ACRR study guide
ACRR · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ACRR is a professional certification in radiologic technology, aimed at technologists and imaging professionals who want to demonstrate a broad, current command of clinical radiography beyond entry-level practice. It suits practitioners preparing for expanded responsibilities, cross-modality roles, or simply a rigorous self-check on their knowledge base. The exam is delivered in multiple-choice format and organizes content into five weighted domains: clinical patient care and safety (25%), radiation physics and instrumentation (20%), radiation protection and dosimetry (20%), radiopharmaceuticals and quality control (20%), and regulatory and professional standards (15%). That mix rewards candidates who can reason across the whole workflow - positioning and patient management, the physics behind image production, dose tracking, QC schedules, and the rules that govern practice - rather than memorizing one silo. The ACRR study guide has 5 sections and about 1,432 words.
01Clinical Patient Care and Safety
Patient care and safety questions test whether you can connect routine clinical practice to radiation risk. Know patient identification and verification, informed consent, pregnancy and breastfeeding screening, informed consent documentation, and the management of adverse reactions to radiopharmaceuticals.
289 words, about 1 min02Radiation Physics and Instrumentation
This domain covers atomic structure, radioactive decay modes, interaction of radiation with matter, and the operating principles of detection and imaging equipment. Expect questions on decay equations, half-life calculations, gamma camera components, collimator selection, and quality control of instrumentation.
278 words, about 1 min03Radiation Protection and Dosimetry
Protection questions blend physics with practice: dose quantities and units, occupational and public dose limits, ALARA principles, shielding, and contamination control. You should be comfortable converting between units and reasoning about time, distance, and shielding.
317 words, about 2 min04Radiopharmaceuticals and Quality Control
This domain tests your knowledge of radiopharmaceutical preparation, radionuclide generators, and the quality control tests that ensure safety and image quality. Expect questions on generator operation, radionuclidic and radiochemical purity, sterility, and the tests performed before patient administration.
275 words, about 1 min05Regulatory and Professional Standards
Regulatory questions test your understanding of licensing, authorized user and technologist responsibilities, documentation, and professional conduct. You should know the difference between regulations, guidance, and institutional policy, and how each shapes daily practice.
273 words, about 1 min