South Carolina Radiologic Technologist License — Requirements and Application

ByAllied License Guide Editorial Team
Editorial Note: This page covers initial certification as a radiologic technologist in South Carolina, governed by the South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association (SCRQSA) under SC Code Title 44 Chapter 74 (Medical Radiation Health and Safety Act). SCRQSA is a private association that administers South Carolina’s radiologic technology certification program under state law — it is not a state government agency. Data on this page is based on SCRQSA and SC Code Title 44 Chapter 74 sources reviewed in May 2026. This page is editorially reviewed by an ARDMS-credentialed sonographer and UC Berkeley graduate as part of AlliedLicenseGuide.com’s allied health licensing database. View the primary source at SCRQSA.
Who this guide is for:
  • Radiologic technologists applying for initial South Carolina certification for the first time
  • Travel RTs researching what state credential is required before accepting a South Carolina assignment
  • Out-of-state RTs relocating to South Carolina who need to understand the certification process
Travel RT takeaway: South Carolina requires a state-issued radiologic technology certificate, but applications are handled through SCRQSA — a private association — rather than through a traditional state licensing board. ARRT-certified RTs generally qualify without an additional state exam per SC Code §44-74-40(A). Standard processing runs approximately 5–7 business days; expedited option available for $25 add-on. Confirm requirements with SCRQSA at (803) 771-6141 before your assignment start date. Legislative status last checked: May 25, 2026.

South Carolina Radiologic Technologist Certification — At a Glance

State Credential Required? Yes — SC Code §44-74-30 requires a certificate issued by SCRQSA before using ionizing radiation on humans for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
Credential Name Certificate — Radiographer (CR); Limited Practice Radiographer (General/Chest/Chiropractic/Podiatric); Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NM-SC); Radiation Therapist (CRTT)
Governing Body South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association (SCRQSA) — private association administering SC’s radiologic technology certification program under state law; SCRQSA administers certification under SC law; radiation facility oversight involves South Carolina environmental and radiation authorities
Certification Pathways National certification pathway (ARRT/NMTCB) — certificate issued without additional state exam per §44-74-40(A); state exam pathway for limited scope applicants without national credential
Application Fee $50 standard; $75 expedited ($50 + $25 add-on); $140 state exam fee (ARRT-administered) for limited scope applicants — verify current fees with SCRQSA before submitting
ARRT Certification Accepted — per §44-74-40(A) ARRT-certified applicants generally qualify for SC certification without an additional state exam
Application Method Online payment via SCRQSA portal; physical application forms submitted by email, fax, or mail
Processing Time Approximately 5–7 business days after all documentation received; expedited option available
Background Check No mandatory fingerprint-based background check identified in publicly available SCRQSA application materials reviewed May 2026 — voluntary professional misconduct self-disclosure via SCRQSA Violations Reporting Form
Interstate Compact No interstate licensure compact for radiologic technologists identified in South Carolina sources reviewed May 2026
Governing Authority SC Code Title 44 Chapter 74 — Medical Radiation Health and Safety Act
Renewal Cycle Biennial — 2 years from date of issuance; see the South Carolina renewal page for full details

South Carolina requires radiologic technologists to hold an active certificate issued by the South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association (SCRQSA) before using ionizing radiation on humans for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. ARRT-certified technologists generally qualify for a South Carolina certificate without an additional state exam — per SC Code §44-74-40(A), ARRT holders are deemed to have met SC’s qualifications. See the At-a-Glance table above for current fees and pathways.

South Carolina’s certification framework has one notable structural distinction: SCRQSA is a private association — not a state government agency — that administers the state’s radiologic technology certification program under SC Code Title 44 Chapter 74. Applications are submitted through SCRQSA, not through the state’s LLR licensing portal. Travel RTs and relocating technologists searching for South Carolina radiologic technologist information on the LLR website will not find it there — SCRQSA is the correct contact.

What Makes South Carolina Different

SCRQSA’s role as a private association administering a state-mandated certification program is genuinely unusual. Most states use government boards or agencies. In South Carolina, SCRQSA is the body that receives applications, issues certificates, tracks CE, and manages renewals — all under the authority of SC Code Title 44 Chapter 74. Understanding this structural distinction matters operationally: contacting SC’s LLR or Department of Health will not get you to the right place. SCRQSA is your primary contact for all certification matters.

South Carolina also has an expedited processing option — a $75 fee for faster turnaround — which is useful for travel RTs with tight assignment timelines. Standard processing runs approximately 5–7 business days after all documentation is received.

South Carolina Radiologic Technologist Certification Requirements

Per SCRQSA and SC Code §44-74-40 sources reviewed May 2026:

  • Certification: Active ARRT certification satisfies SC’s qualification requirements per §44-74-40(A) — SC certificate issued without additional state exam for ARRT holders
  • Education: Graduation from a JRCERT-accredited program or equivalent program meeting national credentialing body requirements
  • Application: Pay $50 standard or $75 expedited fee online via SCRQSA portal; submit physical application form and ARRT credential verification by email, fax, or mail to SCRQSA
  • No mandatory fingerprint check: No mandatory fingerprint-based background check identified — SCRQSA uses voluntary professional misconduct self-disclosure via its Violations Reporting Form
  • No jurisprudence exam: No South Carolina state law or jurisprudence exam required

South Carolina Radiologic Technology Credential Categories

  • Radiographer (CR) — standard credential for ARRT RT(R)-certified radiographers; $50 standard application fee
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NM-SC) — for NMTCB or ARRT NM-certified technologists
  • Radiation Therapist (CRTT) — for ARRT RT(T)-certified radiation therapists
  • Limited Practice Radiographer — General, Chest, Chiropractic, or Podiatric scope; state exam may be required; 12 CE hours per biennium renewal
  • Limited Bone Densitometry-Peripheral Operator — 0 CE hours required for renewal

Fluoroscopy and Mammography in South Carolina

  • Mammography: No separate South Carolina state permit identified — technologists must hold a standard Radiographer Certificate and demonstrate compliance with federal MQSA qualification standards; verify with SCRQSA before performing mammography
  • Fluoroscopy for standard ARRT Radiographers: ARRT RT(R) credential holders are generally qualified under their core radiography scope for standard fluoroscopy-assisted procedures — facilities verify competency for SCDES/DHEC inspection compliance; confirm your facility’s specific requirements with your employer
  • Fluoroscopy for Advanced Practice Clinicians: Separate training requirements (including documented didactic and clinical hours) apply to Advanced Practice Clinicians (PAs, NPs, CRNAs) seeking limited radiography-fluoroscopy authorization through SCRQSA — this pathway is distinct from the standard ARRT Radiographer credential

How to Apply for a South Carolina Radiologic Technologist Certificate

  1. Access the SCRQSA website at scrqsa.org
  2. Pay the application fee online via the SCRQSA Secure Payment Portal ($50 standard; $75 expedited = $50 base + $25 expedited add-on)
  3. Complete the physical application form — download from SCRQSA website
  4. Attach ARRT credential verification (copy of ARRT card or verification printout)
  5. Submit completed application form and documentation by email, fax, or mail to SCRQSA
  6. Allow approximately 5–7 business days after all documentation is received for standard processing

Practical Notes for South Carolina Certification Applicants

From the field: These notes reflect practical considerations beyond the official requirements — things that affect your certification timeline and planning as a working RT.
  • Contact SCRQSA — not LLR or DHEC. South Carolina’s radiologic technology certification is administered by SCRQSA, a private association. If you search for RT licensing on the SC LLR or DHEC/SCDES website, you will not find it. All applications, renewals, and CE questions go to SCRQSA directly.
  • ARRT certification gets you a SC certificate without an additional exam. Per §44-74-40(A), ARRT-certified applicants are generally deemed to have met SC’s qualifications. You do not need to take a separate South Carolina state exam if your ARRT registration is current and active.
  • Expedited option available for tight timelines. For travel RTs with assignment start dates approaching, SCRQSA offers an expedited processing option at $75. Factor this into your timeline planning — standard processing runs 5–7 business days after complete documentation is received.
  • Fluoroscopy scope — confirm with your facility. ARRT RT(R) holders are generally qualified for fluoroscopy-assisted procedures under their core radiography scope. Facilities verify competency for state inspection compliance. If your assignment involves fluoroscopy, confirm your facility’s specific requirements with your employer or SCRQSA before starting.
  • No interstate compact identified. South Carolina does not participate in a radiologic technologist compact based on sources reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain SC certification through SCRQSA.
  • Renewal notices sent 60 days before expiration. SCRQSA mails renewal paperwork approximately 60 days before your individual expiration date. Your certificate is valid for 2 years from issuance — track your individual date.

Relevant Statutes

  • SC Code Title 44 Chapter 74 — Medical Radiation Health and Safety Act
  • SC Code §44-74-30 — Certificate requirement
  • SC Code §44-74-40 — Certification qualifications; ARRT recognition
  • SC Code §44-74-50 — Violations and enforcement

Official South Carolina Certification Resources

  • SCRQSA Homepage — applications, renewals, CE resources, scope of practice
  • SC Code Title 44 Chapter 74 — Medical Radiation Health and Safety Act
  • SCRQSA Phone: (803) 771-6141
  • SCRQSA Email: scrqsastaff@capconsc.com

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Does South Carolina require a state credential to practice as a radiologic technologist?

Yes. SC Code §44-74-30 requires a certificate before using ionizing radiation on humans for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The certificate is issued by SCRQSA — not by a state government agency. Source: SCRQSA

Does my ARRT certification qualify me for a South Carolina certificate?

Yes. Per SC Code §44-74-40(A), ARRT-certified technologists are deemed to have met SC’s qualifications and receive a certificate without an additional state exam. Current active ARRT certification is required. Source: SC Code Title 44 Chapter 74

What is the South Carolina radiologic technologist application fee?

$50 for standard processing; $75 for expedited processing; $140 state exam fee for limited scope applicants without a national credential. Verify current fees with SCRQSA before submitting. Source: SCRQSA

Who do I contact for South Carolina radiologic technologist certification?

Contact SCRQSA — not SC LLR or SCDES. Phone: (803) 771-6141; Email: scrqsastaff@capconsc.com; Website: scrqsa.org. SCRQSA is the private association that administers SC’s radiologic technology certification program under state law. Source: SCRQSA

Is South Carolina part of a radiologic technologist interstate compact?

No interstate licensure compact for radiologic technologists was identified in South Carolina sources reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain SC certification through SCRQSA. Verify current compact status with SCRQSA before planning multi-state practice. Source: SCRQSA

Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on SCRQSA and SC Code Title 44 Chapter 74 sources reviewed in May 2026. Certification requirements, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with SCRQSA before submitting an application. This page does not constitute legal or professional licensing advice. Verify at SCRQSA →
Change Log: 2026-05-25 — Page created. Data based on SCRQSA and SC Code Title 44 Chapter 74 sources reviewed May 2026. ARRT acceptance confirmed from §44-74-40(A). Fees confirmed from SCRQSA portal. SCRQSA private association structure noted — not a state government agency. Review cadence: 12 months (low volatility).

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