American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
ARRT Radiography
ARRT Radiography Certification Examination
The credentialing exam for radiographers (X-ray technologists), required for state licensure to perform diagnostic imaging in most states.
Full program: 4 decks, 968 cards.
What's on the exam
ARRT Radiography Examination Content Specifications (implemented January 2022, in effect through February 28, 2027); revised specifications take effect March 1, 2027 (Patient Care 31, Safety 46, Image Production 51, Procedures 72 scored questions)
Patient Care
33 of 200 scored questions (~16.5%)Patient interactions and management · Infection control and standard precautions · Medical emergencies and pharmacology · Contrast media administration · Vital signs and venipuncture
Safety
50 of 200 scored questions (25%)Radiation physics and interactions · Radiation protection (ALARA, shielding) · Dose, dose limits and monitoring · Patient and personnel protection · Biological effects of radiation
Image Production
51 of 200 scored questions (~25.5%)Exposure factors (kVp, mAs) · Image receptors and digital imaging · Image quality (contrast, density, resolution) · Artifacts and quality control · Technique charts and AEC
Procedures
66 of 200 scored questions (33%)Thorax and abdomen positioning · Upper and lower extremity positioning · Spine and pelvis positioning · Head, skull and facial bones · Anatomy and projection terminology
Frequently asked questions
How much does the ARRT Radiography cost?
The ARRT Radiography costs $225. Application and exam fee.
How long is the ARRT Radiography and how many questions does it have?
230 items (200 scored plus 30 unscored pilot items) — 230 minutes of test time (4 hour 10 minute appointment including tutorial and survey).
What do you need to pass the ARRT Radiography?
Scaled score of 75 (scale 1–99).
Can you retake the ARRT Radiography?
Up to three attempts within a three-year window.
What is the best way to study for the ARRT Radiography?
Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Patient Care 33 of 200 scored questions (~16.5%), Safety 50 of 200 scored questions (25%), Image Production 51 of 200 scored questions (~25.5%), Procedures 66 of 200 scored questions (33%)). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.
Ready to prepare?
Our ARRT Radiography — Radiologic Technologist program is organized by this outline's domains and scheduled by spaced repetition, with a path from first card to test day.
Flashcards are a memory tool. Learn the material first, then use NoReread to retain it and refresh what you already know. It doesn't replace studying the subject.