Advance Announcement Leaves Space for Misunderstanding...
Much Ado About CQ

(May 22, 2008) — Word went out from ARRT in June 2007…

• That ARRT certifications awarded January 1, 2011, and thereafter will be time-limited to 10 years under a new program called CQ/2011 (short for “Continued Qualifications Requirements”) that will be implemented in 2011;
• That prior to the end of the 10-year period, an individual would be required to demonstrate continued qualifications in order to maintain the registration of their certification;
• That ARRT certifications awarded before January 1, 2011, and kept currently registered will not be subject to the requirements; and
• That details on the program will be available in spring 2009 (scheduled to be reported in the next annual report).

But, oh my word.

The words ARRT published got all jumbled up in some people’s hopes and fears. You should hear (no, actually, you shouldn’t hear) the misunderstandings, misperceptions, and miscommunications that resulted. So since the June announcement, ARRT has been fielding phone calls and responding to questions posted to “CQ/2011” under the www.arrt.org home page section, “Ongoing Discussions.”

That’s where you will find a regularly updated list of frequently asked questions. At the end of the online FAQ feature is a “Submit” button for people to send additional questions. There’s good basic information in the FAQs that you may check from time to time to learn the latest.

But, frankly, there won’t be many details until next year at this time. And it might be helpful to remember that there won’t actually be any impact on anybody until the year 2021, when individuals who earned certification in 2011 will be subject to the continued qualifications requirements.

ARRT intends for the online CQ/2011 FAQ feature to keep people informed until more information is available. In the meantime, here’s some of the misinformation that’s been flying around lately. They want to set you straight so you can set others straight if you hear rumors…

• That ARRT is going to make everybody re-take a test — Wrong! The assessment might include a test, but that would likely be one of many options from which a candidate could choose.
• That after 10 years, the qualifications will be imposed every year — Wrong! It will be every 10 years…maybe three to four times in an average career.
• That ARRT is just doing this to make money — Wrong! Administrative costs for this program will be significant, and ARRT doesn’t anticipate breaking even with whatever revenues it might generate.
• That no other credentialing agency in medicine has imposed such requirements — Wrong! R.T. certification is on a trail that was blazed by physician’s assistant as well as physician certification groups.

So, now that this article has covered the basic truths (with the first four bullets above) and the basic falsehoods (with the second set of bullets above), here are some basic points that should help put most minds to rest:

• The CQ/2011 requirements apply only to certifications issued on or after January 1, 2011. R.T.s who were certified prior to this date may choose to comply with CQ/2011 voluntarily.
• The requirements will apply to all primary and post-primary certifications awarded from January 1, 2011, onwards.
• Although the requirements for CQ/2011 are in early stages of development, ARRT anticipates that there will be various ways to satisfy the requirements. Re-taking the entry-level exam may be an option, but not the only option. They plan to have all the specifications in place by spring 2009.
• R.T.s will still be required to report continuing education credits on a biennial basis in order to maintain the registration of their certification(s), whereas the CQ/2011 requirements will be required only every 10 years.
• Those R.T.s who want to maintain their ARRT certification even though they are no longer employed in direct delivery of imaging, interventional procedures, or radiation therapy services will be able to select activities covering the fundamentals or core knowledge for general imaging, interventional procedures, or radiation therapy — to demonstrate they have kept up with changes in the core knowledge underlying the discipline.
• There are no plans at this time to discontinue retired status. Note that the retired status is intended only for those who will not return to active practice in any capacity related to radiologic technology — including education, management, or commercial sales and service.

If you do not see the answers you seek in this article or on the ARRT website, add your question to the online FAQs (www.arrt.org / Ongoing Discussions / CQ2011) and check back for a reply. If you have an urgent or individual question, direct it to the ARRT office at (651) 687-0048, ext. 560.