IRRSP Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Where must exposure devices containing sealed sources be stored when not in use? → In a licensed, secured storage location meeting NRC physical security requirements
2. Deterministic effects of radiation, such as skin erythema or sterility, are characterized by which of the following? → A threshold dose below which the effect is not observed
3. Which of the following is a primary principle of radiation protection in industrial radiography? → Shielding with appropriate materials
4. Which of the following is the defining characteristic of the Transport Index (TI) on a radioactive materials package? → The maximum radiation level in mrem/hr at one meter from the package surface.
5. According to the Law of Bergonié and Tribondeau, which of the following cells would be MOST radiosensitive? → Rapidly dividing, undifferentiated cells
6. What is the primary purpose of exposure monitoring in industrial radiography? → To ensure radiation doses remain within safe limits
7. How often must sealed sources used in industrial radiography be leak tested under 10 CFR 34? → Every 6 months
8. Which of the following is NOT an appropriate action during a radiation emergency? → Attempting to contain the source without proper equipment
9. How long must sealed source inventory records be retained under NRC regulations? → 3 years after the record is made
10. What information must be recorded and reported to the NRC when a licensee transfers a sealed source to another party? → The source identity, estimated activity, transfer date, and recipient's license number
11. Which isotope used in industrial radiography has the longest half-life among those listed below? → Cobalt-60 (Co-60) — 5.27 years
12. What document must a licensee maintain to ensure accountability of each sealed source in its possession? → Source inventory record
13. Which isotope is most commonly used in portable industrial radiography exposure devices due to its appropriate half-life and gamma energy? → Iridium-192 (Ir-192)
14. What should be done if the controlled area’s boundaries cannot be properly established during radiographic operations? → Use warning signs and barriers to clearly mark the area
15. What level of removable contamination indicates that a sealed source is leaking under NRC regulations? → 185 Bq (0.005 µCi)
16. During radiographic operations, how can the risk of accidental radiation exposure be minimized? → By using remote-controlled equipment and proper shielding
17. During an emergency source retrieval operation, which of the following is the most critical element for minimizing the dose received by the response team? → Developing a specific, detailed plan and rehearsing it before approaching the source.
18. Which type of dosimeter provides a cumulative record of radiation exposure over time? → All of the above
19. Under 10 CFR 37, what access control measure is required for locations where Category 1 or 2 quantities of radioactive material are stored? → Access must be limited to individuals with unescorted access authorization
20. A radiographer needs to perform a 10-minute task in a radiation field of 120 mrem/hr. What is the total dose the radiographer will receive? → 20 mrem
21. Which of the following pieces of information is NOT typically required on a radiation survey record? → The manufacturer of the film used for the exposures.
22. What type of transport package is required for moving industrial radiography sources between job sites under DOT regulations? → A DOT Type A package meeting activity limits
23. Which of the following is a key component of an emergency response plan for radiographic operations? → Protocols for notifying emergency personnel and the RSO
24. Which combination best describes the integrated approach to radiation protection? → Using time, distance, and shielding together
25. An industrial radiography exposure device, containing a high-activity sealed source, is considered what type of shipping package? → Type B Package
26. Which of the following is NOT required on a source inventory record under 10 CFR 34? → Name of the radiographer who used the source most recently
27. How often should personal dosimeters be checked for accurate exposure readings? → Before and after each work shift
28. In a gamma radiography setup, what is the primary purpose of using a collimator? → To narrow the primary radiation beam to the area of interest, reducing scatter and dose.
29. What written plan is required under 10 CFR 37 for licensees possessing Category 1 or 2 quantities of radioactive material? → A physical protection plan addressing security measures and access control
30. What is the required method for disposing of a depleted or unwanted sealed source used in industrial radiography? → Transfer it to a licensed recipient, waste broker, or return it to the manufacturer