Don’t Miss a Beat: The Ultimate ARRT CE Renewal Playbook

Why Understanding Your ARRT CE Renewal Matters

ARRT CE renewal involves completing continuing education credits every two years and renewing your credentials annually to maintain your certification. Here’s a quick overview:

Quick Overview of ARRT CE Renewal Requirements:

• Complete CE Credits: Most R.T.s need 24 CE credits every two years (R.R.A.s need 50)
• Annual Renewal: Renew your credentials each year by the last day of your birth month
• Report CE: Submit your CE credits every other year during your annual renewal
• Pay Fees: Currently $30 for your first discipline, $15 for additional (changing to $65 flat fee in 2026)
• Stay Current on CQR: Complete Continuing Qualifications Requirements every 10 years (if certified after 2011)

Staying current with your ARRT certification is essential for patient care and required by employers and the ARRT. However, the renewal process, with its overlapping two-year CE bienniums and annual deadlines, can be confusing.

Once you understand how the pieces fit together, ARRT CE renewal becomes straightforward. This guide breaks down the entire process, from finding approved CE to handling compliance issues. We’ll walk you through each step so you can maintain your credentials without stress and focus on providing excellent patient care.

Understanding Your ARRT CE Requirements

To keep your ARRT certification active, you must manage two overlapping timelines: your CE biennium and your annual renewal. Understanding how they work together makes ARRT CE renewal much less mysterious. Your CE biennium is the two-year window for earning CE credits, while the annual renewal is the yearly process of paying fees and attesting compliance. Every other year, you report your completed CE credits during your annual renewal.

Here’s a quick comparison of how these two pieces fit together:

Feature	CE Biennium	Annual Renewal
Purpose	Earn and report continuing education credits	Renew certification, pay fees, attest compliance
Frequency	Every two years	Every year
Timing	Starts on your birth month, lasts 24 months	Starts two months before your birth month, due by the last day of your birth month
CE Reporting	Required every other year	Attest to compliance every year, report CEs every other year
Fees	No direct fee for the biennium itself, but fees for CE activities	Annual renewal fee applies
Compliance	Complete required CE credits	Pay fees, attest to Rules & Regulations, Standards of Ethics, and CE completion

For more detailed information about radiography requirements specifically, take a look at our guide on How Many X-Ray CE Credits Do I Need for Radiography?.

What is a CE Biennium vs. an Annual Renewal?

Let’s clarify the most confusing part of ARRT CE renewal: the CE biennium versus the annual renewal.

Your CE biennium is a 24-month period for completing CE credits, starting on the first day of your birth month. For example, a March birthday could mean a biennium from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2026.

Your annual renewal occurs every year. The renewal window opens two months before your birth month and closes on the last day of your birth month. During this time, you pay fees and attest to following ARRT’s Rules and Regulations and Standards of Ethics.

You renew annually, but you only report your CE credits every other year at the end of your biennium. One year you simply renew and attest; the next, you renew and report your completed CE.

Understanding these separate timelines helps you avoid the panic of realizing you need credits right before your deadline. For practical tips on planning ahead, check out our article on Satisfying Radiology Continuing Education Requirements for the Biennium.

How Many CE Credits Do I Need?

The number of CE credits for your ARRT CE renewal depends on your credential. Most technologists need 24 credits every two years, but there are key variations:

• R.T. (Registered Technologist): 24 credits per biennium for most disciplines, including radiography and mammography.
• R.R.A. (Registered Radiologist Assistant): 50 credits per biennium. At least 25 must be Category A+ and 35 must be directly related to R.R.A. practice.
• Sonography Credential: 24 total credits, with 16 being discipline-specific to sonography. ARRT may expand discipline-specific requirements to other modalities in the future.

If you hold multiple certifications, you only need to meet the requirement for your highest credential. Credits can often satisfy requirements for multiple certifications simultaneously.

For the most current and detailed breakdown of requirements, Review the official ARRT Education Requirements directly from ARRT. They update this document regularly, so it’s always your best source for the latest information.

Finding and Completing Approved CE Activities

Now that you know your credit requirements, the next step is finding and completing activities that ARRT will accept for your ARRT CE renewal. Not every educational activity counts. ARRT has specific criteria, ensuring the credits you earn represent genuine professional development.

We’ve helped thousands of radiologic technologists steer this process, and we’ve gathered everything you need to know in our comprehensive guide on CE Credits for Radiology: How Can I Get Them?.

What Types of Activities Are Accepted for CE Credit?

The gold standard for ARRT CE renewal is Category A and Category A+ credits. These are activities approved by an ARRT Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM). Category A+ credits are specifically for Registered Radiologist Assistants (R.R.A.s).

Other accepted activities include:

• Academic courses: Earn 16 CE credits per semester hour or 12 per quarter hour for relevant courses at accredited institutions.
• Advanced CPR: Certifications like ACLS or PALS can provide up to six CE credits once per biennium (basic BLS does not qualify).
• Authoring an article: Publishing in an ARRT-accepted peer-reviewed journal earns CE credits.
• Facility applications training: Up to 8.0 Category A credits per biennium for training on new equipment (cannot be used for Structured Education or CQR).
• State-approved activities: Activities approved by licensing boards in Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, or Oregon are accepted.

Activities that do not count include clinical instructorships, basic BLS, and earning a new credential itself (though the coursework to earn it may count).

We’ve made it easy to find the right courses for your needs. Whether you’re looking for general Radiology CE Courses, specialized Mammography CEUs, or focused CT/MRI CE, we’ve got you covered with ARRT-approved options.

How Do I Find Approved CE Activities?

Finding approved activities for your ARRT CE renewal shouldn’t be difficult. The most reliable resource is ARRT’s own biennial CE search tool. This database lets you filter activities by topic, provider, and credit type, guaranteeing that your chosen course will be accepted.

When browsing courses, look for clear indicators of approval, such as “Category A” or “Category A+” and mention of an ARRT-recognized RCEEM. These markers confirm the course meets ARRT’s standards.

As an ARRT-approved provider, we simplify this process. All our courses are evaluated by an ARRT RCEEM, so you can enroll with confidence. We provide high-quality, self-paced learning that fits your schedule, with instant certificates upon completion.

Looking for the convenience of online learning? We’ve compiled our recommendations in The Top X-Ray Radiology CE Credits You Can Earn Online, featuring courses that combine flexibility with quality.

The bottom line: stick with ARRT-approved providers and use official search tools to ensure your activities will count.

The Complete Guide to the ARRT CE Renewal Process

You’ve completed your CE credits—congratulations! Now it’s time to make it official. The ARRT CE renewal process is straightforward once you understand the path. We’ll walk you through when to report, what fees to pay, and how to complete your renewal. If you’re eager to get started on your next round of credits, our guide on How to Enroll in X-Ray CE Fast can help.

When and How to Report for Your ARRT CE Renewal

You only report CE activities every other year during your annual renewal. The reporting window opens two months before your birth month and closes at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on the last day of your birth month. You have one additional month after your biennium ends to report, providing some flexibility.

Reporting is done through your ARRT online account. When the renewal period opens, log in and click “Renew.” You’ll enter details for each CE activity, such as the course title, provider, completion date, and credits.

Crucially, ARRT does not track your CE activities. You must keep all participation certificates for at least one year after reporting in case of an audit. Some CE providers may transmit credits directly to ARRT, which will appear in your account. Verify these and add any others manually. Review everything carefully before submitting, as no changes can be made afterward. For those who appreciate working smarter, bundling your CE requirements can save time. Find Why a Combo E-Course is a Good Fit for Your Radiology CE.

Navigating the Annual Renewal and Fees

You must renew your credentials every year by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on the last day of your birth month. Missing this deadline has serious consequences.

The current fee for ARRT CE renewal is $30 for your first discipline and $15 for each additional one. For postprimary credentials using NMTCB or ARDMS credentials, the fee is $45 for the first and $15 for each additional.

Important Change: Starting with renewals due in January 2026, ARRT will switch to a flat fee of $65 for all renewals, covering all your credentials. This may be a cost savings for those with multiple certifications. Knowing this change helps you budget for the future.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Your ARRT CE Renewal

Ready to complete your ARRT CE renewal? Here is a simple, step-by-step guide:

1. Log into your ARRT online account. Your dashboard contains your specific deadlines and requirements.
2. Click the “Renew” button. This appears on your dashboard when your renewal window opens (two months before your birth month).
3. Complete the ethics attestation. You must confirm your compliance with the ARRT Standards of Ethics and Rules and Regulations.
4. Report your CE activities (if it’s your reporting year). Enter the details for each completed course. Verify any credits automatically transferred and add any others.
5. Pay your renewal fee. Use a credit or debit card and ensure the payment is successful before the deadline.
6. Print or save your confirmation. This is your proof of renewal and includes a list of the CE you reported.

With organized documentation, the entire process can take less than 30 minutes.

Explaining CQR and Handling Compliance Issues

Life gets busy, and sometimes keeping up with your ARRT CE renewal requirements can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR) or wondering what happens if you miss a deadline, we’re here to help. The most important thing is to stay informed about the ARRT Rules and Regulations and the ARRT Standards of Ethics so you can stay on track.

What are the Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR)?

Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR) is ARRT’s 10-year assessment to ensure you’re keeping pace with the evolving field.

CQR applies to you if you earned your initial certification on or after January 1, 2011. You have a three-year window to complete the process once your compliance period opens.

The CQR process has three steps:

1. Complete a professional profile detailing your work experience.
2. Take a structured self-assessment (online or at a test center) to identify knowledge gaps.
3. Complete prescribed CE activities based on your assessment results. These prescribed activities often count toward your regular biennial CE requirements.

Your ARRT dashboard helps you track your CQR progress. It’s best to start early in your three-year window to avoid stress. For a deeper dive into structured education, see our article on What You Need to Know About ARRT’s Structured Education Solutions and Requirements.

What Happens If I Miss a Deadline?

If you fall behind on your ARRT CE renewal requirements, it’s important to act quickly.

• Missing CE Credits: If you don’t complete your CE by the end of your biennium, you can still complete your annual renewal. ARRT will place you on CE probation, giving you a six-month extension (with a fee) to earn and report the missing credits. Failure to do so will result in your certification being discontinued.
• Missing the Annual Renewal Deadline: This is more serious. If you miss the deadline (the last day of your birth month), your credentials are immediately discontinued. You will need to apply for reinstatement and pay a fee.

To avoid these issues, mark your deadlines carefully. Staying ahead of requirements saves you money, hassle, and stress.

Frequently Asked Questions about ARRT Renewal

Let’s tackle some of the most common questions that come up when you’re navigating your ARRT CE renewal.

Can I change my CE biennium dates?

Your CE biennium dates are set upon initial certification and are tied to your birth month. They remain the same even if you add new credentials. However, if your biennium timing creates persistent scheduling conflicts, ARRT allows you to Request to change the year of your CE biennium. You can only change the year, not the month, as it will always align with your birth month.

Do credits from earning a new certification count towards CE?

Earning a new ARRT certification itself does not fulfill your CE requirements. However, the structured education activities you completed to earn that credential can count toward your biennial CE. The activities must be Category A or A+ and completed during your current biennium. This is a great way to strategically use your professional development to meet multiple goals. If you’re thinking about expanding into a different modality, check out our guide on How to Use Continuing Education to Advance to a Different Modality Within Radiology for more insights.

Where can I find more help with my renewal?

Your ARRT online account is the best place for personalized information about your ARRT CE renewal, including your specific deadlines and CQR status. The ARRT website also has a comprehensive renewal resources section. For specific questions, you can call ARRT directly at 651.687.0048 and select the option for renewal, reinstatement, or continuing education.

We’ve also put together a comprehensive resource that covers many common questions. Check out our Most Frequently Asked Questions About CE Credits for Radiologic Technologists for practical answers.

Conclusion

You now have the information needed to manage your ARRT CE renewal without stress. By understanding your biennium, tracking deadlines, and finding approved courses, you can easily stay compliant.

The key to a smooth renewal is to stay organized, know your credit requirements, choose approved courses, and maintain compliance with ARRT’s ethical and regulatory standards. This turns renewal into a simple routine.

Continuing education is more than a requirement; it’s an opportunity to improve your skills, improve patient care, and keep your credentials valid.

At Scrubs CE, we make this process easier. We offer high-quality, self-paced courses designed to fit your busy schedule, meeting ARRT’s standards and providing instant certificates upon completion.

Ready to knock out your CE requirements? Explore our full catalog of ARRT-accepted Radiology CE Courses today and take the first step toward stress-free renewal.