NMTCB Practice Test

Graduates of approved nuclear medicine technology programs within the previous 5 years take the NMTCB certification examination to earn the CNMT credential. This page provides free practice questions written with AI tools, covering topics such as radiation physics, clinical procedures, and radiopharmaceuticals, alongside verified administrative details on exam fees, testing windows, and scoring to help you organize your preparation.

NMTCB Exam at a Glance

What changed for NMTCB in 2026

• Oct 25, 2026: Delivery (CNMT entry-level) changed to Computer-based at IQT Testing Centers (previously Computer adaptive test at IQT (Iso-Quality Testing) test centers).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility (CNMT entry-level) changed to Graduate of an approved NMT program within the previous 5 years (previously Graduate of an NMTCB-recognized/accredited NMT program (within 5 years)).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Exam fee (CNMT entry-level) changed to $200 processing fee (previously $200 examination processing fee (nonrefundable)).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Retake fee (CNMT entry-level) changed to $100 reactivation fee if the 3-month window is missed (previously Current processing fee ($200) per reactivation).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Number of questions (CNMT entry-level) changed to 90 questions (includes unscored pretest items) (previously 90 multiple-choice questions (includes unscored pretest items)).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Passing score (CNMT entry-level) changed to Criterion-referenced standard (no numeric cut score published) (previously Criterion-referenced pass/fail standard (no published cut score)).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Testing window (CNMT entry-level) changed to Year-round; 3 months to test after approval (previously Offered year-round).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Retake policy (CNMT entry-level) changed to Retake after 2 weeks; 15 contact hours in each of 3 areas after 3rd failure; training program after 6 (previously Retake after 2 weeks; 45 CE hours of coursework after 3 failures; training program after 6).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Renewal (CNMT entry-level) changed to Annual registration + 24 CE hours every 2 years (previously Annual renewal + 24 CE hours every 2 years).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Validity (CNMT entry-level) changed to Annual; good through next birth month after renewal (previously Annual certification, good through next birth month after renewal).^[1]

What the NMTCB is and how it works

According to Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, “You will have one hour and fifty-five minutes to complete a total of 90 questions.”^[1]

The Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board offers the entry-level examination for candidates seeking the CNMT credential. Candidates must be graduates of an approved nuclear medicine technology program within the previous 5 years. Applications and the $200 processing fee must be received 2 months before the desired examination date. Testing is available year-round, and approved candidates receive a 3-month window to schedule their appointment.

Testing is computer-based at IQT Testing Centers and consists of 90 questions, including unscored pretest items. Scoring uses a criterion-referenced standard with no published numeric cut score. Candidates receive a preliminary pass or fail result at the test site, and the official final score report is mailed in approximately 3 weeks.

Candidates who need to retake the test may do so after 2 weeks. If the initial 3-month eligibility window expires without testing, candidates pay a $100 reactivation fee. Candidates who fail a 3rd time must complete at least 15 contact hours in each of 3 coursework areas before retesting, and re-entering a training program is required after 6 failed attempts. Once certified, technologists maintain annual registration through their birth month and complete 24 continuing education hours every 2 years. Licensing requirements vary by state, so check with your state regulatory agency and the official NMTCB website.

Worked examples: how to reason through NMTCB 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: During a renal scan, tracer is seen accumulating in the renal pelvis with delayed drainage. Which anatomical structure is the likely site of obstruction?

1. Renal cortex
2. Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ)
3. Bladder trigone
4. Renal medulla

Answer: B. Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ)

Explanation:

The ureteropelvic junction connects the renal pelvis to the upper ureter. When mechanical narrowing or a blockage occurs at this junction, radiotracer collects in the renal pelvis and cannot flow downward, producing marked pelvic retention and delayed clearance on dynamic imaging. The renal cortex and renal medulla form the functional parenchyma where filtration and concentration occur; obstruction does not happen within these tissue layers, although prolonged backpressure may impair their function. The bladder trigone is located far downstream at the base of the bladder where the ureters enter, so a blockage there would cause bilateral ureteral dilation rather than isolated renal pelvis retention. Remember that the site of urinary accumulation immediately proximal to a cutoff indicates the anatomical level of obstruction.

Example 2

Question: In a sentinel lymph node mapping procedure for breast cancer, the primary lymph node basin targeted is located in which anatomical region?

1. Inguinal region
2. Axilla
3. Supraclavicular fossa
4. Parasternal region

Answer: B. Axilla

Explanation:

The axilla contains the primary regional lymph node basin draining the mammary gland, making it the principal target during sentinel lymph node localization for breast carcinoma. The inguinal region receives lymphatic drainage from the lower extremities, perineum, and lower abdominal wall, not the breast. The supraclavicular fossa represents a higher nodal echelon that receives lymphatic outflow only after passing through lower stations, indicating advanced regional spread rather than the initial sentinel station. The parasternal region contains internal mammary nodes; while internal mammary drainage can occasionally occur, it is a secondary pathway rather than the primary basin sought during standard lymphatic mapping. The core anatomical principle is that sentinel node mapping targets the initial draining nodal basin, which for the breast is situated in the axilla.

Example 3

Question: What is the function of scintillation crystals in radiation detection?

1. To increase radiation dose.
2. To absorb radiation and emit light for detection
3. To store radiation energy.
4. To measure non-ionizing radiation.

Answer: B. To absorb radiation and emit light for detection

Explanation:

Scintillation crystals serve as the primary transducing medium in gamma cameras and scintillation counters by absorbing incoming ionizing radiation and re-emitting that deposited energy as visible light photons. Photomultiplier tubes then convert these light flashes into measurable electronic pulses. Increasing radiation dose is hazardous and opposite to the goal of radiation instrumentation, which measures exposure rather than amplifying it. Crystals do not store radiation energy like dosimeters or storage phosphors; they emit fluorescence almost immediately after interaction. Scintillation detectors are specifically designed for ionizing radiation such as gamma rays and x-rays, not non-ionizing forms such as radiofrequency or ultrasound. The general rule is that scintillators function as energy converters, transforming ionizing photon interactions into detectable flashes of optical light.

How to use these practice tests

Begin your review well before submitting your application and fee 2 months prior to your target examination date. Once approved, you have a 3-month window to complete the 90 questions at an IQT Testing Center.

Structure your review by rotating through core subject areas rather than cramming single topics. Start with fundamental physical principles using the NMTCB Radiation Physics & Detection and NMTCB Instrument Operations & Quality Control practice sets. Next, reinforce biological mechanisms and clinical protocols by reviewing NMTCB Anatomy & Physiology for Nuclear Medicine alongside NMTCB Clinical Procedures & Techniques.

Dedicate time to regulatory compliance and patient protection with NMTCB Radiation Safety & Regulations, NMTCB Pharmaceutical & Radiopharmaceutical Agents, and NMTCB Safety & Infection Control. Integrate patient-focused workflows through NMTCB Patient Assessment & Care Planning and NMTCB Documentation & Legal Standards. After completing each practice set, review each explanation thoroughly to identify clinical concepts requiring further textbook reference before test day.

Sources & last verified

1. Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board — number of questions, passing score, exam fee, retake fee (official source). “You will have one hour and fifty-five minutes to complete a total of 90 questions.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 25, 2026.

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