The ARRT radiography examination is difficult but possible to pass. As the name implies, this exam is the first step toward becoming an ARRT registered radiographer.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) maintains quality assurance standards in radiology.
To pass the ARRT radiography exam, you must be prepared. This cannot be done overnight, and it should only be attempted with preparation. Learning everything you can about the exam itself and what it means for your future career as a radiographer is essential.
What Is the ARRT Radiography Examination?
The ARRT radiography examination is a computer-based test that measures the knowledge and application of basic medical imaging sciences, radiation protection, and patient care.
The examination consists of 230 questions of which 200 are scored, while the remaining 30 are unscored. Unscored questions are distributed randomly throughout the exam, and you will have no idea which ones they are. The majority of the questions have multiple-choice answers with only one correct answer.
Tips to Prepare for ARRT Radiography Examination
To work in radiology, you must pass the ARRT radiography examination. This is one of the most popular exams for testing your knowledge and skills in radiology.
Here are several tips that can help you prepare for this examination.
- Take the ARRT Practice Test
If you want to pass the ARRT radiography examination, you must take the ARRT practice test before appearing for it. You can take a free online ARRT practice test that has sample questionnaires. The more you take these tests, the better you will be for the exam day.
Also, taking these free ARRT mock exams will give you an idea of what areas you need to study more than others. This will enable you to become familiar with what types of questions are asked on these exams.
- Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Giving yourself plenty of time for preparation rather than rushing things at the last minute is better. You don’t want to spend sleepless nights trying to cram all the information before your test date. Allocate adequate time to read through materials and practice exams easily; this will help you perform better on exam day.
- Create a Test-Taking Strategy
Develop a test-taking strategy that works best for you, whether writing down keywords, diagrams, or charts while you read them instead of just reading them once through. Practice doing them with a sample practice ARRT exam so that you can follow through with your strategy when you come across similar situations on the actual exam.
- Make a Realistic Plan
The ARRT examination is not easy, and it takes time to prepare. Make a schedule that allows ample time for studying and practicing. Make sure your schedule includes time for breaks and meals so you stay energized when studying. Also, allow time for research and reading about topics that are unfamiliar to you.
- Take a Classroom-Based Preparation Course
Many schools offer courses that teach students how to study effectively and pass their professional certification exams on the first try. A classroom-based preparation course may also provide free radiography practice tests and other resources specifically designed for the ARRT radiography examination.
- Review Your Syllabus and Course Materials
Make a list of the topics covered in each class based on your syllabus and course materials. Identify which areas of content you understand well and which ones require some review.
Reviewing all areas of the content may be overwhelming, so prioritize your study time accordingly. Make sure you feel comfortable with the material before taking the final examination in class.
- Watch Videos Online
Watch videos where experts teach how to use equipment such as X-ray and ultrasound machines. These videos can help familiarize you with these machines so that when you see them at work, they won’t be new to you anymore.
Take notes as you watch the videos. This will help you retain and remember the information during the exam. Make sure that you take notes of things that interest or surprise you in the video so that you can research more about it.
- Contact a Study Buddy
Find a friend or family member who is also taking the ARRT radiography exam. You can help each other by sharing information about what you have learned and any questions about the content. This can be very helpful when it comes time to study for the actual examination.
- Don’t Cram But Stay Focused
Ensure that you don’t cram too much information into your brain before the exam. Review everything so that you remember certain things. However, don’t try memorizing everything in one day or overnight because this will only stress you out. Instead, stay focused and follow your review plan to get favorable results.
- Take a Break From Social Media
It’s difficult to avoid social media, but you must do it. Social media can be a huge distraction during your study time.
Avoid logging into Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram as much as possible while studying. These sites will only divert you from getting work done and may even cause anxiety if they’re used too much.
- Exercise and Eat Healthy Food
Exercise improves your memory by increasing blood flow and oxygen to your brain. It also increases your concentration. Exercising regularly will ensure you have enough energy to take on long hours of studying.
You should also eat healthy food while preparing for the test. For example, eat foods rich in vitamin B, like fish, eggs, and nuts, to improve your memory. If you want to boost your concentration level, eat nuts or whole grains containing complex carbohydrates and fiber. These are good energy sources without spiking insulin levels too much.
- Get Help from ARRT Working Professional
Ask for help from an experienced radiology technician who has passed the exam successfully. They have been through this process and can help you focus on what you should study. This will also save you time as they already know where to look when preparing for the exam. If there are any issues, they can provide you with viable solutions so that you pass the exam quickly.
Wrapping Up
The ARRT radiography examination is a challenging but rewarding test. Preparing for the examination is one of the most critical steps in passing. As a radiologic technologist, you will be responsible for taking X-rays and other imaging procedures and performing many other tasks.
Taking and passing the ARRT radiography examination is crucial to becoming a licensed radiographer. The exam can be challenging, but with some preparation and practice, you’ll be ready to ace it.
