If you are considering a career in medical imaging, you’ve likely come across an important question: How does one get ARRT certification? For aspiring radiologic technologists like yourself, this is more than a professional milestone.

In most states, ARRT certification is required for practice and signals that you meet the national standards in education, ethics, and clinical competency.

Understanding how to get ARRT certification can help you map out your education, prepare for the examination process, and confidently take the next step toward your career in radiologic technology. So, let’s dive in.

What is ARRT certification?

ARRT certification is a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates a radiologic technologist has met rigorous standards in education, ethics, and examination. The three Es. This certification is granted by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

When employers hire certified radiologic technologists, they know those candidates have completed an approved academic program and passed the comprehensive exam designed to assess real-world clinical knowledge.

If you are still exploring the profession, it may be helpful to learn what radiologic technologists do daily. (After all, the certification relies on these very aspects of the career!) At a high level, their responsibilities range from working closely with patients and operating advanced imaging equipment to ensuring radiation safety and collaborating with physicians to support accurate, timely diagnoses.

Certification builds on these responsibilities, making sure that you are prepared to perform them competently and ethically.

3 Steps to Get ARRT Certification

1. Complete an approved Radiography program.

Completing an approved program is the first major milestone in accomplishing ARRT certification. This is a required step by the ARRT.

Specifically, to qualify for their radiography credential, you need to have graduated from an approved program with an associate degree in Radiography (or higher). ARRT-approved programs combine academic coursework with extensive hands-on clinical training.

However, clinical rotations are equally important in a program and can provide you with valuable experience in preparation for your career. Under supervision, students learn how to perform imaging procedures, communicate with patients, and apply safety protocols in real healthcare environments.

If you are researching the full pathway into this profession, explore how to become a radiologic technologist here to get a deeper look.

2. Meet ARRT ethics requirements.

Education alone is not enough to earn certification. The ARRT also requires candidates to demonstrate good moral character.

As part of the application process, candidates must disclose information about their criminal history, including any academic integrity violations on their record.

ARRT reviews this information to determine your eligibility. In some cases, individuals may request a pre-application ethics review before completing their program, which can provide more clarity on certification eligibility before they receive their degree.

This step makes sure that certified professionals represent more than just technical skills.

Explore a Radiography program that prepares you for ARRT certification at Goodwin University.

3. Apply for and pass the ARRT exam.

Once you’ve graduated from your approved program and satisfied the ethics requirements, the next step is passing the ARRT certification exam.

You take the exam on a computer at an authorized testing center, and it evaluates your competency across several major areas:

• Image production
• Patient care
• Radiographic procedures
• Safety

The exam is designed to measure not only your knowledge but also your ability to apply that knowledge to different clinical scenarios. Questions reflect real situations technologists may encounter in hospitals, outpatient centers, and imaging facilities.

To prepare for the exam, you can review your coursework and take practice exams. The ARRT exam is rigorous, so students who remain engaged throughout their program are well-positioned for success.

How long does it take to get ARRT certification?

When asking about how to get ARRT certification, many also want to know how long it takes to get certified.

Most associate degrees in Radiography take two years to complete. After graduation, candidates submit their application to the ARRT, receive approval, and schedule their examination. The certification process itself may take several weeks, depending on processing and testing availability.

Overall, the majority of the timeline is dedicated to education and clinical preparation.

Maintaining ARRT certification

It’s important to understand that your certification doesn’t end once you pass the exam. ARRT requires ongoing renewal and professional development to maintain credentials.

Certified radiologic technologists must:

• Complete continuing education requirements
• Meet continuing qualification requirements every 10 years
• Renew certification annually

This just ensures that professionals remain up to date on advancements in imaging technology, evolving safety standards, and best practices in patient care.

Because medical imaging technology continues to evolve, ongoing education helps you maintain competency and continue delivering high-quality support.

Certification vs. licensure

Another important distinction to make as we discuss how to get ARRT certification is the difference between certification and licensure.

ARRT grants certification and verifies national professional standards. However, licensure for radiographers is issued by individual states and provides legal authorization to practice. Many states use ARRT exam results as part of their licensure requirements, making certification a critical step toward employment.

If you are still comparing career paths or terminology within medical imaging, it may also help to know the difference between radiography and radiology.

Why ARRT certification matters

What is the value of ARRT certification? Earning your ARRT certification strengthens your professional credibility. Employers often prioritize certified candidates because certification tells them that you have:

• Adherence to national standards
• Commitment to ethical practice
• Verified clinical competency

It may also help if you plan on moving around. Since ARRT credentials are nationally recognized, certification can support relocation or advancement opportunities in different healthcare settings.

Plus, for many professionals, certification represents both a personal achievement and a meaningful contribution to patient care.

Take the next step toward ARRT certification

Understanding how to get ARRT certification can give you much-needed clarity as you plan your educational and professional future. Goodwin University’s Radiography program is designed to prepare candidates for ARRT certification success, as well as the skills that employers are looking for in modern healthcare settings.

If you are interested, learn more about our Radiography program at Goodwin University to see if being a radiologic technician is a good career choice for you.