ARRT periodically reviews its certification examinations and passing standards to help ensure that certification decisions remain aligned with current professional practice.

ARRT has approved an updated passing standard for the Radiography certification examination. The updated standard will take effect on March 1, 2027, and will apply to all candidates testing on or after that date.

WHY WAS THE PASSING STANDARD UPDATED?

Healthcare professions evolve over time. As professional responsibilities, technology, and patient care practices change, certification programs must periodically evaluate whether examination standards continue to reflect current expectations for entry-level practice.

The updated passing standard is based on a comprehensive review of the profession and is intended to ensure that candidates who earn ARRT certification demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed for safe and effective entry-level practice.

The review process considered:

• Current professional practice requirements
• Examination content specifications
• Practice analysis findings
• Input from subject matter experts representing the profession

WHAT IS A PASSING STANDARD?

A passing standard is the level of performance candidates must demonstrate to earn ARRT certification.

The standard reflects the knowledge and skills that experts believe are necessary for safe and effective entry-level practice.

A candidate who meets or exceeds the passing standard passes the examination. A candidate who does not meet the standard does not pass.

HOW WAS THE UPDATED PASSING STANDARD DETERMINED?

ARRT uses a structured standard-setting process that follows nationally recognized credentialing and testing practices.

Experienced practitioners and educators review examination content and help determine the level of performance required for certification. Their recommendations are reviewed alongside supporting psychometric evidence and other relevant information before being presented for final approval through ARRT’s governance process.

This approach helps ensure that passing standards are based on both professional judgment and sound measurement practices.

HOW ARE EXAMINATION SCORES REPORTED?

ARRT reports examination results using a scaled score system.

Scaled scores help ensure fairness when different candidates take different versions of an examination. Because examination forms may vary in difficulty, scores are converted to a common reporting scale so that candidates are evaluated consistently regardless of the specific examination form they receive.

Candidates receive:

• An overall scaled score
• A pass/fail decision
• Performance information designed to help interpret examination results

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR CANDIDATES?

The updated passing standard reflects current expectations for entry-level professional practice.

The purpose of standard setting is not to increase or decrease pass rates, nor is it intended to make the examination easier or harder. Rather, it is intended to ensure that certification decisions continue to reflect the knowledge and skills required for competent professional practice.

Candidates should continue preparing for the examination using ARRT’s published content specifications and other approved study resources.