Training

CHP EXAM REVIEW: PART I

LENGTH: 5 days

CONTACT: (410) 421-5454 or

COURSE DESCRIPTION: A five-day examination-based course designed to prepare the qualified candidate to pass Part I of the American Board of Health Physics (ABHP) certification examination. It is an ideal preparation program for ABHP certification candidates who are sitting for Part I only, or for both Parts I and II in the same year. The course combines Instructional Systems Design (ISD) methodology with sample examinations to impart upon and refresh the candidate with those health physics principles tested by the ABHP on the examination. The course content is based upon the Domains and Sub-Areas established by the ABHP in 1987. Course examinations use questions in the same Domain percentage breakdown as the actual examination.

The ABHP administers the examination on the first Monday concurrent with the Annual Health Physics Society Meeting, which usually occurs in late June or early July. Application deadline to sit for the annual examination is January 15 of the year in which the examination is to be taken. Part I of the examination consists of 150 multiple choice questions and must be completed within three hours. CHP Exam Review: Part I is in no way affiliated or officially endorsed by the ABHP. For further information on ABHP certification, including eligibility and application, contact the ABHP at (703) 790-1745.

The AAHP awards course attendees 32 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) towards maintenance of the CHP credential (course #2007-00-061).

COURSE TOPICS

Introduction
  Radioactivity
  Radiation Characteristics
  Biological Effects

Measurements
  Specification of Methods
  Assessment of Surface Contamination
  Presentation of Data
  Assessment of Internal Dose
  Process and Effluent Sampling

Facilities and Equipment
  Shielding
  Atmospheric Dispersion
  Containment & Ventilation
  Recommending Engineering Controls
  Risk Analysis
  Warnings and Access Control
  Selection of Instrumentation
  Remote Handling Equipment
  Protective Equipment

Operations and Procedures
  ALARA Program Implementation
  Waste Management Programs
  Environmental Monitoring Programs
  Contamination Control Program
  Decontamination Methods
  Respiratory Protection
  Bioassay Programs

Regulations and Standards
  Radiation Protection Regulations
  Licenses
  Emergency Preparedness

Education and Training
  Training and Development of Personnel
  Education and Public Information

COURSE MATERIALS: Each participant will receive a Course Manual, textbook (Operational Health Physics Training, by Harold J. Moe), Chart of the Nuclides (Nuclides and Isotopes), three sample examinations to measure individual performance, and note cards. Participants should bring note-taking materials and a scientific calculator to each session. It is strongly recommended that the calculator used during the course be the same as that used on the actual examination.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: Health physics professionals in all disciplines. It is desirable, but not mandatory, that course participants meet the minimum education and experience requirements described in the Prospectus of the ABHP for early admission to Part I of the examination. These requirements include a four-year degree in the sciences, and two years of professional-level health physics experience. Individuals who do not meet the criteria for early admission to Part I may wish to attend the course simply for an intensive review of health physics principles.