ARRT CE Requirements Explained for Busy Technologists

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Your Health Magazine Contributor

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ARRT CE Requirements Explained for Busy Technologists

Most radiologic technologists need 24 approved continuing education credits every two years, but the credit total is only part of the job. You also need to choose eligible activities, finish them within your assigned cycle and report them correctly.

Between patient care, changing shifts and family responsibilities, CE can easily slide down your list. A simple plan helps you protect your credentials without turning every weekend into a study session.

Understanding Your ARRT CE Requirements

Your two-year CE cycle is called a biennium. Most registered radiologic technologists must earn 24 Category A or A+ credits during that period, regardless of how many ARRT credentials they hold.

Holding both radiography and CT credentials, for example, does not automatically double your biennial requirement. You can plan around one standard credit total while choosing subjects that support your work.

Some credentials have additional rules. Technologists with an ARRT Sonography credential need at least 16 sonography-specific credits within their 24-credit total, while registered radiologist assistants need 50 credits, including at least 25 Category A+ credits.

Check the requirements attached to your credentials before buying a course package. A convenient bundle only helps if its credits meet your actual obligations.

Separate Completion From Reporting

Your deadline for finishing CE is not the same as your deadline for reporting it. The biennium ends on the last day of the month before your birth month, while reporting occurs during renewal and is due by the end of your birth month.

For a September birth month, that means completing CE by August 31 in your reporting year and reporting it by September 30. Your ARRT dashboard shows your assigned dates, so use those rather than guessing from a previous renewal.

Build your calendar around three reminders:

• Record your biennium start and end dates
• Set a personal completion target before the deadline
• Reserve time to review credits before submitting renewal

Renewal happens annually, even though CE reporting happens every other year. Keeping separate reminders prevents the annual renewal notice from becoming your only prompt to study.

Choose Approved Courses That Fit Your Schedule

A course should clearly identify its credit category, approval and awarded credit amount. Do not assume that every workplace training session or imaging-related webinar qualifies.

For flexible study, radiology CE courses by Scrubs CE include online and home-study options. They provide more than 1,200 available Category A or A+ credit hours through approved courses.

Choose individual activities that match your requirements. Then complete the required work to earn their listed credits.

Start with topics you regularly encounter, such as positioning, patient care or radiation protection. Relevant material can make studying feel more useful than selecting courses solely for their credit totals.

Before purchasing, review the course instructions and completion requirements. Understanding how the activity works helps you avoid discovering an inconvenient testing process when your deadline is close.

Keep Records as You Go

A reliable record system makes renewal easier than searching through months of emails. Save each completion certificate promptly and maintain a running total for your current biennium.

Use one folder named for that cycle, with a backup somewhere you can access outside work. Avoid storing your only copies on a department computer you might lose access to.

Make Each Entry Easy to Verify

Record the course title, provider, completion date and credit amount. Include the approval reference number when available so you can compare your records with the certificate.

Before renewal, check any transferred credits against your own list. Missing or incorrect entries are easier to address while you still have time to contact the provider.

Keep CQR and State Rules Separate

Biennial CE is not the same as Continuing Qualifications Requirements, or CQR. CQR is a separate 10-year requirement for registered radiologist assistants and applicable R.T. credentials earned on or after January 1, 2011.

Some prescribed CQR education may also satisfy biennial CE when it meets the applicable requirements and falls within your biennium. Confirm the overlap before assuming one activity covers both obligations.

State licensing requirements also deserve their own checklist. Compare your state’s rules with your ARRT requirements before selecting courses, especially if you are trying to use the same education for both.

Avoid the Cost of a Deadline Scramble

Missing CE requirements can lead to probation rather than simply granting you extra study time. The CE probation fee increased to $100 effective January 1, 2026.

For you, that means an avoidable delay can add an expense. Setting an earlier personal deadline creates room for unexpected overtime, illness or course questions.

Staying on Track

ARRT CE requirements become easier to manage when you know your dates, choose approved activities and save records immediately. Small, planned study sessions can help you stay on track.

If you need help navigating course options, contact Scrubs CE with questions about its online and home-study offerings. Keep your credential requirements handy so the conversation stays focused on your needs.

And if this article has been helpful, be sure to explore some of our other insightful posts!