How to Get a US Radiologic Technologist License as a Foreign-Trained Rad Tech
Important: This guide provides general information for foreign-trained professionals seeking US licensure. International licensing pathways change frequently. Always verify requirements directly with the credential evaluation agency, state licensing board, and — for visa questions — a qualified immigration attorney. LicenseMap does not provide legal or immigration advice.
This guide is for internationally educated radiologic technologists seeking licensure in the United States. Whether you trained in Canada, the Philippines, India, the United Kingdom, or another country, the pathway to US radiologic technology licensure involves credential evaluation, meeting ARRT education requirements, passing the ARRT certification examination, and obtaining a state license.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the primary national credentialing body, and ARRT certification is required or recognized for state licensure across 51 states we track. This guide walks through the most common pathway for foreign-trained rad techs, from initial document gathering through receiving your state license.
Pathway at a Glance
- Obtain a credential evaluation (WES or ECE) for your foreign education transcripts and degree
- Meet ARRT education equivalency requirements — your program must be equivalent to a JRCERT-accredited program
- Complete any additional US coursework or clinical training if gaps are identified in your education
- Register for and pass the ARRT certification examination
- Apply for licensure with the state board where you intend to practice
Step 1: Credential Evaluation
The first step is obtaining a formal evaluation of your foreign education credentials. Organizations such as World Education Services (WES) and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) review your transcripts and degree to determine their equivalency to US educational standards.
Documents you will typically need:
- Official transcripts from your radiologic technology program (sent directly from your institution)
- Degree or diploma certificate
- License verification from your home country's regulatory authority (if applicable)
- Copy of your passport (identity verification)
- Certified translations of all documents not in English
Processing time for credential evaluations varies by organization and service level. Standard processing typically takes 7–10 weeks; rush options may be available for an additional fee. Start this step as early as possible, as document gathering from international institutions is often the longest part of the process.
Step 2: Meet ARRT Education Requirements
To be eligible for ARRT certification, your education must be equivalent to a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). ARRT evaluates foreign education on a case-by-case basis against these standards.
ARRT reviews your submitted credentials for equivalency in areas including:
- Didactic coursework — Required subjects such as radiation physics, radiographic procedures, patient care, and image production
- Clinical competencies — Hands-on competencies in radiographic procedures performed under supervision
- Program length and structure — A minimum program length equivalent to a two-year US associate degree program is generally expected
If your education does not fully meet ARRT's standards, you may be required to complete additional coursework or clinical hours at a US-accredited program before you can sit for the ARRT examination. ARRT will communicate specific deficiencies upon review of your application.
Step 3: ARRT Certification Examination
Once ARRT determines you are educationally eligible, you must pass the ARRT certification examination. This is the same examination taken by US-educated radiologic technology graduates and assesses entry-level competency in radiographic practice.
- Registration: Through ARRT after receiving eligibility approval
- Testing: Administered at Pearson VUE testing centers; international testing availability varies by location
- Exam format: Computer-based, multiple-choice examination
- Ethics review: ARRT requires all candidates to pass an ethics review as part of the certification process
LicenseMap covers radiologic technologist licensing requirements across all 51 states, including exam requirements, fees, and continuing education requirements.
Step 4: State Licensure
Once you have passed the ARRT examination and hold ARRT certification, you can apply for licensure with the state board in the state where you intend to practice. Most states require ARRT certification as part of the state license application, though each state sets its own additional requirements, fees, and application processes.
LicenseMap tracks radiologic technologist licensing requirements across 51 states. Visit our state-by-state radiologic technologist requirements page to find specific application details, fees, and continuing education requirements for any state.
Credential Evaluation Organizations
For radiologic technology, general credential evaluation services are used to verify your foreign degree and transcripts. The most widely recognized organizations are World Education Services (WES) and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). Check with your state board and ARRT for their specific requirements.
World Education Services (WES)
General credential evaluation for international degrees — accepted by most US state boards and institutions
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Credential evaluation and advisory services for international students and professionals
Visa & Immigration Overview
International radiologic technologists pursuing US employment may use one of the following visa categories:
- H-1B (Specialty Occupation) — A temporary work visa available for positions classified as specialty occupations. Subject to annual caps and requires employer sponsorship. Eligibility for rad techs under H-1B depends on the specific role and employer.
- EB-3 (Skilled Worker) — An employment-based immigrant visa (green card) category for skilled workers. Processing times vary significantly by country of origin and priority date.
- VisaScreen Certificate — Required for certain healthcare workers entering the US on employment-based visas. Issued by CGFNS International. Whether VisaScreen is required for radiologic technologists depends on the specific visa type and employer requirements — confirm with your employer and immigration attorney.
Note: Immigration law is complex and changes frequently. The information above is a general overview only. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your eligibility, country of origin, and circumstances.
Estimated Costs
The following table provides approximate costs for the major steps in the international radiologic technologist licensure pathway. Actual fees may vary.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Credential Evaluation (WES or ECE) | ~$200 |
| ARRT Certification Examination | ~$225 |
| State Licensure Application (varies by state) | Varies |
| Document Translation (if required) | Varies |
| Visa Application Filing Fees | $190–$460+ |
Costs are approximate and subject to change. Additional expenses may include document courier fees for international transcripts, additional US coursework if education gaps are identified, and immigration attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a US radiologic technologist license as a foreign-trained rad tech?
The process typically takes 12-24 months from start to finish, depending on how quickly you gather documents, complete credential evaluation, meet any additional education requirements, pass the ARRT exam, and obtain state licensure. Credential evaluation and document gathering from international institutions is often the longest part of the process.
Do I need to redo my radiologic technology education to become licensed in the US?
It depends on your foreign education. ARRT evaluates whether your education meets the standards of a JRCERT-accredited program. If gaps are identified — such as missing clinical hours, specific coursework, or competency requirements — you may need to complete additional US coursework or clinical training before you are eligible to sit for the ARRT exam.
What is the ARRT and why does it matter for international rad techs?
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the primary national credentialing body for radiologic technologists in the US. ARRT certification is required or accepted for state licensure in the vast majority of US states. To earn ARRT certification, you must meet their education and ethics requirements and pass the ARRT certification examination.
Can I take the ARRT certification exam outside the United States?
The ARRT certification examination is typically administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. Pearson VUE has testing locations internationally, but availability varies by country. Contact ARRT directly to confirm testing center availability in your location before applying.
Which credential evaluation services are accepted for radiologic technology?
For radiologic technology, general credential evaluation services such as World Education Services (WES) and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) are commonly used to evaluate foreign transcripts and degrees. ARRT reviews your submitted credentials as part of its own eligibility determination process. Check with the specific state board where you intend to practice for their accepted evaluation organizations.
Related Resources
- Radiologic Technologist License Requirements by State — Compare requirements, fees, and continuing education across all 51 states
- International Credential Evaluation Guide — Overview of credential evaluation for all professions
- All International Licensing Guides — Pathways for internationally educated professionals across all tracked professions
ARRT Exam Prep
Radiologic technology certification exam materials.
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