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Radiologic Technologist
Total cost: $449
Governing Authority
California Department of Public Health - Radiologic Health Branch
Official website →(916) 327-5106
Yes
License Required
Yes
ARRT Required
Required
Fluoroscopy Permit
Available
Limited Operator
24 hrs
CE Hours
$449
Total Initial Fees
Education & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Associate's degree in Radiologic Technology from JRCERT-accredited program
JRCERT Accreditation
Required
Program Length
2 years
Clinical Hours
1800 hours
Prerequisite Courses
Radiologic technology programs typically require completion of an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program. Programs include didactic coursework and supervised clinical rotations covering patient care, radiation safety, imaging procedures, and equipment operation.
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Examination Details
VerifiedRequired
ARRT Exam
Computer-based; 220 multiple-choice questions; 3.5 hours
Format
Scaled score of 75
Passing Score
ARRT Exam Fee
$225
ARRT primary certification exam fee (2025). Note: some sources report $200 for 2026 — verify at arrt.org
State Exam Also Required
California requires a separate state fluoroscopy permit exam for fluoroscopy; the state uses ARRT for CRT certification
Retake Policy
Three attempts within a 3-year eligibility window; must wait 90 days between attempts
The ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) exam is the primary certification exam for radiologic technologists in the United States. It is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam covering patient care, safety, image production, and procedures. Some states may require additional state-specific exams.
Overall licensing difficulty: 13/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
ARRT Radiography Exam
Browse study guides
Radiologic Technology Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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ARRT Radiography Exam
Questions
220 questions
Time Limit
3.5 hours
Passing Score
Scaled score of 75
Format
Computer-based; 220 multiple-choice questions; 3.5 hours
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $225Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the ARRT Radiography Exam.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — ARRT Radiography Exam
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Study guides for the ARRT radiography certification exam.
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ARRT & Specialty Certifications
VerifiedRequired
ARRT Certification
Required
Fluoroscopy Permit
MQSA certification required for mammography; additional ARRT mammography certification
Mammography Cert
Available ARRT Modalities
ARRT offers primary and post-primary certifications across multiple imaging modalities. Fluoroscopy permits are separate from general radiography certification in many states. Mammography certification is federally regulated under MQSA (Mammography Quality Standards Act).
Permitted Modalities & Procedures
VerifiedPermitted
Diagnostic Radiography
Permitted
Fluoroscopy
Permitted
CT Scan
Not Permitted
MRI
Permitted
Mammography
Permitted
Bone Densitometry
Limited X-Ray Operator Permit
Limited permit for specific body areas (chest, extremities, etc.)
Restricted Activities
Radiologic technologist scope of practice varies significantly by state. Some states include advanced modalities like CT and MRI within the RT scope, while others require separate certifications. Limited x-ray operator permits allow non-RT personnel to perform specific radiographic procedures under supervision.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $112 |
ARRT Fee ARRT primary certification exam fee (2025). Note: some sources report $200 for 2026 — verify at arrt.org | $225 |
License Fee | $112 |
Renewal Fee | $104 |
Fluoroscopy Permit Fee | $112 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application ($112), ARRT exam ($225), and fluoroscopy permit ($112) if applicable | $449 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
CE Topics
ARRT CE Requirements
24 CE credits per biennium required by ARRT for certification maintenance
Renewal Fee
$104
Regulatory Board
Radiologic technologist licenses must be renewed on schedule. In addition to state CE requirements, ARRT requires 24 CE credits biennially for continued certification. Some states accept ARRT CE compliance as meeting state requirements. CE topics typically include radiation safety, patient care, and imaging technology advances.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
Yes
ARRT Portability
ARRT certification is nationally recognized and portable across all states
Requirements
ARRT certification is nationally recognized and provides strong portability between states. However, each state maintains its own licensing requirements, so out-of-state applicants typically need to apply for licensure by endorsement and may need to meet additional state-specific criteria.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare California with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
California has one of the most comprehensive regulatory systems in the nation, with separate certificates for diagnostic, therapeutic, and mammographic technologists, a state-specific fluoroscopy permit exam, and a 4-hour digital radiography CE requirement.
California certifies radiologic technologists through the Radiologic Health Branch (RHB) of CDPH.
California requires ARRT certification for the CRT certificate.
A separate California fluoroscopy permit exam is required for fluoroscopy procedures.
California has an extensive limited permit system for non-RT x-ray operators.
CE requires 24 hours per biennium, including 4 hours specifically in digital radiography.
Mammography technologists must hold a separate California mammographic radiologic technologist certificate.
Radiologic Technologist Schools in California
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to California? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Radiologic Technologist license to California →
California requires certification for radiologic technologists. ARRT certification is required. A separate fluoroscopy permit is also required. All licensing is managed through the California Department of Public Health - Radiologic Health Branch.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.