Blue banner

Introducing the RPA to R.R.A. Pathway

A New Opportunity for RPAs To Expand Their ARRT Credentials

ARRT is pleased to announce an eligibility pathway for radiology practitioner assistants (RPAs) to take the Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.) exam and earn the R.R.A. credential. The opportunity is available to CRBPA-certified RPAs who currently hold the R.T.(R)(ARRT) certification and registration.

ARRT is committed to supporting ARRT-certified professionals and offering RPAs the opportunity to become Medicare-eligible providers by earning the R.R.A. credential.

Eligibility Requirements

We’ve developed new eligibility requirements for the RPA to R.R.A. pathway. While similar to R.R.A. qualifications, there are some significant differences highlighted below. We encourage you to read these carefully before you apply for the exam.

Certification and Experience

  • The RPA must currently hold the R.T.(R)(ARRT) certification and registration.
  • The RPA must currently be certified by the CBRPA.
  • The RPA must currently be employed and clinically practicing as an R.T.(R)(ARRT) or RPA performing medical imaging procedures.


Upcoming R.R.A. Exam Dates

  • July 2026 - for candidates using the Registered Radiologist Assistant eligibility pathway only; this exam date isn't available to candidates using the RPA to R.R.A. pathway 
  • January 2027
  • July 2027
  • We may add an additional exam date in October 2026, depending on demand. 

If you’re an RPA who’s interested in pursuing the pathway to the R.R.A. credential, please take our survey.

Complete Survey

Education Requirements

  • The RPA must have completed an RA Educational program and earned one of the following:
    • Master’s or doctoral degree or
    • Bachelor’s degree plus two years of work experience in medical imaging or
    • Associate’s degree plus four years of work experience in medical imaging.
  • Degree requirements: 
    • The degree does not need to be in radiologic sciences. 
    • The degree may be earned before entering the RPA education program or after completing the program.
    • The degree must be awarded prior to being granted eligibility to sit for the ARRT R.R.A. examination. 
  • Alternative eligibility pathway:
    • Under the RPA eligibility pathway, an alternative to the R.R.A. master’s degree requirement will be accepted with documented clinical experience as outlined above. 
    • The requirement to establish eligibility within three years of completing the RPA educational program will be waived under this pathway.

Ethics Requirements

  • The RPA must meet ARRT’s Ethics Requirements. 

Exam Requirements

  • Candidates using the RPA eligibility pathway must successfully pass the ARRT R.R.A. exam. Any prior examination attempts of the R.R.A. exam by RPA candidates using the eligibility pathway will count towards ARRT’s three attempt examination policy.

More to Come

We’ll keep this page updated with the latest developments. We expect applications to be available soon.

To learn more about the R.R.A. credential, visit our Registered Radiologist Assistant web page.