ARRT Registration and Examination Process

Graduates of the radiologic science programs are qualified to take the registry exam with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) and become registered as an R.T., which is a requirement for employment. This national registration examination is accepted by all states. If you choose to practice in an agreement state you will be responsible to check with the state licensing agency there to determine if the national registration exam is accepted as a licensing exam for that state.

You need to keep your registration in good standing by paying the appropriate fees, complying with state/national regulations and maintaining the required continuing education credits in order to prevent reexamination in the future. The ARRT’s process called Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR) applies to all primary and post-primary certificates earned beginning or after January 1, 2011. Before the end of a 10 year period, documentation of continuing qualifications will be required. Information regarding this can be located at www.arrt.org

General Information:

The first registry exam was given in 1922 to Sister M. Beatrice Merrigan. It consisted of 20 essays questions and several prescribed x-rays. More than eighty years after its founding, nearly a quarter of a million R.T.’s attest to the success and strength of The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Sister Beatrice was first. Now it’s your turn.” (ARRT examination booklet). The exam consists of questions derived from the content specifications, which, can be found at www.arrt.org.

Preparation:

Preparation for the exam must take place during the entire radiologic science program.
Review material can be limited in certain modalities. There are several authors that have supplemental review books and CD’s that can be purchased through their website.
Your ability to practice depends on your ability to pass the exam. Program accreditation is affected by your ability to pass it at the first attempt. Statistics show that failure to pass the exam at the first attempt make it more difficult to pass.

Applications:

National Registration Examination Applications will be made available to all students approximately six weeks prior to finishing clinical education from the Clinical Coordinator. Students are required to apply for the exam at this time.
Examinations are taken at “exam centers” such as Pearson Professional Center. It is your responsibility to make the appointment (after program completion).

Fees:

Approximately $200.00 each time you apply for examination
Pre-application fee is $100 (this could be required if student has a prior criminal record)

Scoring:

Students must achieve 75% scaled score or above to pass. This is NOT an easy task! Results are known after completion of the exam; however, official notification regarding passing and scores are mailed to you approximately two to four weeks after the testing day.

Failure:

If a student fails the National Registration Exam it is the responsibility of the student to contact the ARRT office for reapplication. There is limited number of times that this exam can be attempted (3) as well as the period of time after application (3 years). See ARRT rules.