents several advantages:
- The examination objectively verifies that radiologists possess the required expert knowledge, skills and competences at the end of their specific gastrointestinal and abdominal radiology training.
- It is a qualification developed in line with the standards defined by the ESR for gastrointestinal and abdominal imaging knowledge and competences (Level III) and will facilitate standardised training in Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Imaging in Europe.
- It confirms specific expert knowledge and competences of radiologists to perform, interpret and report fluoroscopy, X-rays, CT, ultrasound, MRI and hybrid imaging (PET-CT, PET_MRI) studies of the abdomen as well as in basic abdominal interventional procedures.
EDGAR is endorsed by the European Society of Radiology (ESR) and equals a final Level III subspecialty examination.
How to acquire the ESGAR Diploma
Fulfilment of eligibility criteria, completion of the application form and providing the required documentation as laid out under "Eligibility" and "Application".
Taking the examination which consists of 2 parts: MCQ’s, Core Cases. The examination is offered once a year during the annual meeting of the Society. Only a limited number of candidates can be accepted for the examination. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis – date of receipt of application form and documentation.
Scoring by the examiners. The total score consists of results of all components of the exam. The scores for each candidate will be reviewed and potential fail candidates will be discussed. Candidates will be informed accordingly by email.
Successful candidates will be awarded the EDGAR, ESGAR Diploma in Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology to their name. The diploma will be provided in electronic format and made available via the Medical Credential Services platform, hosted by the EBR, the European Board of Radiology.
Eligibility & Application
Eligibility
The ESR-endorsed ESGAR Diploma in Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (EDGAR) is awarded to fully trained, licensed and practising radiologists who meet the required standards of subspecialty training, clinical experience and continuing medical education.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for the EDGAR examination, candidates must fulfil the following requirements:
1. Radiology Qualification and Training
- Completion of at least five years of radiology training in accordance with the basic principles outlined in the ESR Training Curriculum.
- Successful completion of a national radiology board examination or the European Diploma in Radiology (EDiR).
- Candidates with less than five years of formal radiology training may provide evidence of equivalent experience as a supervised staff radiologist, subject to individual assessment.
2. Subspecialty Training
- At least two years of dedicated training in gastrointestinal and abdominal radiology including a minimum of one year of subspecialty training must have been completed after obtaining radiology board certification.
3. Clinical Experience
Within the 24 months preceding the application, candidates must have reported at least:
| Modality | Minimum examinations |
| Abdominal ultrasound (including CEUS) | 100 |
| Abdominal CT | 200 |
| Abdominal MRI | 100 |
| Abdominal X-ray (including fluoroscopy) | 50 |
Clinical experience must be documented through a Radiology Information System (RIS) report or a verified logbook.
4. Continuing Medical Education (CME)
- Attendance at a minimum of two ESGAR educational events within the three years preceding the application, such as the ESGAR Annual Meeting & Postgraduate Course and/or ESGAR Workshops. (min. 50 CME credits)
- CME credits obtained through other recognised educational activities may be considered where appropriate.
5. Professional Membership
Applicants must hold valid memberships with both ESGAR and the European Society of Radiology (ESR).
Application Procedure
Candidates wishing to apply for the EDGAR examination must complete the official Application Form and Documentation form and submit all supporting documentation to the ESGAR Office.
All documents should be combined into a single PDF file and include the following:
1. Certificate of Completed Radiology Training
A copy of the national radiology board certification or EDiR diploma, confirming completion of specialist training.
Candidates with less than five years of formal training must additionally provide evidence of equivalent supervised experience as a staff radiologist.
2. Confirmation of Subspecialty Training
A letter signed by the Head of Department confirming at least two years of dedicated training in gastrointestinal and abdominal imaging, including a minimum of one year following board certification.
3. Proof of Current Clinical Practice
Official confirmation from the applicant's institution demonstrating current professional practice as a licensed radiologist.
Specialists from other medical disciplines and radiologists who are no longer in active clinical practice are not eligible for the EDGAR diploma.
4. RIS Documentation or Clinical Logbook
A verified record of gastrointestinal and abdominal imaging examinations performed during the preceding 24 months.
The documentation must:
- Demonstrate the required minimum number of examinations for each imaging modality.
- Be organised by modality, preferably in Excel format.
- Contain clearly identifiable but anonymised examination data.
- Be countersigned by the candidate's Programme Director.
5. Proof of CME Credits
Certificates confirming a minimum of 50 CME credits in abdominal imaging, obtained through ESGAR educational activities or other recognised sources, subject to approval.
6. Curriculum Vitae
An up-to-date CV in PDF format.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2027
Please submit the completed application form and all required supporting documentation, combined into a single PDF file, to the ESGAR Office by the application deadline.
Next Examination
Date: June 14, 2027
Format: Onsite and online
Onsite location: Edinburgh/UK
Time: 16:30 BST (UK local time)
Application Deadline: April 30, 2027
Examination & Renewal Fees
| Category | Fee |
| Initial examination (all ESGAR membership categories) | €450 |
| Re-examination | €200 |
| Diploma renewal | €75 |
| Diploma renewal for ESGAR members in good standing | Free of charge |
Exam preparation & Ressources
To help candidates prepare for the ESGAR Diploma in Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (EDGAR) examination, ESGAR provides access to a sample examination and a range of educational resources covering key topics in gastrointestinal and abdominal imaging.
Sample Examination
A mock examination is available to help candidates familiarise themselves with the EDGAR examination format and question types.
The sample examination provides an opportunity to practise answering questions, gain insight into the examination structure and assess individual readiness ahead of the official examination.
Access the sample examination here:
Additional Educational Ressources
Candidates are encouraged to explore the following resources to consolidate their knowledge, strengthen their clinical expertise and prepare for the examination.
ESGAR e-Education Portal
Access a comprehensive collection of educational materials in gastrointestinal and abdominal radiology, including recorded lectures from ESGAR Annual Meetings, webinars and dedicated topic packages.
ESGAR Webinars
Explore expert-led webinars addressing current developments, clinical challenges and practical approaches in gastrointestinal and abdominal imaging.
ESGAR Workshops
Deepen your knowledge through focused educational workshops combining expert lectures, interactive discussions and case-based learning.
ESGAR Case of the Month
Test your diagnostic skills with regularly updated clinical cases designed to support practical learning and clinical decision-making.
ESGAR Annual Meeting
Benefit from a comprehensive scientific and educational programme presenting the latest advances, evidence-based practices and emerging techniques in gastrointestinal and abdominal radiology.
European Training Curriculum (ETC) Level III
Consult the ESR European Training Curriculum for guidance on the advanced knowledge and competencies expected in subspecialty radiology training.
Modern Radiology – ESR eBook
Explore the ESR's educational reference material covering a broad range of radiological topics and clinical applications.
EURORAD
Browse a peer-reviewed collection of radiological teaching cases, offering valuable opportunities for case-based learning and diagnostic practice.
Examination
Format & Duration
The EDGAR examination consists of two components designed to assess theoretical knowledge, image interpretation and clinical decision-making.
Part 1 – Multiple Response Questions (MRQs)
- 30 questions in a single-best-answer format
- A combination of gastrointestinal and abdominal visceral imaging topics
- Maximum duration: 60 minutes (2 minutes per question)
Part 2 – CORE Cases (Clinically Oriented Reasoning Evaluation)
- Two case-based assessments testing clinical reasoning and diagnostic decision-making
- Maximum duration: 30 minutes (15 minutes per case)
Total examination duration: 90 minutes
Both components must be successfully completed to obtain the EDGAR diploma.
Examination Content
Candidates are expected to demonstrate the knowledge and competencies outlined in the subspecialty component of the ESR European Training Curriculum – Level III.
The examination covers the full range of gastrointestinal and abdominal radiology, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical practice and diagnostic and interventional techniques such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, endoscopy, PET/CT and image-guided procedures.
The following key areas may be assessed:
Abdominal Vessels
Visceral arterial and venous disorders, including obstruction, thrombosis, aneurysms and vasculitis
Biliary Tract
Gallbladder and bile duct disorders, including gallstones, inflammation, infection and obstruction
Colon & Rectum
Colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticular disease, gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation
Liver
Infections, diffuse parenchymal diseases, detection and characterisation of focal liver lesions
Oesophagus
Motility disorders, neoplasms, inflammatory conditions, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and perforation
Pancreas
Acute and chronic pancreatitis, benign and malignant focal pancreatic lesions
Peritoneum & Abdominal Wall
Internal and external hernias and their complications, inflammatory and neoplastic conditions
Small Bowel
Bowel obstruction, inflammatory diseases and neoplasms
Spleen
Congenital anomalies, splenomegaly and assessment of focal splenic lesions
Stomach & Duodenum
Neoplasms, inflammation, perforation and imaging related to obesity treatment
Scoring & Passing Requirements
The two examination components are assessed and scored independently.
| Examination component | Maximum score |
| Multiple Response Questions (MRQs) | 30 points |
| CORE Cases | 20 points |
| Total | 50 points |
Candidates must pass both components independently to be awarded the EDGAR diploma.
The passing threshold for each component is determined by the ESGAR Diploma Committee, taking into account the overall quality and difficulty of the examination.
This approach aims to ensure consistent assessment standards across examination sessions, maintaining the required level of competence while allowing for variations in examination difficulty and candidate performance.
Re-examination
Candidates who do not pass the examination are eligible for one re-examination attempt within the following year, at a reduced fee of €200.
This provides candidates with an opportunity to further strengthen their knowledge and skills before retaking the examination.
Diploma & Renewal
The ESGAR Diploma in Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (EDGAR) is valid for five years from the date of successful examination or subsequent renewal.
To maintain their diploma, holders are required to demonstrate continued professional development and active engagement in gastrointestinal and abdominal radiology.
Diploma Renewal
EDGAR holders may renew their diploma every five years, provided they meet the renewal requirements.
Renewal Fees
- Free of charge: For ESGAR members who have maintained continuous membership in good standing throughout the five-year period following their original examination or most recent renewal.
- €75 renewal fee: For diploma holders who have not maintained five consecutive years of ESGAR membership in good standing.
Renewal Requirements
To apply for renewal, diploma holders must submit the following:
1. Renewal Application Form
A completed EDGAR renewal application form.
2. Proof of Membership
Confirmation of active membership in both ESGAR and the European Society of Radiology (ESR) in the year of the renewal application.
3. Continuing Medical Education (CME)
Evidence of at least 150 CME credits earned during the preceding five years, through participation as an attendee or lecturer in recognised educational activities.
Eligible activities include:
- ESGAR Annual Meetings and Workshops
- ESR European Congress of Radiology (ECR) – Level III sessions
- National and international subspecialty meetings, including BSGAR, SEDIA, SIAD, ARGANZ and ASAR
- Other educational activities recognised by ESGAR
At least 50% of the required CME credits (75 credits) must be obtained through ESGAR educational activities.
Recognition of the EDGAR Diploma
The EDGAR diploma is increasingly recognised as a valuable qualification demonstrating advanced expertise in gastrointestinal and abdominal radiology.
In certain countries, such as Switzerland, European subspecialty diplomas are formally recognised by national medical authorities.
In Switzerland, the employment of board-certified radiologists holding additional subspecialty qualifications, such as EDGAR, is among the criteria considered when classifying hospitals in the highest category for radiology training.
This recognition highlights the value of the EDGAR diploma in supporting professional development and demonstrating subspecialty expertise.
Diploma Holders
Click here for pdf list of EDGAR Diploma holders sorted by date. The Diploma is valid for 5 years.