ARRT

Overview

ARRT is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. It certifies and registers professionals in medical imaging and radiation therapy in the United States. To earn a credential you complete the education, ethics and examination requirements for a discipline, then pass a computer-based ARRT exam in that discipline. Many U.S. states also use ARRT exams in their licensing process.

Who can apply

Requirements depend on the eligibility pathway you use.

• Primary pathway: this is how most people earn a first credential. You complete an ARRT-approved educational program in one of Radiography, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Sonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Vascular Sonography. ARRT describes the Registered Technologist (R.T.) credential as requiring an associate degree.

• Postprimary pathway: for people already certified and registered with ARRT who want an additional credential. People holding a credential from ARDMS or NMTCB may also use it. MRI and Vascular Sonography can be earned through either the primary or the postprimary pathway.

• Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance, I.A.(MR): you must be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED, meet the ethics requirements, complete structured education and clinical tasks, and be verified by a certified and registered technologist. All requirements must be finished within 24 months of applying.

• Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.): you must already hold ARRT credentials in Radiography and have a master's degree, and complete an advanced educational program. Radiology practitioner assistants can use a separate RPA to R.R.A. pathway.

All applicants must also meet ARRT's ethics requirements, which are based on the ARRT Standards of Ethics. The application asks ethics questions, and you can ask for an ethics review before applying if you have a potential violation.

Levels or stages

Primary credentials

Radiography, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Sonography, MRI and Vascular Sonography. Radiography is the most common starting point: radiographers take images of bones, organs and soft tissue using X-ray equipment.

Postprimary credentials

Bone Densitometry, Breast Sonography, Cardiac Interventional Radiography, Computed Tomography, Mammography, Vascular Interventional Radiography, plus MRI and Vascular Sonography through this route.

Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance

An entry-level support credential. Imaging assistants help with MR safety, patient preparation and positioning and contrast administration, but do not perform scans.

Registered Radiologist Assistant

An advanced practice credential for radiographers who complete an additional specialised program.

Exam pattern

All ARRT exams are computer-based and delivered through Pearson test centers in the U.S. and abroad. Most questions are multiple choice with one best answer, and they appear in random order. You must answer each question before moving on, but you can flag questions and return to them if time remains.

Each exam contains scored questions and unscored pilot questions that cannot be told apart. The number of questions and the time allowed differ by discipline, so check the handbook for your discipline. Extra time is given for a tutorial and a nondisclosure agreement before the exam and a survey afterwards. The tutorial lasts 18 minutes, and you have two minutes to accept the nondisclosure agreement or you forfeit that attempt.

The topics tested in each discipline are listed in its Examination Content Specifications, which ARRT publishes on the discipline page. For Radiography, ARRT lists one version of the specifications for exams through February 28, 2027 and a new version effective March 1, 2027.

Marking and results

• Scores are reported on a scaled range of 1 to 99, and a total scaled score of 75 is needed to pass. This is not a percentage, because the number of correct answers needed varies between exam versions.

• You see a preliminary score at the test center. The official result is posted to your ARRT online account about 10 business days later, and you are notified by email.

• The report gives a total score and a score for each content section, which helps if you need to retake.

• Sonography and Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance exams have an extra rule: the total score alone does not decide pass or fail, so check the handbook for the section requirement.

• Results can be delayed for up to six months or cancelled if your application information was incomplete or inaccurate or fees were unpaid.

Fees

ARRT lists these application fees (2026):

How to apply

For every pathway you submit an application and ARRT must approve it before you can schedule the exam. The primary pathway and I.A. credential use their own application handbooks. Postprimary and R.R.A. applicants log in to their ARRT online account first. Request any ADA accommodations at the same time as your application, since test centers cannot grant accommodations ARRT has not approved.

After the exam

• If you pass: ARRT mails a packet about two weeks after results are posted, with a welcome letter, your certificate and a guide to maintaining the credential, which is renewed annually.

• If you fail: you may attempt the exam up to three times within three years. The three years start with your first exam window. After three failed attempts or three years, whichever is first, eligibility ends. Attempts made as a state licensing candidate count toward the limit.

• Regaining eligibility: on the primary pathway, complete the same or another educational program in the discipline. On the postprimary pathway, repeat the clinical experience and structured education, with all clinicals done in the two years before the new application.

Preparation tips

• Use the current Examination Content Specifications for your discipline as your study outline. ARRT does not endorse any particular study materials.

• Use the tutorial at the start of the exam to get comfortable with the format.

• On exam day arrive at least 30 minutes early. You may lose your appointment if you are more than 15 minutes late, and fees are not refunded. Bring two forms of identification. Phones, calculators and study guides must be left in a locker.

• If you need to retake, use the section scores on your report to decide where to focus.

FAQs