RVT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What happens if an RVT candidate fails the examination on the first attempt? → They may retake the exam after a mandatory waiting period per ARDMS policy
2. Which cerebrovascular evaluation technique assesses blood flow within the circle of Willis and intracranial vessels? → Transcranial Doppler (TCD)
3. What are the main components of the RVT certification exam? → Physics and Vascular Technology
4. An RVT working as a clinical educator for a sonography program is fulfilling which career role? → Allied health faculty/instructor
5. Harmonic imaging in vascular ultrasound primarily reduces which artifact? → Near-field clutter and side-lobe artifacts
6. Which of the following best explains why vascular technology CME requirements emphasize advances in imaging technology? → Rapid technological evolution means competency must be continuously updated
7. Which educational credential type is accepted as an alternative prerequisite pathway for the ARDMS RVT exam? → Graduate degree from an CAAHEP-accredited vascular technology program
8. Color Doppler aliasing during an abdominal duplex exam most commonly occurs because: → The Doppler shift frequency exceeds half the pulse repetition frequency (Nyquist limit)
9. Which arteriovenous fistula (AVF) feature on duplex is associated with the HIGHEST risk of access failure within 6 months? → Juxta-anastomotic stenosis with PSV ratio >3.0 and access flow <500 mL/min
10. Performing research studies evaluating a new vascular imaging protocol most closely aligns with which RVT career track? → Clinical research coordinator or scientist role
11. Based on Poiseuille's law, which of the following factors has the greatest influence on resistance to blood flow? → Vessel radius
12. Which connective tissue disorder is most strongly associated with annuloaortic ectasia and ascending aortic aneurysm? → Marfan syndrome
13. In Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV (vascular type), which vessel is at greatest risk for spontaneous rupture? → Medium-sized arteries such as the celiac, mesenteric, and renal arteries
14. What probe frequency range is most appropriate for imaging superficial veins such as the great saphenous vein? → 7-15 MHz
15. In a stenotic vessel, where is the highest flow velocity observed according to the continuity equation? → At the site of maximum narrowing
16. Which mapping procedure evaluated in the RVT exam is performed pre-operatively to identify usable conduit for bypass surgery? → Greater saphenous vein mapping
17. Which condition can produce a falsely HIGH ABI, potentially masking severe peripheral arterial disease? → Medial arterial calcification (Mönckeberg sclerosis)
18. Which topic is covered in the physics section of the RVT exam? → Doppler principles
19. When documenting an accreditation-required quality improvement (QI) project, which element is mandatory for ICAVL compliance? → Evidence of action taken based on findings and outcome reassessment
20. Which duplex finding is most consistent with impending rupture or rapid expansion of an AAA? → New periaortic hypoechoic halo or retroperitoneal fluid collection
21. The RVT exam content outline is maintained and updated by which organization? → American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
22. Which type of vascular center typically offers RVTs the most exposure to complex venous insufficiency procedures such as endovenous ablation guidance? → Dedicated vein center or vein specialty practice
23. An RVT seeking to broaden career options in interventional settings should develop competency in which complementary skill? → Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and intraoperative monitoring
24. An RVT who moves to a different U.S. state — what must they do regarding their ARDMS credential? → Notify ARDMS of the address change; the credential remains valid nationally
25. In continuous wave (CW) Doppler, the major advantage over pulsed wave Doppler is: → Ability to measure very high velocities without aliasing
26. Which factor most often determines whether an RVT earns a supervisory versus staff-level salary? → Years of experience combined with demonstrated leadership and management responsibilities
27. Carotid body tumors (paragangliomas) at the bifurcation characteristically displace which two vessels on duplex ultrasound? → ICA and ECA are splayed apart (lyre sign)
28. An RVT who teaches an accredited sonography CME course may claim credits under which category? → Teaching/faculty credit
29. A popliteal artery aneurysm is found incidentally. Which complication is the most frequent cause of morbidity in popliteal aneurysms? → Distal embolization and acute limb ischemia
30. A 68-year-old woman has rest pain and an ABI of 0.38. Her toe pressure is 22 mmHg. According to TASC II criteria, this patient most likely has: → Critical limb ischemia (Fontaine stage III-IV)