Radiologic Technologist (ARRT – RT)
The ARRT Registered Technologist (R.T.) credential certifies radiologic technologists to perform diagnostic imaging safely and competently under physician direction.
What Is This Certification?
This credential validates your ability to operate X-ray and imaging equipment, position patients, minimize radiation exposure, and produce diagnostic-quality images. It is the standard licensure pathway for radiographers in the U.S.
Eligibility & Requirements
Graduate from an ARRT-approved radiography program (associate degree typically) and meet ethics requirements.
Exam Format & Structure
220 scored questions (computerized adaptive), ~4 hours, delivered via Pearson VUE.
Cost & Fees
Application $200 + exam $90 (ARRT fees). Program tuition is separate.
Validity & Renewal
Valid 2 years (state license also required). Renew with 24 continuing-education credits every 2 years.
Salary & Career Outlook
Radiologic technologists commonly earn $55,000–$75,000; experienced techs and specialties exceed $80,000.
Compare Radiologic Technologist (ARRT – RT)
See how this certification stacks up against others:
Top Training Providers & Resources
- ARRT-approved radiography programs
- ASRT (society resources)
- Community colleges & hospitals
- Mosby's radiography exam review
Is Radiologic Technologist (ARRT – RT) Worth It?
The ARRT Radiologic Technologist credential is worth it if you want a stable, well-paid allied-health career with patient contact and far less schooling than nursing or medicine — U.S. pay commonly $55k–$75k, with specialties exceeding $80k. It is less worth it if you dislike technical, physically active, patient-handling work. The trade-off: it requires a 2-year program plus clinical rotations, so it is a bigger commitment than a short admin cert. For those drawn to imaging technology and patient care, it is a high-satisfaction, durable career path. Add CT/MRI specialties to boost earnings.
How to Prepare
Prep spans a 2-year ARRT-approved program, then 2–3 months exam study. 1) Complete the didactic + clinical rotation requirements. 2) Use a review book (Mosby's) covering radiography physics, anatomy, and positioning. 3) Take computerized practice exams to adapt to the adaptive format. 4) Drill radiation-protection and patient-care scenarios. 5) Schedule the ARRT exam ($200 + $90) at Pearson VUE once practice scores are steady. Maintain 24 CE credits every 2 years plus your state license.
How to Get Radiologic Technologist (ARRT – RT) Certified
- Enroll in and graduate from an ARRT-approved radiography program (associate degree).
- Meet ARRT ethics and character requirements.
- Apply to ARRT ($200) and download the exam content specification.
- Complete clinical rotations and a focused 2–3 month exam review.
- Take practice exams and target a steady pass-rate. Exam format: 220 adaptive questions, ~4 hours, Pearson VUE.
- Book and pass the ARRT exam ($90) at a Pearson VUE center.
- Receive your R.T. credential and apply for your state license.
- Track renewal: 24 CE credits every 2 years plus active license.
Career Paths & Job Titles
- Radiologic Technologist (R.T.)
- CT or MRI Technologist (with specialty)
- Mammography Technologist
- Imaging Department Supervisor
- Radiation Therapy (with further study)
Skills You'll Gain
- Diagnostic X-ray positioning and technique
- Radiation safety and protection
- Anatomy and radiographic procedures
- Patient care during imaging
- Image quality and equipment operation
Who Should Get This Certification?
allied-health students wanting an imaging career with patient contact
Good fit if…
- You want a credentialed, licensed healthcare career.
- You're comfortable with technology and patient handling.
- You want strong pay with an associate-level education.
- Imaging science interests you.
Maybe skip if…
- You want a very short, low-cost cert.
- You dislike physically active, technical work.
- You can't commit to a 2-year program + clinicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is becoming an ARRT radiologic technologist worth it?
Yes if you want a stable, well-paid allied-health career with patient contact but less schooling than nursing or medicine — typical pay $55k–$75k. Less worth it if you dislike confined, technical, patient-handling work.
How hard is the ARRT exam?
Challenging. It spans physics, anatomy, procedures, and patient care. Most complete a 2-year program then study 2–3 months for the exam.
What is the ARRT RT credential and who is it for?
It is offered by the ARRT. It certifies safe, competent diagnostic imaging. It is aimed at graduates of ARRT-approved radiography programs who meet ethics rules.
How much does it cost?
ARRT fees are $200 application + $90 exam. Program tuition (often an associate degree) is separate and varies widely.
How long is it valid, and how do I renew?
Valid 2 years. Renew with 24 continuing-education (CE) credits plus an active state license.
What does the exam format look like?
220 scored computerized-adaptive questions, ~4 hours, Pearson VUE. It adjusts difficulty as you go, so pacing matters.
Am I eligible?
Eligibility: graduate from an ARRT-approved radiography program (typically an associate degree) and meet ethics requirements. Review ARRT's current rules.
How long should I study?
Most study 2–3 months after program completion using a review book and practice exams.
What is the salary outlook?
Radiologic technologists commonly earn $55,000–$75,000; specialties (CT, MRI) and experience push past $80,000.
Which comes after this credential?
Techs often add ARRT specialties (CT, MRI, mammography) or move into sonography, radiation therapy, or imaging management.
Can I take it online?
The exam is in-person at Pearson VUE centers; the didactic program is usually on-campus with clinical rotations.
Do I need hands-on clinical experience?
Yes — an ARRT-approved program includes supervised clinical rotations; the exam assumes real patient-imaging experience.