If you’re considering a career in medical imaging, there are certain credentials you need to earn along the way. Between certification, licensure, and specialty designations, the terminology can feel like a whole other language.

But it’s important to figure it out. Radiography certification validates a technologist’s knowledge, skills, and ethical standards for safely operating imaging equipment. It matters for patient safety, legal practice, and your career mobility.

Below, we’ll break down education requirements, core credentials, specialty pathways, and how to maintain your certification once you’ve earned it as you launch your career in medical imaging.

What is radiography certification?

Starting at the top. What exactly is certification? Generally speaking, certification is a professional credential awarded by an unbiased third party. For radiography in the United States, the credentialing organization is, most commonly, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Certification validates that a technologist has the essential skills, ethics, and education to operate medical imaging equipment safely. But it’s not a test you can just sign up to take; it’s a national standard exam you’re able to sit for after completing an accredited program, and it follows you wherever you choose to practice.

Certification vs. licensure: What’s the difference?

Certification and licensure aren’t the same thing, and mixing them up isn’t uncommon and can cause real confusion when you’re planning your career.

Certification is a professional achievement you earn through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Licensure is the legal permission a state grants to practice, and that state’s board enforces it rather than ARRT itself.

Most states require ARRT certification before they’ll issue a license, but they don’t stop there. Some tack on state-specific exams, background checks, or extra continuing education hours beyond what ARRT requires.

In practice, this means certification gets your foot in the door nationally, while licensure is the state-by-state paperwork you’ll need to start working. Checking your specific state board’s requirements early can save you a surprise down the line.

Why radiography certification matters

Certification assures employers that a technologist meets a consistent, verified standard of competency while giving patients confidence that the person operating imaging equipment has been properly trained and vetted.

For technologists, it’s the foundation for career growth and confidence. Certification demonstrates adherence to a professional code of ethics and opens the door to specialty credentials, higher earning potential, and advanced roles later on.

Education requirements for radiography certification

The baseline educational requirement for ARRT certification is completing an associate degree from an accredited radiography program. This matters because only graduates of JRCERT-accredited programs are eligible to sit for the ARRT exam. Most programs take about two years to complete, with clinical training woven throughout the curriculum rather than completed only at the end.

What to expect in a radiography program

Ready to apply to programs? Here’s what you’ll find there.

Coursework typically covers anatomy, patient care, radiation physics, imaging techniques, and professional ethics. Alongside classroom learning, students complete a clinical externship, gaining hands-on experience in real healthcare settings under the supervision of licensed technologists. These programs are built specifically to prepare students for the ARRT certification exam, not just to teach imaging theory.

The ARRT certification process

As mentioned, the ARRT is the primary national credentialing body for radiologic technologists. To earn your certification, you must meet three core requirements:

• Complete an accredited education program
• Pass an ethics review
• Pass the certification exam

The exam consists of 200 computer-based questions covering patient care, radiation safety, image production, and imaging procedures. A passing score is typically set at 75, and candidates usually receive results immediately after finishing the test.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible to sit for the exam, a candidate must:

• First complete the ARRT ethics review and disclose any criminal history or sanctions
• Graduate from a JRCERT-accredited radiography program
• Apply and pay the exam fee (currently $225)

Preparing for the ARRT exam

Most successful candidates lean on ARRT’s official content specifications and practice exams to guide their studying. Study groups, formal review courses, and support from program faculty can also make a real difference. Clinical experience gained during the program tends to reinforce exam content in ways that are hard to replicate through studying alone.

Core radiography credentials

The foundational credential most technologists earn is called an R.T.(R), or Registered Technologist in Radiography. This credential allows a technologist to perform general diagnostic X-ray procedures under a physician’s order. It’s the entry-level certification most radiologic technologists hold immediately upon graduating and passing the ARRT exam.

Specialty and advanced certifications

Once a technologist holds the R.T.(R) credential, they can pursue postprimary certifications that open the door to more advanced imaging modalities, most of which require the R.T.(R) as a prerequisite, along with additional coursework and clinical experience.

Common specialty certifications include:

• Bone densitometry (BD): measuring bone mineral density
• Computed tomography (CT): cross-sectional imaging using X-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): imaging using magnetic fields and radio waves
• Mammography (M): breast imaging for cancer screening and diagnosis
• Vascular-interventional radiography (VI): assisting with minimally invasive procedures

Some specialties, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may require several years of related clinical experience before a technologist is eligible to sit for the certification exam.

Registered radiologist assistant (R.R.A.)

For experienced technologists looking to expand their clinical scope, the registered radiologist assistant credential is a popular advanced-practice option requiring both a master’s degree and specialized clinical training.

R.R.A.s work under a radiologist’s supervision to perform advanced procedures and patient assessments, making it a natural next step for technologists ready to take on more responsibility and expand their expertise.

Limited scope and state-specific certifications

Some states offer limited scope or limited license credentials for technologists who perform only certain types of exams, such as chest X-rays in a clinic setting. These are not equivalent to full ARRT certification and come with restricted practice privileges, so it’s worth understanding the distinction before choosing this path.

Become a radiologic technologist at Goodwin

Maintaining your radiography certification

ARRT certification isn’t a one-and-done situation; it requires ongoing renewal every two years.

To renew, technologists must complete 24 continuing education (CE) credits during that two-year cycle, including coursework on topics like patient safety, ethics, and equipment operation.

Luckily, ARRT provides an online portal to track CE credits, manage the renewal process, and help technologists stay organized. Staying current isn’t just a formality; it’s an important professional responsibility that reflects a professional’s commitment to keeping pace with evolving best practices and technology.

Where to earn continuing education credits

Technologists can earn CE credits through professional conferences, online courses, employer-sponsored training, and resources from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). ARRT approves specific providers and courses, so confirm a course qualifies before enrolling.

State licensure: What you need to know

Certification and licensure are separate but closely connected. Most states require ARRT certification before they’ll issue a state license to practice. Some states add further requirements, such as state-specific exams, background checks, or additional continuing education. Because requirements vary, check directly with your state’s radiologic technology licensing board. Practicing, or attempting to practice, without proper licensure is illegal in most states and can carry serious penalties, so don’t skip this step.

How Goodwin University prepares you for certification

Goodwin University’s new Radiography program is currently completing its JRCERT accreditation review, and is designed to prepare students for ARRT certification from day one. The program combines hands-on clinical training, experienced faculty, and dedicated exam-prep support.

Closely aligned with ARRT’s content specifications, Goodwin’s curriculum offers students a strong foundation for exam success and a smooth transition into clinical practice.

Ready to start your journey toward radiography certification? Learn more about Goodwin’s Radiography program and take the first step toward a rewarding healthcare career.

Next steps: Your path to certification

Here’s a clear roadmap for anyone considering this career path and wondering how to become a certified radiologic technologist:

1. Research and apply to a JRCERT-accredited radiography program
2. Complete your associate degree and clinical training
3. Apply for the ARRT certification exam
4. Pass the exam and apply for state licensure
5. Consider specialty certifications to advance your career

If you’re ready to explore your options, connect with Goodwin’s admissions team or download a program guide to learn more.

Certification is your gateway to a stable, in-demand career in medical imaging. Are you ready to take the next step?

Learn more about Goodwin’s Radiography program to see if a career as a radiologic technologist is a good fit for you.