You’ve studied, you’ve prepared, you’re ready – so you thought. If you have recently taken the CT Registry exam for the first time and failed, know that you are not alone. In fact, according to the ARRT, 25.3% of first-timers failed the exam last year.
While a failed attempt is certainly disappointing, it doesn’t mean you can’t still succeed in getting that CT credential. What is important is to learn from the experience and better prepare for success.
The ARRT CT Registry Exam
Radiologic technologists work each day in patient care, and their services are vital to many. To equip the industry with knowledgeable and qualified techs, the ARRT makes its CT Registry Exam especially challenging.
To pass the exam, test-takers must achieve a scaled score of 75. “Scaled” in the sense that when evaluating the exam, the version of the exam and the audience to which it is administered is thought to be taken into consideration. The number of questions you must get correct may vary slightly depending on the version of the exam you may have received, hypothetically. Using the scaled methodology helps to equalize the various versions of the exam so that scores get distributed fairly.
Taking the CT Registry Exam. Again.
The ARRT allows for test-takers to attempt their CT Registry Exam up to three times. However, all attempts must be completed within the three-year period starting from the beginning of your initial exam window. Therefore, you are ineligible to retake your exam once that three years elapse or you have failed three times (whichever comes first).
So, what happens if you fail the exam three times or let that three-year period end without passing? Doing so means you must requalify for the exam. Depending on which pathway you are using to achieve your CT credential (primary or postprimary), the requirements to do so can vary.
Those using the primary pathway can choose to retake their accredited CT educational program (or select and complete a different accredited CT program). Alternatively, they can choose to enroll in an advanced placement program, if granted permission from the program director.
Test-takers using the postprimary pathway must begin and complete clinical experience again as well as complete the structured education requirements before requalifying for the exam. It is important to note that you must apply for requalification within two years from the completion of those clinical hours.
No matter the pathway, requalification can set you back years in your career. That is why is it vital to use what you’ve learned from failed first or second attempts to ensure passing the third time.
To make things simple, the ARRT includes a reapplication for certification and registration with the score packet you receive upon failing the exam. You can use this to schedule your next attempt.
Using your Score to Better Prepare for Next Time
If you’ve failed the CT Registry Exam, the ARRT doesn’t just stamp it as such and leave you guessing on areas to improve or those you’ve mastered. After each attempt, they provide you with a detailed score report that breaks down the exam into manageable sections. This allows you to see which areas you struggled with during the exam and target those for improvement moving forward.
Based on this report, going back to the content specifications provided by the ARRT can help identify what you need to spend time improving your knowledge before attempting the exam again. These content specifications directly correlate to questions on the exam, so mastering them means setting yourself up for success when retaking it.
The Tuffest Stuff Bounce Back Program
At The Tuffest Stuff, we know how to prepare you for the CT Registry Exam, no matter which exam attempt you are on. If you have failed the exam and need better preparation materials for your next attempt, our Bounce Back Program is just what you need.
Course creator Mike Enriquez will personally review your score report and you’ll receive a complimentary consultation with him to form a plan. Together, you will determine the best study plan to ensure you can pass the exam on your next attempt.
