R (ARRT) - Registered Technologist in Radiography (ARRT)

The Registered Technologist in Radiography [R.T.(R)(ARRT)] certification is a professional credential for individuals in the field of diagnostic imaging and radiology. This certification, provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), is essential for professionals who perform radiographic procedures. It signifies expertise in operating radiography equipment, patient care and safety, as well as the ability to produce quality diagnostic images.

Eligibility

• Earn an associate degree or higher in any subject from an accredited institution recognized by ARRT 

• Can be before, during or after the completion of a radiography program

• Beginning January 1, 2025, a degree must be earned no more than 3 years after completing a radiography education program

• Complete an educational program in radiography

• Apply for ARRT certification and registration within 3 years

Completion Time: 4 hours

Cost: Primary application: $225 / Re-application: $200

You have three years and three attempts to pass ARRT’s R.T.(R) exam. The R.T.(R) certification exam assesses the candidate's knowledge and skills in radiographic procedures and patient care. It’s a computer-based test administered by Pearson Vue and includes 200 scored questions and 30 unscored questions. 

Most questions are multiple-choice with one correct answer. However, some might require selecting multiple answers from a list, sorting options into the correct order or selecting an image. Scored content includes the following number of questions in these categories:

• Patient Care: 33

• Safety: 50

• Image Production: 51

• Procedures: 66

You receive a preliminary score at the end of the exam that doesn’t indicate whether you passed or failed. Within 30 days, you receive an official score report in the mail from ARRT. The Verify Credentials page on ARRT will reflect your certification and registration status within approximately 4 weeks of completing your exam. 

ARRT uses a scaled scoring system, not raw scores. You must earn a scaled score of 75 or greater to pass. If you fail on your first or second attempt, a reapply button appears on your ARRT dashboard to allow you to apply to take the exam again. If you fail a third time, you’re no longer eligible to sit for the exam and receive details in your account on how to requalify.

Application Process

1. Create an account on arrt.org

2. Complete an accredited radiography program

3. Earn an associate degree or higher if you don’t already have one

4. Undergo an ethics review

5. Apply for the registration and certification exam

   1. Paper Application: Pay fee with a check or money order, allow 30 days for processing

   2. Online Application: Pay fee with a credit card, receive Candidate Status Report in online account within 2 business days

6. Take the R.T.(R) certification exam within 3 years

Radiography RTs must renew their credentials every year, complete continuing education every 2 years and fulfill continuing qualification requirements every 10 years. Annual renewal requirements include being current on your biennial continuing education (CE) requirements. The annual renewal deadline is always the last day of your birth month and can be completed online. 

Renewal Fees

• First Discipline: $30

• Additional Disciplines: $15

• First Discipline without ARRT supporting category: $45

• Additional Disciplines without ARRT supporting category: $15

Maintaining RT certification requires ongoing education in radiographic science, technology updates and patient care. This can be achieved through workshops, seminars, approved online classes and self-study. Report CE activities every 2 years by the last day of the month prior to your birth month every other year as part of the annual renewal process. Your CE deadline and annual renewal deadline are different dates.

Preparatory resources for the RT exam include textbooks on radiographic procedures and patient care, online courses, practice tests and review courses specifically designed for the radiography certification exam. Specific resources from ARRT include:

• Didactic and Clinical Competency Requirements

• Examination Content Specifications

• SSA Content Specifications

• Task Inventory

• Practice Analysis Report

• Standard Setting Report

• Primary Eligibility Pathway Handbook

After obtaining RT certification, technologists may seek additional certifications in specialized areas of radiologic technology, such as:

• Bone Densitometry RT (BD)

• Vascular Sonography RT (VS)

• Computed Tomography RT (CT)

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging RT (MRI)

• Mammography RT (M)

• Vascular-Interventional Radiography RT (VI)

• Cardiac-Interventional Radiography RT (CI)

• Breast Sonography RT (BS)