Illinois Radiologic Technologist Accreditation — Requirements and Application
- Radiologic technologists applying for initial Illinois accreditation for the first time
- Travel RTs researching what state credential is required before accepting an Illinois assignment
- Out-of-state RTs relocating to Illinois who need to understand the accreditation process
Illinois Medical Radiation Technology Accreditation — At a Glance
| State Credential Required? | Yes — Illinois requires IEMA-OHS accreditation to practice medical radiography |
| Credential Name | Medical Radiation Technology Accreditation — issued by IEMA-OHS |
| Governing Body | Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS); governed by 32 Ill. Adm. Code Part 401 |
| Application Fee | $120 — nonrefundable; 2.25% convenience fee applies to credit card payments |
| Application Method | Email, fax, or mail — per IEMA-OHS portal reviewed May 2026; payment by credit card, debit card, or check |
| Exam Requirement | Examination required per 32 Ill. Adm. Code §401.70 — verify with IEMA-OHS whether ARRT satisfies this requirement for your accreditation category |
| Education Requirement | Completion of an IEMA-OHS approved radiologic technology training program |
| Interstate Compact | None — Illinois does not participate in the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact (MRTC) as of May 2026 |
| Reciprocity / Endorsement | No distinct reciprocity pathway identified in IEMA-OHS sources reviewed May 2026 — verify directly with IEMA-OHS |
| Governing Authority | 420 ILCS 40 (Illinois Radiation Protection Act); 32 Ill. Adm. Code Part 401 — Accreditation in the Practice of Medical Radiation Technology |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years — see the Illinois renewal page for full renewal details |
Illinois requires radiologic technologists to hold accreditation issued by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) before practicing medical radiography in the state. The credential is called Medical Radiation Technology Accreditation — Illinois uses “accreditation” rather than “license,” but the practical requirement is the same. See the At-a-Glance table above for current fees, application method, and governing authority.
For travel RTs and those relocating from other states, Illinois accreditation is a state-level requirement that applies regardless of ARRT certification status. ARRT credentials are central to the Illinois process, but Illinois accreditation must be obtained through IEMA-OHS directly. There is no interstate compact for radiologic technologists in Illinois — each state requires its own individual credential.
What Makes Illinois Different: Accreditation Through IEMA-OHS
Illinois is administered through IEMA-OHS rather than a health professions licensing board or department of health, which is the more common structure in states like Ohio, Florida, and New York. The regulatory framework sits under Illinois radiation protection law — 420 ILCS 40 and 32 Ill. Adm. Code Part 401 — rather than a professional licensing act. The practical effect on applicants is limited, but understanding the structure helps when navigating employer credentialing paperwork that may ask for a “state license” when Illinois issues an “accreditation.”
Illinois also uses the term “accreditation” consistently throughout its portal and official materials. When employers, staffing agencies, or credentialing systems refer to your “Illinois RT license,” they mean your IEMA-OHS accreditation. The two terms describe the same credential.
Requirements for Illinois Medical Radiation Technology Accreditation
Per IEMA-OHS sources reviewed in May 2026, initial Medical Radiation Technology Accreditation requires the following:
- Approved training program: Completion of an IEMA-OHS approved radiologic technology training program is required. Verify that your specific program meets IEMA-OHS requirements directly before applying — do not assume approval based on JRCERT accreditation alone.
- Examination: An examination is required under 32 Ill. Adm. Code §401.70. Based on industry sources and IEMA-OHS renewal portal language reviewed in May 2026, the ARRT examination is the standard qualifying exam for medical radiography accreditation. Verify with IEMA-OHS that ARRT satisfies the exam requirement for your specific accreditation category before applying.
- Application and fee: Submission of a completed application with the fee shown in the summary table above. Applications are submitted by email, fax, or mail — not online. All fees are nonrefundable per IEMA-OHS. A 2.25% convenience fee applies to credit card payments; checks and debit cards are also accepted.
- Disclosure questions: Applicants must answer conditional disclosure questions about disciplinary and criminal history as part of the application. Per IEMA-OHS portal language, if you answer “Yes” to any conditional question, additional review applies. No fingerprint-based background check requirement was identified in IEMA-OHS public sources reviewed May 2026 — verify current requirements directly with IEMA-OHS.
- Name matching: Your name on the application must match your state ID or driver’s license per IEMA-OHS portal instructions.
Temporary Accreditation
Illinois offers a temporary accreditation pathway for eligible applicants. Per IEMA-OHS portal language reviewed in May 2026, individuals holding temporary accreditation must renew using their professional accreditation number to move to active status. If two years passes under temporary status, the applicant must pass the ARRT boards before becoming eligible to renew. Individuals cannot renew temporary accreditation status directly. Verify current temporary accreditation eligibility and requirements directly with IEMA-OHS before applying through this pathway.
How to Apply for Illinois Medical Radiation Technology Accreditation
Per IEMA-OHS portal instructions reviewed in May 2026, initial accreditation applications are submitted by email, fax, or mail — the online portal is used for renewal only.
- Download and complete the Initial Accreditation in Medical Radiation Technology Application from the IEMA-OHS Radiation Technology Services page
- Ensure your name matches your state ID or driver’s license exactly
- Answer all questions completely and honestly, including all conditional disclosure questions
- Submit by one of the following methods:
- Email: ema.radtech@illinois.gov
- Fax: 217-785-9946
- Mail: IEMA-OHS, CMS Regional Complex, 4800 Wabash Avenue, 3F-West, Springfield, IL 62711-7073
- Pay the application fee shown in the summary table above — credit card, debit card, or check accepted; 2.25% convenience fee applies to credit cards
- Verify your accreditation in the Illinois Directory after 24–48 hours of payment processing
Processing time for medical radiography accreditation applications is not published in IEMA-OHS sources reviewed for this page. If you have a time-sensitive assignment or start date, contact IEMA-OHS directly before submitting to ask about current turnaround times.
Reciprocity and Out-of-State Applicants
IEMA-OHS public-facing materials reviewed for this page do not clearly publish a distinct reciprocity or endorsement pathway for radiologic technologists relocating from other states. Out-of-state RTs and travel RTs generally apply through the standard initial accreditation process, using ARRT credentials and education documentation as part of the standard application. Verify current pathway options for out-of-state applicants directly with IEMA-OHS at ema.radtech@illinois.gov before applying.
Practical Notes for Illinois Accreditation Applicants
- Illinois calls it accreditation — your employer will call it a license. Staffing agencies and hospital credentialing departments routinely refer to Illinois IEMA-OHS accreditation as a “state license.” If a contract or credentialing form asks for your Illinois RT license number, they want your IEMA-OHS accreditation number. The two terms describe the same credential.
- Initial applications are not online — plan accordingly. Unlike renewal, which is processed through the IEMA-OHS online portal, initial accreditation applications must be submitted by email, fax, or mail. Factor this into your timeline, especially if you have a specific assignment start date.
- ARRT certification is central but not a substitute. The ARRT examination appears to satisfy Illinois’s exam requirement based on IEMA-OHS portal language and industry sources reviewed May 2026, but Illinois accreditation is a separate step that must be completed through IEMA-OHS. Active ARRT certification does not mean you are automatically accredited in Illinois.
- No interstate compact — every state requires its own credential. Illinois does not participate in the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact (MRTC) as of May 2026. There is no multi-state practice privilege for radiologic technologists. If you work across multiple states, each requires its own accreditation or license.
- Travel RTs: no identified temporary practice authorization. No short-term practice permit or temporary authorization for out-of-state RTs was identified in IEMA-OHS public sources reviewed May 2026. This should be treated as a caution, not a conclusion — verify directly with IEMA-OHS and your staffing agency whether any interim practice option exists before assuming you must hold full accreditation before starting.
- Processing time is unknown — contact IEMA-OHS early. IEMA-OHS does not publish a processing timeline for medical radiography accreditation. If your assignment has a hard start date, reach out to IEMA-OHS at ema.radtech@illinois.gov well in advance.
Relevant Statutes and Regulations
- 420 ILCS 40 — Illinois Radiation Protection Act (governing statute)
- 32 Ill. Adm. Code Part 401 — Accreditation in the Practice of Medical Radiation Technology (administrative rules)
- 32 Ill. Adm. Code §401.70 — Examination Requirements
- 32 Ill. Adm. Code §401.130 — Fees
Related Pages
- Illinois Medical Radiation Technology Accreditation Renewal
- Ohio Radiologic Technologist License Requirements
- Florida Radiologic Technologist Certification Requirements
- Radiologic Technologist Licensing by State — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Illinois require a state credential to practice as a radiologic technologist?
Yes. Illinois requires radiologic technologists to hold Medical Radiation Technology Accreditation issued by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS). The credential is commonly referred to as a license by employers and staffing agencies, but the official term is accreditation. Source: IEMA-OHS Radiation Technology Services
What is the Illinois radiologic technologist credential officially called?
The official credential is Medical Radiation Technology Accreditation, issued by IEMA-OHS and governed by 32 Ill. Adm. Code Part 401. Employers and staffing agencies often call it an Illinois RT license — both terms refer to the same credential. Source: IEMA-OHS Radiation Technology Services
Can I work in Illinois as a radiologic technologist with only ARRT certification?
No — ARRT certification alone does not authorize practice in Illinois. You must obtain Illinois Medical Radiation Technology Accreditation through IEMA-OHS. The ARRT examination appears to satisfy Illinois’s examination requirement based on IEMA-OHS portal language and industry sources reviewed May 2026, but the IEMA-OHS accreditation application must be completed separately. Verify exam requirements with IEMA-OHS before applying. Source: IEMA-OHS Radiation Technology Services
What is the Illinois accreditation application fee?
The accreditation fee is $120, nonrefundable, per IEMA-OHS payment information reviewed May 2026. A 2.25% convenience fee applies to credit card payments. Credit cards, debit cards, and checks are accepted. Verify the current fee with IEMA-OHS before submitting payment. Source: IEMA-OHS Portal
How do I submit my Illinois accreditation application?
Initial accreditation applications are submitted by email, fax, or mail — the online portal is used for renewal only. Submit to: ema.radtech@illinois.gov; fax 217-785-9946; or mail to IEMA-OHS, CMS Regional Complex, 4800 Wabash Avenue, 3F-West, Springfield, IL 62711-7073. Source: IEMA-OHS Radiation Technology Services
Is Illinois part of the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact (MRTC)?
No. Illinois does not participate in the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact (MRTC) as of May 2026. There is no multi-state practice privilege available — out-of-state RTs must apply for Illinois accreditation through IEMA-OHS directly. Source: IEMA-OHS Radiation Technology Services
Is there a reciprocity or endorsement pathway for out-of-state radiologic technologists?
No distinct reciprocity or endorsement pathway was identified in IEMA-OHS public materials reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs typically apply through the standard initial accreditation process. Verify current options directly with IEMA-OHS at ema.radtech@illinois.gov before applying. Source: IEMA-OHS Radiation Technology Services
What law governs Illinois radiologic technologist accreditation?
Illinois radiologic technologist accreditation is governed by 420 ILCS 40 (Illinois Radiation Protection Act) and 32 Ill. Adm. Code Part 401 (Accreditation in the Practice of Medical Radiation Technology), administered by IEMA-OHS. Source: IEMA-OHS Radiation Technology Services