Postprimary Pathway Questions
To earn a new credential using the postprimary pathway, you’ll need to fulfill a range of requirements, including those in structured education, clinical experience, examination, and ethics. You’ll also need to meet a supporting category prerequisite. Learn more about the postprimary requirements.
Can I be grandfathered in to a postprimary discipline?We don’t grandfather people into disciplines because we believe that each requirement for earning a credential vital. Skipping any part of the process is inconsistent with our mission.
In addition, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) doesn’t allow grandfathering in accredited credentialing programs. Therefore, ARRT couldn’t allow grandfathering without forfeiting our accreditation from NCCA.
Do I need to complete an associate's degree to earn ARRT certification and registration using the postprimary pathway?No. If you’re seeking additional credentials using the postprimary pathway, the degree requirement doesn’t apply to you.
Review the Clinical Experience Requirements for each discipline.
How and where do I log my clinical experience activities?You’ll log your clinical experience activities by following the on-screen instructions in our online postprimary tool. Access the tool by logging in to your online account, clicking on the Complete Business tab, then selecting Pursue Postprimary from the drop down menu.
Who can verify my clinical experience activities?A qualified professional must verify each of your clinical experience activities. Each discipline has different rules regarding who is qualified. Find specific instructions for each discipline in our Clinical Experience Requirements documents.
How do my verifiers approve my activities?Verifiers use an online tool to approve or deny requests for verification. Learn more about verifiers, including how to choose one and how they access and approve your clinical experience activities.
What are my options if I'm having difficulty completing the clinical experience requirements?Sometimes it’s difficult to complete the minimum number of required procedures at your place of employment. You might not see many patients who need the procedures, or your employer might limit the number of procedures you do. In that case, see if you can complete the requirements at another facility. You may find opportunities through a former employer, an educational program, or some other networking connection.
If you’re close to meeting—but not able to fully meet— all of your clinical experience requirements, you may submit an exemption request. We only grant exemptions for one or two types of required procedures, and we don’t guarantee exemptions for everyone who applies. Contact us at 651.687.0048 to learn more. Choose the option for renewal, reinstatement, or continuing education.
What should I do if my verifier didn’t receive an email notice to review an activity I submitted?If your verifier is already linked with your account, he or she can simply log in to review and approve your activity. Give these instructions to your verifiers:
For R.T. Verifiers:
- Visit www.arrt.org and use the blue LOGIN button in the upper right corner of the site.
- Click on the Complete Business tab.
- Select Verify Clinical Experience under the FOR VERIFIERS heading.
For non-R.T. Verifiers:
- Visit www.arrt.org/Verify to log in to your verifier account, OR
- Visit www.arrt.org, click on Partners, then select Non-R.T. Verifier Login under the CLINICAL EXPERIENCE VERIFIERS heading.
Not sure if your verifier has set up or confirmed an account?
- Visit our online postprimary tool.
- Click on the Clinical Experience tab in the navigation bar.
- Select Manage Verifiers & Facilities.
- If your verifier’s status is "linked,” the account is active.
If your verifiers have questions, have them call us at 651.687.0048. They should choose the option for renewal, reinstatement, or continuing education.
The Structured Education Requirements are intended to help you master the discipline-specific knowledge you’ll need to obtain your credential. Review the Structured Education Requirements for each discipline and find answers to questions on acceptable types of structured education activities.
How and where do I log my structured education activities?You’ll log your structured education activities in our online postprimary tool. Follow the on-screen instructions.
How long does it take for ARRT to review my structured education activities?We typically review submissions of structured education activities within three business days. Occasionally, we need additional time.
How will I know if my structured education activity is approved?We’ll send you an email notification after we review your structured education activity. You may then return to the online postprimary tool to review the approval status of your activity.
If you enter structured education activities that ARRT approves, and the CE is eligible for your biennial CE requirements, we'll apply it to your biennial CE. You'll see it when you renew your credential.
Learn more about the postprimary application process, including what you need to do before your apply, and how to schedule your exam.
Learn more by visiting our exam information page or by viewing our exam FAQs section.
Review the ongoing requirements for maintaining your credentials.
If you haven’t found the information you’re looking for, try visiting one of the following pages:
- Postprimary overview and requirements (includes links to all specific discipline pages)
- Postprimary handbook
- Clinical Experience Requirements
- Structured Education Requirements
You may also call us at 651.687.0048, then choose the option for earning an ARRT credential. Or, if you have an ARRT account, you can send us a message.