ARRT
Overview
The ARRT exam is the certification test for entry-level medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals, administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) website, assessing knowledge in areas like patient care, safety, and procedures for credentials like Radiography, MRI, or Sonography. These computer-based tests, taken at Pearson VUE centers, involve hundreds of questions and require identification for entry, with specific content outlines available on the ARRT site to guide preparation, aiming to validate competency for national certification and state licensing.
What it is
- Purpose: Measures the entry-level knowledge and skills needed for medical imaging and radiation therapy.
- Credential: Leads to certification and registration (e.g., R.T.(R) for Radiography).
- Disciplines: Covers fields like Radiography, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, and Sonography.
Exam format & content (Radiography Example) - Questions: Around 230 (200 scored, 30 unscored).
- Topics: Patient Care, Safety (Radiation Physics/Protection), Image Production, and Procedures (Head, Spine, Pelvis, Thorax, Abdomen, Extremities).
- Time: About 230 minutes of test time, with a total appointment of 250 minutes.
How to prepare & take it - Study Guide: Use the official ARRT Content Specifications/Outlines.
- Resources: Utilize program directors, textbooks, and online resources like practice exams.
- Exam Day: Bring two forms of ID (matching your name exactly), be prepared for digital signatures and biometrics, and arrive early.
- Strategy: Practice regularly, use active recall, and focus on weak areas.
Scoring & Attempts - Passing Score: A scaled score of 75 is needed, not necessarily 75% of questions correct.
- Attempts: Candidates typically get three attempts within three years.
Key takeaway - The ARRT exam is crucial for becoming a licensed technologist; understand the content, prepare strategically with official outlines, and manage test-day logistics effectively.
How is the Exam Scored?
The ARRT exam uses a scaled scoring system where a total score of 75 is required to pass, not a percentage, meaning the number of correct answers needed varies by exam version. You get a preliminary pass/fail at the test center, but final results come later, with a detailed report showing section scores (0.1-9.9) to highlight strengths/weaknesses, although averaging these won’t equal your total score due to differing question counts.
Key Aspects of the Exam
Scheduling Your Exam
To schedule your ARRT exam, you first apply to ARRT, get your Candidate Status Report (CSR) with your authorization window, and then use your ARRT ID to create a Pearson VUE account to book your test online or by phone, ensuring your name matches your ID before scheduling, ideally with time to spare before your eligibility window closes, and always check your confirmation and arrive early on exam day with two valid IDs.
Appointment Length
The ARRT exam appointment length varies by discipline, but generally includes about 3.5 to 4 hours of testing time plus 20-30 minutes for tutorials, NDAs, and surveys, making the total appointment around 4 to 4.5 hours for most exams like Radiography (250 mins total), while Sonography is longer (440 mins total) with two sessions, so always check your specific exam’s details in the ARRT handbook.
Rescheduling or Canceling Your Exam
You can reschedule or cancel your ARRT exam through your Pearson VUE account, usually by signing in and using the “Reschedule” or “Cancel” buttons, but strict deadlines apply (often 48 hours or more for test centers) to avoid fees or forfeiture of your fee, with specific policies for test centers vs. OnVUE online exams; failure to cancel in time or missing the appointment means losing your fee and needing to reapply, while major issues during the exam may warrant an appeal.
ARRT Exam Eligibility
To be eligible for an ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) exam, you must complete an ARRT-approved program, earn an associate’s degree (or higher), meet specific ethics requirements, and pass the certification exam, all while generally applying within three years of finishing your education. Key steps include graduating from a recognized program, demonstrating clinical skills, having an associate’s degree from an accredited institution, and fulfilling ethics mandates.
Requirements for Foreigners Taking the ARRT Exam
Foreigners must meet the same education, ethics, and examination requirements as U.S. citizens to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. This includes having foreign credentials evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
Key Requirements for Foreign-Educated Candidates
- Education: Candidates must hold an associate degree or higher from an institution accredited by an ARRT-recognized agency. The degree does not have to be in radiologic sciences, but the candidate must also have successfully completed an ARRT-verified professional educational program in the specific discipline (e.g., radiography, radiation therapy) for which they seek a credential.
- Credential Evaluation: Academic transcripts and degrees from institutions outside the U.S. must be evaluated by an academic credential evaluation service that is a member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE), the Center for Applied Linguistics (CED), and/or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The evaluation determines if the education is equivalent to U.S. standards.
- Ethics: All candidates must meet the ARRT’s ethics requirements, which include a review of their background and professional conduct to demonstrate good moral character.
- Examination: After meeting the education and ethics requirements, candidates are eligible to apply to take the ARRT certification exam. The exam is administered at Pearson VUE test centers, which are located worldwide.
- Clinical Competency: Candidates following the primary pathway must complete specific didactic and clinical competency requirements as part of their educational program.
Note: ARRT certification is a national standard for professional qualification, but it does not handle issues related to employment, work visas, or state-specific licensing requirements. Candidates are responsible for contacting prospective employers, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and their intended state’s licensing entity for work authorization information.
Additional requirements for internationally educated candidates may include:
English Language Proficiency: A passing score on an approved English-language proficiency exam may be required, unless you graduated from a program in specific English-speaking countries.
State Licensure: Passing the ARRT exam is a national requirement, but practicing in a U.S. state also requires meeting that state’s individual licensure requirements, which are managed by the exam board.
For detailed information and application forms, consult the “For Internationally Educated” section on the official ARRT website
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