ARRT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ARRT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The 'cupping artifact' in CT, where the center of a uniform object appears less dense than its periphery, is a manifestation of which phenomenon? → Beam hardening
2. When treating a severe anaphylactic reaction to contrast media in an adult patient, what is the first-line drug and route of administration? → Epinephrine 0.3 mg (1:1000) intramuscular injection into the anterolateral thigh
3. A CT technologist retires and allows their ARRT registration to expire for 8 years, then wishes to return to practice. What is required? → Retaking the ARRT CT certification examination
4. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a test bolus or bolus tracking technique in CT angiography? → To determine the optimal scan delay for peak arterial enhancement
5. In CT, the term 'pitch' for single-slice CT is calculated as: → Table feed per rotation / slice thickness
6. When assessing a patient's hydration status before contrast-enhanced CT, which finding is most concerning? → Urine output less than 30 mL/hour
7. In CT, the term 'isotropic voxel' means: → The voxel dimensions are equal in all three axes (x, y, z)
8. A CT scan for appendicitis in a young female patient of childbearing age should be preceded by: → Evaluation for pregnancy and consideration of alternative imaging
9. A technologist passes the ARRT CT exam on their first attempt. Which professional document should they update immediately to reflect this achievement? → Their professional resume and credential listings
10. What is the first step in the ARRT CT certification process? → Submit an online application through the ARRT portal
11. Which injection technique is used to maintain steady arterial opacification during a lengthy CT acquisition such as a runoff study of the lower extremities? → Biphasic injection with an initial rapid bolus followed by a slower maintenance rate
12. Which financial benefit is most commonly associated with passing the ARRT CT certification exam for staff technologists? → Eligibility for a certification differential or bonus pay
13. On axial CT at the level of the umbilicus, which abdominal wall muscle is most lateral? → External oblique
14. A CT technologist who allows their ARRT registration to lapse must do which of the following to reinstate it? → Complete a reinstatement application and pay the reinstatement fee
15. Which CT finding is most characteristic of acute mesenteric ischemia due to superior mesenteric artery occlusion? → Pneumatosis intestinalis
16. Which radiation weighting factor (wR) applies to X-rays used in CT imaging? → 1
17. What is the effect of decreasing detector collimation (thinner slices) on image noise, assuming all other factors remain constant? → Noise increases
18. Which artifact is caused by patient movement during CT data acquisition and appears as blurring or ghosting on the reconstructed image? → Motion artifact
19. On axial CT of the abdomen, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is typically located: → Directly anterior to the abdominal aorta, surrounded by fat
20. For a CT coronary angiography (CCTA) protocol, which heart rate range is generally ideal to minimize motion artifact? → <65 bpm
21. On axial CT of the neck, the hypopharynx is best visualized at which vertebral level? → C4-C6
22. What is the ALARA principle in radiation safety? → As Low As Reasonably Achievable — minimize radiation exposure
23. In multi-detector CT (MDCT), increasing the number of detector rows primarily allows: → Simultaneous acquisition of more slices per rotation, improving z-axis coverage speed
24. The ARRT CT post-primary examination content specifications are reviewed and updated approximately every: → 5 years
25. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for ARRT CT post-primary certification eligibility? → Graduating from a JRCERT-accredited CT-specific degree program
26. On a CT KUB (kidneys, ureters, bladder), which stone type appears LEAST dense (lowest Hounsfield units)? → Uric acid
27. An ARRT-certified CT technologist moves to a state that also requires state licensure for CT practice. Which statement is true? → State licensure and ARRT certification are separate and both may be required
28. Which employment sector has seen the fastest growth in demand for ARRT CT-certified technologists in recent years? → Outpatient and freestanding imaging centers
29. In a CT perfusion study of the brain, which parameter measures the volume of blood in a given unit of brain tissue? → Cerebral blood volume (CBV)
30. The Hounsfield unit (HU) value of pure water is: → 0