Why Maintaining Your California X-Ray License Matters
How to maintain your x ray license in california is straightforward but requires attention to deadlines and specific requirements. The California Department of Public Health’s Radiologic Health Branch (RHB) requires all radiologic technologists, x-ray technicians, and supervisors to complete continuing education and renew their licenses every two years to legally practice in the state.
Quick Answer: 4 Steps to Maintain Your California X-Ray License
- Complete Required CE Credits – Earn 24 CE credits (or 10 for S&O) within two years, including specialized requirements for digital radiography, mammography, or fluoroscopy.
- Track Your Expiration Date – Watch for your renewal notice mailed 90 days before expiration.
- Submit Your Application – Mail your completed renewal form, proof of CE credits, and payment to CDPH-RHB.
- Maintain Documentation – Keep all CE certificates for four years in case of an audit.
With the healthcare industry growing, your California x-ray license is essential. Letting it lapse has serious consequences, including being unable to work and potential legal violations.
The renewal process involves completing specific continuing education credits for your certification type, whether you’re a Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT), Limited Permit X-Ray Technician (XT), or Supervisor and Operator (S&O). Specializations like mammography and fluoroscopy have additional CE requirements.
Renewal notices arrive about 90 days before your license expires, but you are responsible for renewing on time. If you miss the deadline, you’ll face late fees, and after 5 years, you’ll need to reapply from scratch.
Understanding California’s X-Ray License Renewal Framework
Understanding the renewal framework is the foundation of how to maintain your x ray license in california. The California Department of Public Health’s Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB) is the authority for X-ray and Nuclear Medicine technology certifications in the state, ensuring all professionals meet high standards.
The rules are in Title 17, California Code of Regulations (17 CCR) section 30403. The key takeaway is California’s two-year renewal cycle. You must complete continuing education (CE) and submit a renewal application every two years.
While the CDPH-RHB mails renewal notices 90 days before expiration, this is a courtesy. The legal responsibility to track your expiration date and renew on time is yours. Practicing with an expired license is illegal and risks your career and patient safety.
CE Requirements for Certified Radiologic Technologists (CRT)
CRTs need 24 approved CE credits every two years. These credits must relate to the application of X-ray to the human body, such as radiation physics, patient positioning, and quality control.
Crucially, at least 4 of those 24 credits must specifically cover digital radiography. This is not optional; California requires every CRT to stay current with digital imaging technologies.
You can explore more about these standards on our California CE Requirements page.
CE Requirements for Limited Permit X-Ray Technicians (XT)
Limited Permit X-Ray Technicians also need 24 approved CE credits every two years, focused on their specific scope of practice.
If you hold a digital authorization as an XT, 4 of your 24 credits must be in digital radiography, just like CRTs. If you don’t have digital authorization, you still need 24 credits in topics relevant to your scope.
CE Requirements for Supervisor and Operator (S&O) Certificates
Supervisor and Operator certificate holders have a lighter load, requiring 10 approved CE credits every two years. These credits should relate to X-ray application, with a focus on leadership responsibilities like regulatory compliance and quality assurance.
Additional CE for Specializations: Mammography and Fluoroscopy
Some modalities require extra CE.
If you’re a Mammography Technologist, you must earn at least 10 of your 24 CE credits in mammography. You also still need the 4 credits in digital radiography.
For CRTs with a Radiologic Technology Fluoroscopy (RTF) Permit, 4 of your 24 credits must be dedicated to radiation safety for fluoroscopy. These safety-focused credits are critical due to the higher radiation doses involved.
Supervisor and Operators with a Fluoroscopy permit need 4 of their 10 credits in fluoroscopy radiation safety, per 17 CCR 30456.6.
What Counts? Acceptable CE Courses and Providers
All CE must cover the application of X-ray to the human body. This includes radiation safety, imaging techniques, patient care, equipment operation, and related pathology or administration.
Certain subjects do not count, including CPR, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine (unless you hold a Nuclear Medicine certificate), billing, or general computer skills. Your CE must directly improve your X-ray practice.
The CDPH-RHB accepts courses from organizations recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the Medical Board of California, and other state boards. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) is another recognized source. The CDPH-RHB relies on these bodies to maintain quality standards. You can find more information on the Radiologic Health Branch website.
At ScrubsCE, our courses are designed to meet California’s requirements and are approved by recognized credentialing bodies. We offer self-paced courses with instant certificates, making it easy to complete your requirements on your schedule.
How to Maintain Your X-Ray License in California: The Renewal Process
Now that you know your CE requirements, let’s review the renewal process to keep your career on track.
About 90 days before your certificate expires, the CDPH-RHB should mail you a renewal notice with an application and instructions. However, you are still responsible for renewing on time, even if the notice is lost.
The process is simple: complete your CE, fill out the application, and mail it with your payment to the CDPH-RHB. California’s renewal still requires submission by U.S. mail, so plan ahead.
Mark your calendar now to avoid a last-minute scramble. For renewal preparation, our California Radiation Safety page offers helpful resources.
Step 1: Complete and Document Your CE Credits
Before starting your application, ensure all your CE credits are complete. This is the foundation of how to maintain your x ray license in california.
Remember the specific requirements: 24 credits for CRTs or XTs with digital authorization (including 4 in digital radiography), 10 credits for S&Os, plus any specialty credits. All credits must be earned within the 24 months before your certificate expires. For example, if your license expires on June 30, 2024, your CE must be completed between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024.
Guard your certificates of completion. California requires you to keep proof of CE for four years after renewal. The CDPH-RHB conducts random audits, and you’ll need to produce these documents if requested. We recommend keeping both digital and hard copies.
At ScrubsCE.com, you get an instant certificate to download and print upon course completion, making documentation easy. For more details, see the official Continuing Education Requirements for Certificate/Permit Renewal document from the CDPH.
Step 2: Fill Out Your Renewal Application
With your CE documented, it’s time for the paperwork. If you lost your renewal form, you can use a Special Renewal Application (covered in the next section).
The application is straightforward. You’ll provide your personal information, certificate number, and attest that you’ve completed the required CE. You don’t send the certificates with the application, but you must have them available for a potential audit.
Fill out the form carefully and legibly to avoid delays. A simple mistake can set your renewal back by weeks.
If you’ve changed your name, you’ll need to submit form CDPH 8391 (PDF) via email with supporting documents like a certified court order and photo ID.
Before mailing, double-check that the form is complete and signed.
Step 3: Submit Your Application and Fees
Your renewal is complete only when the CDPH-RHB receives your payment and CE confirmation.
Fees vary. A current license renewal is $70.00 per category. If it’s expired by less than 6 months, the fee is $81.08. If it’s expired for up to 5.5 years, the fee is $151.08. Always verify the current amount on your renewal notice or the CDPH website.
Payment must be by check or money order payable to “CDPH-RHB.” Online payments are not accepted for most renewals.
Mail your completed application and payment to:
CDPH-Radiologic Health Branch Billing/Cashiering, MS 7610
P.O. Box 997414
Sacramento, CA 95899-7414
For express mail, use the physical address:
CDPH-Radiologic Health Branch
MS 7610
1615 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95814
Submit everything at least a month before your expiration date to account for mail and processing times. For current fees and instructions, visit the California Department of Public Health website.
Navigating Common Renewal Issues
Even organized professionals can face renewal issues. A lost notice or a missed deadline can happen. Understanding how to handle these common problems can save you stress and money, and keep you legally practicing.
What to Do If You Lose Your Renewal Notice
If you lose your renewal notice, don’t panic. You can still renew using a Special Renewal Application (SRA) form.
Just download the correct form for your certification. For CRTs, use the CDPH 8200 Special Renewal Application, California Radiologic Technology Certificate. For S&O certificates, use the CDPH 8238 Special Renewal Application, California Supervisor and Operator Certificate.
Always use the most current form from the CDPH-RHB website. Fill it out, include your CE documentation and payment, and mail it to the correct address. SRAs are generally not accepted more than 30 days before your renewal date.
Consequences of an Expired License
Letting your license expire has serious consequences.
The moment your license expires, it is unlawful to practice X-ray technology in California. Working with an expired license can lead to disciplinary action, fines, and legal issues. Your employer will not let you work until your license is current.
Late renewal fees also increase your costs. The fee jumps from $70.00 to $81.08 if you renew within six months of expiration, and to $151.08 if you wait longer (up to 5.5 years).
The most critical cutoff is that certificates cannot be renewed after 5 years from the expiration date. After five years, you must reapply from scratch, which may include taking new exams and meeting current educational requirements. This is why proactively managing how to maintain your x ray license in california is so important.
On a positive note, once your late renewal is processed, a temporary work authorization is typically available online within 24 to 48 hours, allowing you to return to work while awaiting your official certificate.
How to handle a CE audit and verify your license
If you’ve kept good records, a CE audit is nothing to fear. The CDPH-RHB conducts random audits to ensure compliance. If selected, you’ll be asked to submit copies of your CE certificates.
This is why the four-year record rule is so important. You must keep proof of CE for four years. If audited, simply send the requested documents to the RHB promptly.
You or an employer can also verify your license status using the CDPH-RHB’s RHB Permits and Certificates on the Web portal. This public search tool lets you check if your license is active and current. You can search by certificate number and verify with the last four digits of your SSN/ITIN and date of birth. You can also download your electronic authorization document as instant proof of your valid license.
Frequently Asked Questions about California X-Ray License Maintenance
Here are answers to common questions about maintaining your California X-ray license.
How do California’s CE requirements differ from the ARRT’s?
It’s common to be confused about the difference between ARRT and California requirements. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a national certifying body, while the California Department of Public Health (CDPH-RHB) is your state licensing agency. California adds specific requirements on top of the ARRT’s baseline.
The biggest difference is timing. The ARRT biennium is based on your birth month, while California’s is based on the 24 months before your state license expires. These dates rarely align, so you must track both. For how to maintain your x ray license in california, your state expiration date is what matters for legal practice.
Content requirements also differ. California mandates 4 CE credits in digital radiography for CRTs and XTs with digital authorization. It also requires 4 CE credits in fluoroscopy radiation safety for those with fluoroscopy permits. For Mammographic CRTs, California requires 10 mammography-specific credits. These are not always hard requirements from the ARRT.
California is also stricter on what doesn’t count, explicitly excluding CPR, MRI, and ultrasound. While you can review ARRT’s rules in their ARRT Education Requirements for Obtaining and Maintaining Certification and Registration document, meeting ARRT standards alone may not satisfy California’s requirements. If unsure, you can Contact a state directly through the ASRT.
What happens if I don’t complete my CE credits on time?
This is a situation to avoid. If you don’t complete your CE by your expiration date, your renewal is incomplete. Your license expires, and you can no longer legally practice in California.
Practicing with an expired license is a serious violation that can lead to fines and disciplinary action. Your employer will not allow you to work.
You can submit your CE and renewal application after the deadline (within the 5-year window), but you will face late fees. Most importantly, you must stop practicing until your license is officially renewed. Planning your CE throughout your two-year cycle avoids this stress and potential career disruption.
Can a single CE course satisfy multiple requirements?
Yes, and this is a smart strategy. If a course covers multiple required topics, you can count it toward more than one category.
For example, a course on digital mammography quality control could satisfy both your 10 mammography credits and your 4 digital radiography credits. Similarly, a course on radiation safety in digital fluoroscopy could fulfill both your fluoroscopy and digital radiography requirements.
The key is that the course content must substantively cover all topics you’re claiming. Read course descriptions carefully to ensure they meet your needs. This approach is efficient and cost-effective. We design many of our ScrubsCE courses with these overlapping requirements in mind to make it easier for you to maintain your x ray license in california.
Conclusion
You’ve made it! We’ve covered everything you need to know about how to maintain your X-ray license in California. The process is manageable with proactive planning and good organization.
To recap: complete your specific CE requirements (24 credits for CRTs/XTs, 10 for S&Os, plus specialty credits), track your expiration date, submit your application and payment on time, and keep all CE documents for four years in case of an audit.
Your license is proof of your expertise and commitment to patient safety in an evolving field. With the healthcare industry booming, protecting your license is essential for protecting your career and patients.
We know you’re busy, and finding time for continuing education can be a challenge. That’s why we created ScrubsCE.com. Our online courses are convenient, affordable, and designed to meet California’s exact requirements. You can complete them at your own pace and get your certificate instantly. No hassle, no stress. Our California Combos bundle everything you need with built-in savings.
Don’t wait until your renewal notice arrives to think about CE. Make it part of your professional routine. Your future self will thank you when renewal time is stress is free when renewal time is stress-free.
Ready to check continuing education off your to-do list? Find the right CE courses to maintain your California X-ray license today! We’re here to support you so you can focus on what you do best: providing excellent patient care.
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