R (ARRT) - Registered Technologist in Radiography (ARRT)
- Cost $225
- Renews every year
COURSE FORMAT
About
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
Course Format
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.
You must have your Candidate Status Report from ARRT before scheduling your exam. Your Candidate Status Report contains your identification information, ARRT ID number and exam window dates. Schedule your exam as soon as possible, as exam slots fill up quickly.
Schedule your exam on Pearson Vue’s website or call the Pearson Vue call center
Request ADA accommodations if applicable
Take your exam in person at one of the 200-plus high-security test centers nationwide
Receive exam confirmation via email
Exam Day Instructions
Arrive 30 minutes early
Bring 2 valid forms of identification
Leave cell phones and other belongings in a secure locker at the test center, in your car or at home
Check-in and sign a digital signature pad
Have a photograph and palm vein scan completed
Submit your accommodation letter from ARRT if applicable
Complete a short orientation
Be escorted to your assigned workstation with a booklet and marker
Take a tutorial and accept the Nondisclosure Agreement within 2 minutes of its appearance
Complete your exam
Raise your hand to have your completed test booklet collected
Have your palm scanned and exit the building
Certification
Application Process
Create an account on arrt.org
Complete an accredited radiography program
Earn an associate degree or higher if you don’t already have one
Undergo an ethics review
Apply for the registration and certification exam
Paper Application: Pay fee with a check or money order, allow 30 days for processing
Online Application: Pay fee with a credit card, receive Candidate Status Report in online account within 2 business days
Take the R.T.(R) certification exam within 3 years
Renewal
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
Continuing Education
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.
Other Resources
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:
Related Certifications
After obtaining RT certification, technologists may seek additional certifications in specialized areas of radiologic technology, such as:
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Frequently asked questions
What are some certifications I can pursue after obtaining ARRT Radiography (R) certification?
You can pursue Computed Tomography RT (CT-ARRT), Positron Emission Technology (PET-NMTCB), 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) or Breast Sonography RT (BS), among others.
Is the ARRT Radiography (R) exam hard?
The ARRT Radiography (R) exam can be difficult for those not properly prepared. One of the biggest challenges when studying for the exam is trying to anticipate what will be on the test. Focus on the material ARRT includes in its major content categories covered on the Computed Tomography exam. Don't underestimate the exam's difficulty, put in some study time but don't be intimidated, and you should do fine.
What is the passing score for the ARRT Radiography (R) exam?
The ARRT Radiography (R) exam is scored on a scale that ranges from 1 to 99. You need a total score of 75 to pass the exam but this isn't a percentage. The number of correct answers necessary to earn a scaled score of 75 varies based on the difficulty of the exam version you take.
What other certifications should I consider after getting the ARRT Radiography (R)?
If you reside in the state of California, you can pursue the Fluoroscopy Permit (CA).
How often do I need to renew my ARRT Radiography RT (R) certification?
You must renew your ARRT Radiography RT (R) certification annually.