Failed ARRT Radiography Certification, R.T.(R)? Here's Your Recovery Plan

Pro tip: ARRT must receive your reapplication and fee at least 30 calendar days before the three-year eligibility period expires, otherwise you have to requalify before testing again. Missing an appointment or letting the exam window close forfeits the fee but does not count as an attempt. A cancelled score does count as an attempt, including a cancellation triggered by questionable identification or by leaving the test centre building mid-exam. If a cancellation means you run out of time inside the three-year period, ARRT does not grant an extension. Before retaking, compare the current content specifications with the version you previously studied, because ARRT updates them periodically.

• Treating the scaled score of 75 as 75 percent correct.
  ARRT states plainly that a scaled score of 75 does not mean 75 percent of items were answered correctly. In the Annual Exam Report 2025, roughly 67 percent correct produced a 75 on radiography, but the figure moves between exam versions, so build a margin.
• Studying with a content specification that does not match your test date.
  ARRT warns retakers to compare the current specification with the one they previously used. New radiography specifications start on 1 March 2027, so check which version governs your appointment before buying review material.
• Distributing study time evenly across the four content categories.
  The categories are not equal. Procedures carries 66 of 200 scored questions and Patient Care carries 33. Allocate hours by scored question count, not by how many pages a textbook devotes to each.
• Skipping the ARRT Standards of Ethics because it looks administrative.
  The Standards of Ethics is listed inside the Patient Interactions and Management content outline. Read it and learn the categories of violation, since those questions are free marks for anyone who has looked.
• Leaving questions unanswered because you are unsure.
  ARRT scores only correct answers and applies no penalty for wrong ones. Answer everything, flag the uncertain items and return if time allows. The software will not let you move on without an answer anyway.
• Arriving with only one form of ID, or an ID whose name does not match the ARRT file.
  Two valid IDs are required, one government-issued with permanently printed name, photo and signature. A name mismatch, an unsigned ID or an expired ID means no exam and forfeiture of the $225 fee.
• Arriving late and assuming the appointment can be salvaged.
  Arriving 15 minutes or more after the scheduled time forfeits the appointment and the application fee. ARRT tells candidates to arrive 30 minutes early to allow for check-in, signature capture, palm vein scan and photograph.
• Leaving the test centre building mid-exam for air or a phone call.
  Leaving the building before completing the exam cancels the score and counts as one of your three attempts. Raise your hand for a break and stay inside the building.
• Requesting ADA accommodations at the test centre instead of on the application.
  Accommodation requests go on the ARRT application, not to Pearson on the day, and must be repeated on every reapplication including retakes. ARRT holds the application until the request is processed.
• Letting the one-year exam window lapse without scheduling.
  If you do not take the exam during the window you forfeit the application fee and must reapply and pay again for a new window. Missing the window does not count as an attempt, but it does cost $225.
• Learning radiation quantities in rads and rems.
  ARRT states that SI units are the primary units of radiation measurement on the radiography exam. Learn grays and sieverts as your default and treat the traditional units as a conversion you can do, not the unit you think in.

• Build your plan from the ARRT content specifications
• Weight Procedures heaviest: 66 of the 200 scored questions come from head, spine, pelvis, thorax, abdomen and extremity positioning
• ARRT reports that roughly 67 percent correct produced a passing scaled score of 75, so aim well above two thirds on practice exams
• Book early in your one-year exam window, since letting it close forfeits the application fee and needs a new application
• Bring two valid IDs, one government-issued with photo and signature, or the test center will turn you away and you lose the fee
• New content specifications take effect on 1 March 2027, so check which version applies to your test date before you buy review material