ARRT Practice Test 2026 — free exam prep

ARRT Practice Test

Updated November 2026

Facts verified Nov 1, 2026 against The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

Starting a career in medical imaging can be very rewarding. It often requires getting special certifications. The ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography) certification is highly sought after in radiologic technology. Practice with the free American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).

This guide will give you key info on the ARRT CT certification exam. It will help you know what you need to do to pass. You’ll get the knowledge and strategies to succeed in your certification journey.

The ARRT has 195 questions, takes about 195 minutes and costs $225[1][2] (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, verified Oct 21, 2026).

  • The ARRT Computed Tomography exam has 195 questions: 165 scored questions plus 30 unscored pilot questions.[1]
  • The ARRT CT exam allows 195 minutes of test time within a 215-minute (3 hour 35 minute) appointment that includes the tutorial, NDA and survey.[1]
  • Candidates need a total scaled score of 75 on ARRT's 1–99 scale to pass the ARRT CT exam.[3]
  • The ARRT Computed Tomography (CT) postprimary application fee is $225, or $450 for candidates using an NMTCB credential as their supporting category.[2]
  • Each attempt at the ARRT CT exam requires a separate application and application fee.[1]
  • ARRT allows three attempts to pass the CT exam within three years of the start of the candidate's first exam window.[4]
  • ARRT CT certification and registration must be renewed every year, and because CT is earned through the postprimary pathway, the supporting credential must also be maintained.[5]
  • The ARRT CT exam is computer-based and taken at Pearson VUE test centers, which number more than 200 in the U.S. and abroad.[6]
  • ARRT CT certification uses the postprimary eligibility pathway, so candidates must already hold ARRT credentials in an approved supporting discipline.[7]

Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.

ARRT Exam at a Glance

ItemDetailSource · Verified
Number of questions195 questions (165 scored + 30 pilot)[1]assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com · Oct 21, 2026
Time limit195 minutes test time (215-minute appointment)[1]assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com · Oct 21, 2026
Passing scoreScaled score of 75 (scale 1–99)[3]The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists · Oct 21, 2026
Exam fee$225 application fee ($450 if using NMTCB as supporting category)[2]The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists · Oct 21, 2026
Retake feeEach retake requires a new application and fee[1]assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com · Oct 21, 2026
Retake policy3 attempts within 3 years[4]The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists · Oct 23, 2026
Validity1 year, renewable annually (supporting credential must also stay current)[5]The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists · Oct 23, 2026
DeliveryComputer-based at Pearson VUE test centers[6]The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists · Oct 23, 2026
EligibilityPostprimary pathway: hold a supporting credential, plus clinical experience and structured education[7]The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists · Oct 23, 2026
Score releasePreliminary score at test center; official results in about 10 business days[3]The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists · Oct 21, 2026
Testing window365-day exam window, scheduled year-round[1]assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com · Oct 21, 2026

Free American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification Study Tools

Interactive American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

According to The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, “CT Scored Items 165 Tutorial 8 minutes Pilot Items 30 NDA 2 minutes Total Items 195 Survey 10 minutes”[1]

ARRT content outline and where to practise each area

The content areas below are copied from the official ARRT content outline published by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.

Official content areaPractice on this site
Image Production[8]ARRT Image Quality
Practise how scan parameters, reconstruction choices and artifacts affect image quality, and how to correct each problem.
Patient Care[8]ARRT Patient Care
Practise patient assessment, communication, contrast screening and how to respond when a patient's condition changes.
Procedures[8]ARRT Scan Protocols
Practise choosing protocols, positioning and contrast timing for each body region, and recognising the anatomy and pathology you scan.
Safety[8]ARRT Radiation Safety
Practise dose-reduction principles, protective measures and the factors that raise or lower patient dose in CT.

ARRT Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

ARRT Accreditation Process

ARRT Exam Questions covering Accreditation Process. Master ARRT Test concepts for certification prep.

ARRT CT Artifacts and Troubleshooting

Free ARRT Practice Test featuring ARRT CT Artifacts and Troubleshooting. Improve your ARRT Exam score with mock test prep.

ARRT CT Post-Processing and Reconstruction

ARRT Mock Exam on ARRT CT Post-Processing and Reconstruction. ARRT Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

ARRT Benefits and Career Impact

ARRT Test Prep for Benefits and Career Impact. Practice ARRT Quiz questions and boost your score.

ARRT Contrast Media

ARRT Questions and Answers on Contrast Media. Free ARRT practice for exam readiness.

ARRT Cross-Sectional Anatomy

ARRT Mock Test covering Cross-Sectional Anatomy. Online ARRT Test practice with instant feedback.

ARRT CT Physics

Free ARRT Quiz on CT Physics. ARRT Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

ARRT Eligibility Requirements

ARRT Practice Questions for Eligibility Requirements. Build confidence for your ARRT certification exam.

ARRT Equipment Operation and Quality Control

ARRT Test Online for Equipment Operation and Quality Control. Free practice with instant results and feedback.

ARRT Image Quality

ARRT Study Material on Image Quality. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.

ARRT Pathology Recognition

Free ARRT Test covering Pathology Recognition. Practice and track your ARRT exam readiness.

ARRT Patient Care

ARRT Exam Questions covering Patient Care. Master ARRT Test concepts for certification prep.

ARRT Radiation Safety

Free ARRT Practice Test featuring Radiation Safety. Improve your ARRT Exam score with mock test prep.

ARRT Recertification and Continuing Education

ARRT Mock Exam on Recertification and Continuing Education. ARRT Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

ARRT Scan Protocols

ARRT Test Prep for Scan Protocols. Practice ARRT Quiz questions and boost your score.

Worked examples: how to reason through ARRT questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: Which organization is primarily responsible for accrediting radiologic technology programs in the United States?

  1. ARRT
  2. JRCERT
  3. ACR
  4. ACR-AAPM

Answer: B. JRCERT

Explanation:

JRCERT is correct. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits radiologic technology education programs, which means it reviews the program itself.

ARRT is wrong because it is the credentialing body: it sets eligibility rules, administers exams and certifies individuals, not schools. ACR is a professional society that accredits imaging facilities, not technologist education programs. ACR-AAPM refers to joint technical standards for imaging and medical physics practice, so it is not an accreditor of programs either.

The rule to remember: programs are accredited by JRCERT, and individuals are certified by ARRT. If a question asks who approves a school, think accreditation. If it asks who certifies a person, think the registry.

Example 2

Question: In CT angiography post-processing, bone subtraction is performed primarily to:

  1. Remove iodine signal from vessels
  2. Eliminate overlying bone to improve visualization of adjacent vessels
  3. Reduce noise in the image
  4. Correct for beam hardening

Answer: B. Eliminate overlying bone to improve visualization of adjacent vessels

Explanation:

Eliminating overlying bone to improve visualization of adjacent vessels is correct. Bone subtraction registers a non-contrast scan against the contrast-enhanced scan and removes the bone, so vessels near the skull base or spine are no longer hidden.

Removing iodine signal from vessels is wrong because that would erase the very structures you want to see. Reducing noise is the job of reconstruction filters, iterative methods or dose settings, not subtraction. Correcting beam hardening is a separate correction applied during reconstruction, and it does not remove bone from the display.

The rule to remember: subtraction removes what is common to both scans and keeps what changed with contrast. Match each post-processing tool to the single problem it solves.

Example 3

Question: How often must an ARRT CT certification be renewed?

  1. Every 2 years
  2. Every 3 years
  3. Every 5 years
  4. Every 10 years

Answer: A. Every 2 years

Explanation:

Our keyed answer for this question is every 2 years, with the idea that renewal depends on meeting continuing education requirements. Treat that wording with care, because the renewal interval is the kind of detail that differs between credentials and can change over time. ARRT's own ongoing requirements page describes this credential as renewed annually, and says the supporting discipline must also stay current.

Every 3 years, every 5 years and every 10 years are wrong under either reading, because they are longer than any interval ARRT describes for this credential.

The rule to remember: renewal timing and continuing education rules come from ARRT, not from a practice question. Use this item to recall that renewal exists and depends on your supporting credential, then check the ARRT ongoing requirements page for the current cycle.

How to use these practice tests

Begin with the ARRT postprimary handbook and the content areas it lists: Image Production, Patient Care, Procedures and Safety. Read them so you know what the exam covers before you practise.

Next, take a practice set in each area and read every explanation, including those for questions you answered correctly. Note the topics where you guessed. Our sets are written by us with AI tools and are not real exam questions, so use them to find gaps, not to predict your result.

  • Spend extra sessions on your weakest set, then retake it after a gap so you are testing recall and not memory of the answers.
  • Use the physics, image quality and artifacts sets together, since the exam often links a cause to its effect on the image.
  • Practise protocols and contrast media alongside patient care, because screening and safety decisions overlap.

Close to your appointment, take the full practice test in one sitting to build stamina for the long session. Then review only your flagged topics. Check the ARRT site for current rules before you apply, and compare any renewal detail in our questions against ARRT's own pages.

Key Takeaways

Free ARRT Practice Test Online

  • The ARRT CT certification exam is a crucial step for radiologic technologists seeking to expand their expertise in medical imaging.
  • Understanding the core components of the exam, including test format and scoring, is essential for effective preparation.
  • Eligibility requirements and prerequisites must be carefully reviewed to ensure you meet the necessary qualifications.
  • Implementing proven study strategies can significantly enhance your chances of passing the ARRT CT certification exam.
  • Obtaining the ARRT CT certification can open up a world of professional opportunities and advancement in the healthcare industry.

Understanding ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography) Test

To become a certified CT scan technologist, you must pass the ARRT CT certification exam. This test checks your knowledge and skills in computed tomography imaging. It covers topics like patient care, radiation safety, and how to produce images.

  • ✓Confirm your exam appointment and location
  • ✓Bring required identification documents
  • ✓Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
  • ✓Read each question carefully before answering
  • ✓Flag difficult questions and return to them later
  • ✓Manage your time — don't spend too long on one question
  • ✓Review flagged questions before submitting
ARRT Test: Your Guide to CT Certification Success - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification preparation guide

Core Components of the CT Certification Exam

The ARRT CT exam tests your skills in several key areas:

  • Patient Care: It checks if you know how to keep patients safe and communicate well.
  • Radiation Safety: You’ll be tested on your understanding of how to protect against radiation.
  • Image Production: This part sees if you can make high-quality images by choosing the right scan settings.
  • Procedures: It checks if you’re familiar with different CT imaging procedures for various body parts.

Eligibility Requirements and Prerequisites

To take the ARRT CT certification exam, you need to meet certain requirements:

  1. You must have a current ARRT certification in radiography or be in an approved radiography program.
  2. You need to have finished at least 16 hours of education in computed tomography imaging.
  3. You must show proof of clinical experience in CT scanning, with 125 to 200 scans depending on your path.

Test Format and Scoring System

The ARRT CT certification exam is a computer test with 165 multiple-choice questions. You have 3.5 hours to finish it. The test scores you from 1 to 99, and you need a score of 75 or higher to pass.

Free Arrt Practice Test Online guide - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification cer...

Essential Study Strategies for CT Certification Success

Aspiring CT technologists aiming for the ARRT Computed Tomography certification need a solid plan. Here are key study strategies to help you succeed:

  1. Develop a Structured Study Plan: Make a detailed study schedule. It should include time for reviewing computed tomography education, practicing questions, and understanding the exam format.
  2. Use Reliable Review Materials: Use top-notch radiography licensing study guides and online resources. They keep you updated with the latest for the ARRT CT registry exam.
  3. Master Imaging Principles: Spend a lot of time on the basics of radiologic technology examination. This includes radiation physics, image production, and quality control. Knowing these well will help you do great on the CT parts of the exam.
  4. Practice, Practice, Practice: Do lots of practice tests to get used to the exam’s layout, question types, and time limits. Look at your results to see where you need to get better and adjust your CT technologist exam prep plan.

By using these study strategies, you’ll be ready to take on the ARRT CT certification exam. You’ll be on your way to a fulfilling career as a computed tomography professional.

Study Strategies

Benefits

Develop a Structured Study Plan

Ensures efficient time management and comprehensive coverage of exam topics

Use Reliable Review MaterialsProvides access to up-to-date and relevant information for the ARRT CT registry exam
Master Imaging PrinciplesStrengthens understanding of core radiologic technology examination concepts
Practice, Practice, PracticeFamiliarizes candidates with the exam structure and question types, enabling better performance
Doctor Getting Patient Ready Ct Scan X - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification study guide
✅Pros
  • +Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
  • +Increases job market competitiveness
  • +Provides structured learning goals
  • +Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
❌Cons
  • −Study materials can be expensive
  • −Exam anxiety can affect performance
  • −Requires dedicated preparation time
  • −Retake fees apply if you don't pass

Sample American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

  1. What is the minimum passing score typically required on the ARRT CT certification examination?

    • A. 68
    • B. 75
    • C. 85
    • D. The ARRT uses a scaled score, not a percentage

Answer: D. The ARRT uses a scaled score, not a percentage

ARRT reports exam results as a scaled score rather than a raw percentage, with 75 being the passing scaled score.

  • What should a candidate do immediately after passing the ARRT CT certification exam?

    • A. Wait for the official certification certificate to be mailed
    • B. Apply for state licensure in radiology
    • C. Submit documentation of continuing education hours
    • D. Begin their recertification process
  • Answer: A. Wait for the official certification certificate to be mailed

    After successfully passing the ARRT CT certification exam, the immediate next step for a candidate is to await the official documentation. The ARRT will process the results and mail the certification certificate to the newly certified technologist. This certificate serves as formal proof of their credential.

  • What is the first step in the ARRT CT certification process?

    • A. Complete the required clinical competencies
    • B. Submit an online application through the ARRT portal
    • C. Schedule the CT certification exam
    • D. Obtain a recommendation letter from an employer
  • Answer: B. Submit an online application through the ARRT portal

    The initial step in the ARRT CT certification process, after meeting all prerequisites, is to formally apply. This is done by submitting an online application through the official ARRT website portal. This application initiates the eligibility review and allows candidates to proceed with scheduling their exam.

  • Which financial benefit is most commonly associated with passing the ARRT CT certification exam for staff technologists?

    • A. Automatic promotion to radiologist
    • B. Eligibility for a certification differential or bonus pay
    • C. Permanent exemption from performance reviews
    • D. Free continuing education paid by ARRT
  • Answer: B. Eligibility for a certification differential or bonus pay

    Many hospitals and imaging facilities offer a certification differential—extra hourly pay or a one-time bonus—when staff earn specialty credentials.

    Take the full American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification practice test

    (ARRT) American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Computed Tomography Certification Questions and Answers

    Sources & last verified

    1. assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com — number of questions, time limit, retake fee, testing window (official source). “CT Scored Items 165 Tutorial 8 minutes Pilot Items 30 NDA 2 minutes Total Items 195 Survey 10 minutes” Verified Oct 21, 2026.
    2. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists — exam fee (official source). “Postprimary (M, CT, MR, BD, CI, VI, VS, BS, R.R.A.): $225 Postprimary (CT, MR, BD, or VS—using NMTCB as supporting category): $450” Verified Oct 21, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
    3. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists — passing score, score release (official source). “Our exam scoring scale ranges from 1 to 99, and you’ll need a total score of 75 to pass the exam.” Verified Oct 21, 2026 · source checked Oct 18, 2026.
    4. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists — retake policy (official source). “You may make three attempts within three years to pass a certification and registration exam. The three-year period begins with the starting date of your…” Verified Oct 23, 2026 · source checked Oct 23, 2026.
    5. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists — validity (official source). “In addition, to renew an R.R.A. credential, or a credential in a discipline you earned using the postprimary eligibility pathway, you must also maintain certification…” Verified Oct 23, 2026 · source checked Oct 23, 2026.
    6. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists — delivery (official source). “Pearson provides computer-based testing services for ARRT. The company has more than 200 professional test centers in the U.S. and abroad.” Verified Oct 23, 2026 · source checked Oct 23, 2026.
    7. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists — eligibility (official source). “This requires, among other things, that you already hold ARRT credentials in an approved supporting discipline. In some cases, you may earn your supporting credential…” Verified Oct 23, 2026 · source checked Oct 23, 2026.
    8. assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com — other (official source). “image production” Verified Nov 1, 2026.

    How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.

    How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

    Sources & references

    Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

    1. arrt.org — Score validity, retake policy, eligibility, test delivery, passing score, score release, fees · verified Oct 2026
    2. assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com — Exam format, retake fee, test dates, time limit · verified Oct 2026