The Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) credential, awarded by the ARDMS, certifies your ability to perform and interpret vascular diagnostic studies. This free PDF compiles practice questions across every major domain so you can print and study anywhere.
The exam tests your knowledge of vascular physics, cerebrovascular imaging, peripheral arterial and venous disease, and abdominal vascular studies. Use this printable resource alongside your regular preparation to reinforce key concepts and practice exam-style reasoning.
Interactive Registered Vascular Technologist resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Facts verified Oct 25, 2026 against Inteleos. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions (SPI) | About 110 questions | Inteleos |
| Number of questions (VT) | About 170 questions | Inteleos |
| Time limit (SPI) | 2 hours | Inteleos |
| Time limit (VT) | 3 hours | Inteleos |
| Passing score | 555 on a 300–700 scale | Inteleos |
| Exam fee (SPI) | $275 USD (includes $100 non-refundable processing fee) | Inteleos |
| Exam fee (VT) | $300 USD (includes $100 non-refundable processing fee) | Inteleos |
| Retake policy | Reapply after 3 days; retest after 60 days | Inteleos |
| Validity | Active status renewed annually | Inteleos |
| Delivery | Test center, administered with Pearson | Inteleos |
| Eligibility | Pass SPI and VT within 5 years of each other | Inteleos |
| Score release | Score report at test center; portal within 1 week | Inteleos |
| Registration opens | Applications year-round; schedule within 90 days | Inteleos |
| Testing window | Year-round (on-demand) | Inteleos |
Facts verified Oct 25, 2026 against Inteleos. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
The ARDMS RVT exam consists of 170 questions (150 scored) completed in 3 hours. Questions span vascular physics and instrumentation, extracranial cerebrovascular, intracranial cerebrovascular, peripheral arterial, peripheral venous, and abdominal vascular domains.
Expect scenario-based questions requiring you to identify pathology from waveform descriptions, calculate indices, and select appropriate imaging protocols. Understanding normal vs. abnormal spectral Doppler findings is essential across every domain. The exam rewards systematic thinking: know your velocity criteria, your diagnostic thresholds (e.g., ABI < 0.9 for PAD), and your protocol sequences for DVT and reflux evaluation.
Vascular physics questions test Doppler equation components, aliasing, angle of insonation effects, and transducer selection. Cerebrovascular questions frequently address carotid stenosis grading criteria and TCD mean flow velocity interpretation. Peripheral arterial questions emphasize segmental pressures and waveform morphology changes with disease progression.
Print this PDF and work through each question without looking at answers first. After each section, review incorrect responses and trace them back to the underlying concept — whether a velocity threshold, a protocol step, or a Doppler physics principle. Vascular sonography is highly protocol-driven, so understanding why a sequence is performed matters as much as knowing the steps.
For the physics domain, sketch waveforms by hand as you study — this reinforces the relationship between flow states, vessel resistance, and spectral display. For cerebrovascular questions, create a quick-reference card for carotid stenosis criteria. For venous studies, rehearse the full DVT protocol mentally so you can answer protocol-order questions quickly under exam pressure.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Try these questions from our free Registered Vascular Technologist practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
When measuring the maximum diameter of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) via duplex ultrasound for surveillance, which of the following is the standard, most reproducible technique?
Answer: B. Anterior-posterior diameter measured from outer wall to outer wall in a transverse plane.
The standard protocol for measuring an abdominal aortic aneurysm is to obtain the maximum anterior-posterior (AP) diameter from the outer wall to the outer wall. This measurement should be taken in a transverse plane, ensuring the calipers are perpendicular to the long axis of the aorta. This technique is the most accurate and reproducible for serial surveillance and clinical decision-making.
What does the resistivity index (RI) formula [(PSV - EDV) / PSV] primarily reflect?
Answer: B. Downstream vascular resistance
The resistivity index quantifies the pulsatility of flow and correlates with peripheral vascular resistance distal to the sample site.
Which duplex finding best distinguishes a pseudoaneurysm from a perigraft hematoma at a femoral access site?
Answer: A. To-and-fro flow pattern ('yin-yang' sign) on color Doppler
A pseudoaneurysm communicates with the artery via a neck, producing the characteristic bidirectional to-and-fro ('yin-yang') color Doppler pattern inside the sac.
Which organization is the primary credentialing body responsible for the RVT examination and credential maintenance?
Answer: B. American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)
ARDMS administers the RVT examination and oversees credential maintenance requirements.
Take the full Registered Vascular Technologist practice test