New Jersey Radiologic Technologist License — Requirements and Application
- Radiologic technologists applying for initial New Jersey licensure for the first time
- Travel RTs researching what state credential is required before accepting a New Jersey assignment
- Out-of-state RTs relocating to New Jersey who need to understand the licensing process
New Jersey Radiologic Technologist Licensure — At a Glance
| State License Required? | Yes — New Jersey requires licensure to perform diagnostic radiologic technology procedures |
| Credential Name | Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist license — issued by NJDEP Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners |
| Governing Body | Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Bureau of X-Ray Compliance |
| Licensing Pathways | Current ARRT certification; Board-approved exam (minimum 75% passing score); out-of-state exam with current state diagnostic radiography license |
| Application Fees | NJDEP sources reviewed May 2026 indicate a $60 license application fee and $160 examination fee if applicable — verify current fees with NJDEP before submitting |
| ARRT Certification | Accepted — current ARRT certification satisfies New Jersey’s examination requirement for diagnostic radiography licensure |
| Education Requirement | 24-month Board-approved diagnostic radiography program or JRCERT-accredited equivalent; high school diploma or equivalent; competent clinical experience within last 5 years |
| Application Method | Mail — NJDEP does not accept walk-in applications; online payment available |
| Processing Time | Approximately 5 business days per NJDEP materials reviewed May 2026 — after receipt of complete application |
| Interstate Compact | No MRTC participation identified in NJDEP materials reviewed May 2026 — verify current compact status with NJDEP |
| Governing Authority | N.J. Stat. §26:2D-24 through §26:2D-34; N.J.A.C. 7:28-19 |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years — see the New Jersey renewal page for full details; licenses expire December 31 of every even-numbered year on the statewide biennial cycle |
New Jersey requires radiologic technologists to hold a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist license issued by the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners before practicing in the state. The Board operates under the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Bureau of X-Ray Compliance — an unusual governance structure compared to most states, where RT licensing typically falls under a health department or professional licensing board. See the At-a-Glance table above for current fees, pathways, and processing times.
For ARRT-certified technologists, New Jersey’s licensing process is relatively straightforward — no separate state exam is required for active ARRT technologists, and NJDEP materials reviewed May 2026 referenced approximately 5 business days for processing of complete applications after receipt. One notable feature of New Jersey: the state does not require continuing education for license renewal, making it one of the simpler renewal states for working RTs.
What Makes New Jersey Different
Two things stand out about New Jersey’s RT licensing framework. First, the governing body is the NJDEP rather than a health professions board or department of health — New Jersey treats radiologic technology as a radiation safety matter rather than a purely clinical one. Second, New Jersey does not require continuing education for license renewal. Per the NJDEP FAQ reviewed in May 2026:
ARRT CE obligations and federal MQSA mandates still apply independently — but New Jersey itself imposes no CE burden at renewal.
Scope of Practice for New Jersey Licensed Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists
Per NJDEP sources reviewed May 2026, a licensed diagnostic radiologic technologist in New Jersey is permitted to perform all types of diagnostic x-ray procedures, including radiographic, bone densitometry, and computed tomography (CT) procedures.
New Jersey Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Licensing Requirements
Per NJDEP sources reviewed May 2026, applicants for a New Jersey Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist license must meet all of the following requirements:
- Age: At least 18 years of age at the time of application
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent, plus completion of a 24-month diagnostic radiography program approved by the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners or its equivalent. JRCERT-accredited programs are recognized as equivalent. Applicants from non-Board-approved, non-JRCERT programs must submit additional information via the examination/license appendix.
- Clinical experience: Competent clinical experience documented within the last five years
- Examination or ARRT certification: Pass a Board-approved examination with a minimum score of 75% — the ARRT exam satisfies this requirement — OR hold current ARRT certification satisfying New Jersey’s examination requirement for diagnostic radiography licensure. Out-of-state applicants may qualify using another state’s equivalent examination, provided they hold a current state diagnostic radiography license.
- Character: Applicants must attest to good moral character as determined by the Board. No fingerprint-based criminal background check requirement was identified in NJDEP materials reviewed May 2026 — verify current requirements directly with NJDEP before applying.
- Application: Submit a complete application to the Department
If you were ARRT certified but dropped for not maintaining ARRT’s CE requirements, NJDEP notes you may still be eligible to take the ARRT examination. If passed, you may be eligible for a New Jersey license provided you meet the other license requirements.
How to Apply for a New Jersey Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist License
- Confirm your qualifying pathway — ARRT certification, Board-approved exam, or out-of-state exam with current license
- Gather required documentation — ARRT certification documentation, educational transcripts, clinical experience documentation, and out-of-state license information if applicable
- Download and complete the application from the NJDEP Diagnostic Radiologic Technology page
- Submit application by mail — NJDEP does not accept walk-in applications
- Pay applicable fees — NJDEP sources reviewed May 2026 indicate a $60 license application fee and $160 examination fee if applicable; verify current fees with NJDEP before submitting; online payment is available through NJDEP
- Allow approximately 5 business days for processing after receipt of a complete application per NJDEP materials reviewed May 2026
Specialty and Limited Radiography Categories
New Jersey licenses multiple specialty and limited radiography categories beyond the standard Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist license, including Radiation Therapy Technology, Radiologist Assistant, Limited Chest, Limited Orthopedic, Limited Dental, Limited Podiatric, Limited Urologic, and Limited Fusion Imaging CT. Each category has its own application requirements. If your practice involves one of these specialties, verify the specific requirements for that category directly with NJDEP.
Practical Notes for New Jersey Licensure Applicants
- ARRT certification is the straightforward path. Current ARRT certification satisfies New Jersey’s examination requirement for diagnostic radiography licensure. If your ARRT is current, the application focuses on documentation and fees rather than exam preparation.
- Mail-only initial application — plan ahead. NJDEP does not accept walk-in applications, and initial applications must be mailed. Build postal processing time into your assignment planning timeline — NJDEP’s approximately 5-business-day processing window begins only after your application is received.
- New Jersey does not require CE for renewal. Unlike most states, New Jersey imposes no continuing education requirement for license renewal. Your ARRT CE obligations continue independently, but they have no bearing on your New Jersey license renewal compliance.
- New Jersey license renewal and ARRT renewal are separate systems. Even though New Jersey does not require CE for state renewal, technologists maintaining ARRT certification must still comply with ARRT’s continuing education and renewal requirements independently. Letting your ARRT lapse does not affect your New Jersey license renewal — but it may affect your employment eligibility.
- Fluoroscopy requires a physician physically in the room. New Jersey licensed diagnostic RTs may operate fluoroscopic equipment only when a licensed physician is physically present in the room and directing the procedure. Confirm your facility’s fluoroscopy supervision practices before performing fluoroscopy in New Jersey.
- No fingerprint-based background check identified. No fingerprint or formal criminal background check requirement was identified in NJDEP materials reviewed May 2026. Applicants must attest to good moral character as determined by the Board — verify current requirements with NJDEP before applying.
- No traditional “endorsement” pathway — but out-of-state RTs have options. New Jersey does not use the term “licensure by endorsement,” but out-of-state RTs may qualify through the out-of-state examination pathway by providing proof of a current state diagnostic radiography license and information from that state agency. Verify current out-of-state pathway requirements directly with NJDEP.
- No interstate compact — New Jersey license required. No MRTC participation was identified in NJDEP materials reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a New Jersey license regardless of what other state licenses they hold.
Relevant Statutes and Regulations
- N.J. Stat. §26:2D-24 through §26:2D-34 — New Jersey radiologic technology licensure statute
- N.J.A.C. 7:28-19 — Radiologic Technology administrative rules
- N.J.A.C. 7:28-19.7 — Applicant requirements
- N.J.A.C. 7:28-19.9 — License expiration, reissuance, and renewal
- N.J.A.C. 7:28-19.10 — Fees
Related Pages
- New Jersey Radiologic Technologist License Renewal
- New York Radiologic Technologist License Requirements
- Pennsylvania Radiologic Technologist Requirements
- Radiologic Technologist Licensing by State — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey require a state license to practice as a radiologic technologist?
Yes. New Jersey requires a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist license issued by the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners under the NJDEP Bureau of X-Ray Compliance. Source: NJDEP Diagnostic Radiologic Technology
Does my ARRT certification qualify me for a New Jersey license?
Yes. Current ARRT certification satisfies New Jersey’s examination requirement for diagnostic radiography licensure — no separate state exam is required for ARRT holders. You must still submit a complete application and meet all other license requirements including education, clinical experience, and character requirements. Source: NJDEP Diagnostic Radiologic Technology
What is the New Jersey radiologic technologist license application fee?
NJDEP sources reviewed May 2026 indicate a $60 license application fee and $160 examination fee if applicable. Fees are established by rule under N.J.A.C. 7:28-19.10 — verify current fees with NJDEP before submitting. Source: NJDEP Technologist Education and Licensing
How long does it take to get a New Jersey radiologic technologist license?
NJDEP materials reviewed May 2026 referenced approximately 5 business days for processing of complete applications after receipt. Initial applications must be mailed — total turnaround includes postal delivery time in addition to NJDEP’s processing window. Source: NJDEP Technologist Education and Licensing
Can I perform fluoroscopy with a New Jersey diagnostic RT license?
Yes, but only when a licensed physician is physically present in the room and directing the procedure per NJDEP sources reviewed May 2026. Confirm your facility’s fluoroscopy supervision practices before performing fluoroscopy in New Jersey. Source: NJDEP Diagnostic Radiologic Technology
Is New Jersey part of the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact?
No MRTC participation was identified in NJDEP materials reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain a New Jersey license directly through NJDEP. Verify current compact status with NJDEP before planning multi-state practice. Source: NJDEP Technologist Education and Licensing