Arizona Radiologic Technologist Certification — Requirements and Application

Arizona requires radiologic technologists to hold a Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) certificate issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services before practicing in the state. The credential is governed by A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 28 and administered by the ADHS Bureau of Special Licensing, which assumed responsibility from the former Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners in August 2018. See the At-a-Glance table above for current fees, pathways, and processing times.

If you hold ARRT certification, you can generally apply directly through the ADHS online portal without sitting for an additional exam. Applicants holding current ARRT or NMTCB certification generally satisfy Arizona’s examination requirement through that certification, making the process relatively straightforward for most working RTs. CT and mammography practice each require separate Arizona specialty certificates in addition to the base CRT.

Arizona Radiologic Technologist Certification Pathways

Arizona offers multiple pathways to initial CRT certification under A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 28:

• ARRT or NMTCB certification pathway: Applicants holding current ARRT or NMTCB certification generally satisfy Arizona’s examination requirement through that certification. No separate Arizona state examination is required for these holders. This is the standard pathway for most working RTs.
• Approved program plus examination pathway: Applicants who are not ARRT or NMTCB certified must complete an ADHS-approved radiologic technology program — or an out-of-state program approved by JRCERT, ARRT, or NMTCB — and pass a department-approved examination.
• Universal recognition pathway: Under A.R.S. §32-4302, Arizona offers universal recognition for out-of-state applicants who hold a current, active license or certificate in another state. Per ADHS sources reviewed May 2026, applicants must have been licensed in another state for a minimum of one year and must provide an Attestation of Licensure in Another State form for each state in which they hold a license. ARRT, NMTCB, or CBRPA certification qualifies for this pathway. Verify current eligibility conditions directly with ADHS before applying.

Arizona Certification Fees

The following fees are confirmed from the ADHS Medical Radiologic Technologist Licensing Fees schedule reviewed in May 2026. ADHS directs applicants to pay online through the ADHS licensing portal.

• CRT initial certification: $100
• CMT (Certified Mammographic Technologist) initial: $20
• CTCT (Certified Technologist in Computed Tomography) initial: $20
• CTCT Supervised Preceptorship Permit: $10
• CTCT Supervised Temporary Permit: $10
• CRT reinstatement: $100
• Name change certificate: $10

A fee waiver is available for qualifying first-time applicants under A.R.S. §41-1080.01 — including applicants whose family income does not exceed 200% of federal poverty guidelines, active duty military spouses, and honorably discharged veterans within two years of discharge. Submit a completed fee waiver attestation form with your online application.

CT and Mammography: Separate Arizona Certificates Required

Holding a base CRT certificate does not authorize CT or mammography practice in Arizona. Each requires a separate specialty certificate:

• Certified Technologist in Computed Tomography (CTCT): Arizona uses a staged CTCT credentialing structure that may include supervised preceptorship and temporary permitting phases before full CTCT certification, depending on the applicant’s pathway and documentation submitted to ADHS. A current CRT or CNMT certificate is required to apply. Even if you hold ARRT (CT) post-primary certification, Arizona still requires a separate state-issued CTCT certificate — verify current CTCT pathway requirements directly with ADHS before applying.
• Certified Mammographic Technologist (CMT): A separate Arizona certificate requiring proof of a current CRT certificate to apply. Even if you hold ARRT (M) post-primary certification, Arizona still requires a separate state-issued CMT certificate.

If your Arizona assignment or position includes CT or mammography, you must obtain the applicable specialty certificate before starting work in those modalities. For CT specifically, plan well ahead — verify the current CTCT pathway requirements with ADHS early, as the process may involve multiple permitting phases before full certification.

Citizenship and Lawful Presence Documentation

Per ADHS sources reviewed May 2026, all initial applicants are required to provide documentation demonstrating lawful presence in the United States as required by Arizona law. Review the ADHS list of acceptable documents before submitting your application to ensure you have the required documentation ready.

Out-of-State Applicants and Universal Recognition

Arizona’s universal recognition framework under A.R.S. §32-4302 may allow qualifying out-of-state radiologic technologists to obtain Arizona certification with less documentation than the standard initial process. Per ADHS sources reviewed May 2026, applicants must have been licensed or certified in another state for a minimum of one year. An Attestation of Licensure in Another State form is required for each state in which the applicant holds a license or certificate.

This pathway is legally distinct from traditional reciprocity. Verify your eligibility and current documentation requirements directly with ADHS before applying through the universal recognition pathway.

How to Apply for Arizona Radiologic Technologist Certification

1. Determine your applicable pathway — ARRT/NMTCB, approved program plus exam, or universal recognition
2. Gather required documentation — ARRT or NMTCB certification, education records, lawful presence documentation, and Attestation of Licensure form if applying via universal recognition
3. Access the ADHS Individual Licensing Portal (LMS) and complete the online application — submit required documentation and complete all disclosure questions within the same application; ADHS directs applicants to apply online
4. If applying for CMT or CTCT specialty certificates, submit separate applications for each through the same portal
5. Pay the applicable fees online — paper payment is not accepted; fee waiver attestation must be submitted at application if applicable
6. Allow 3 to 4 weeks for processing — upload all required documents upfront to avoid delays

Practical Notes for Arizona Certification Applicants

• ARRT certification is the practical gateway. For most working RTs, evidence of current ARRT or NMTCB certification in good standing satisfies Arizona’s examination requirement and CE requirement at renewal per A.R.S. §32-2816(B). If your ARRT certification is current, the CRT application is generally straightforward — apply online, submit ARRT documentation, pay the fee.
• The CTCT process may take significantly longer than the base CRT. If your assignment or position involves CT, plan well ahead. Arizona uses a staged CTCT credentialing structure that may include preceptorship and temporary permit phases — verify the current pathway with ADHS early. Apply for CTCT at the same time as your CRT to minimize delays.
• CMT and CTCT require your CRT first. You cannot apply for Arizona CMT or CTCT without a current CRT certificate. If you need all three credentials, the sequencing matters — CRT comes first.
• Even ARRT post-primary certs don’t substitute for state specialty certificates. Holding ARRT (CT) or ARRT (M) does not authorize CT or mammography practice in Arizona without the corresponding CTCT or CMT state certificate. This is one of the most common assumption errors for travel RTs accepting Arizona assignments.
• Universal recognition may save time for relocating RTs. If you have held a current license in another state for at least one year, Arizona’s universal recognition pathway under §32-4302 may simplify your application. Confirm eligibility with ADHS before assuming the standard process applies.
• Upload everything upfront. ADHS states that missing documents delay approval. The 3 to 4 week processing window assumes a complete application — incomplete submissions take longer.
• No interstate compact — Arizona certification is required. Arizona did not appear to participate in the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact (MRTC) in sources reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain Arizona CRT certification regardless of what other state credentials they hold. Verify current compact status directly with ADHS.

Relevant Statutes and Regulations

• A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 28 — Radiologic Technologists (governing statute, §§32-2801 through 32-2843)
• A.R.S. §32-2812 — Applications for certificate; qualifications; fees; examination; denial
• A.R.S. §32-2814 — Initial certificates; special permits; temporary certificates
• A.R.S. §32-2816 — Certificates; fee; terms; registration; renewal; cancellation; waiver
• A.R.S. §32-2841 — Mammographic technologists; computed tomography technologists; certification; renewal
• A.R.S. §32-4302 — Universal recognition of out-of-state licenses
• A.R.S. §41-1080.01 — Initial license fee waiver
• Arizona Administrative Code Title 9, Chapter 16 — Medical Radiologic Technology rules

Related Pages

• Arizona Radiologic Technologist Certification Renewal
• California Radiologic Technologist Certification Requirements
• Texas Radiologic Technologist License Requirements
• Radiologic Technologist Licensing by State — Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Arizona require a state license to practice as a radiologic technologist?

Yes. Arizona requires radiologic technologists to hold a Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) certificate issued by the ADHS Bureau of Special Licensing. Source: ADHS Medical Radiologic Technology

Can I work in Arizona with only my ARRT certification?

No — ARRT certification alone does not authorize practice in Arizona. You must obtain a state-issued CRT certificate through ADHS. However, applicants holding current ARRT or NMTCB certification generally satisfy Arizona’s examination requirement through that certification, making the application process relatively straightforward. Source: ADHS Medical Radiologic Technology

How long does Arizona radiologic technologist certification take?

Per ADHS sources reviewed May 2026, application review takes 3 to 4 weeks. Missing documents delay approval — upload all required materials at the time of application to avoid extending this timeline. Source: ADHS Medical Radiologic Technology

What is the Arizona CRT certification fee?

The CRT initial certification fee is $100 per the ADHS Medical Radiologic Technologist Licensing Fees schedule reviewed May 2026. CMT and CTCT specialty certificates carry separate fees. Fees are established by rule — confirm current fees with ADHS before submitting. Source: ADHS Fee Schedule

Do I need a separate certificate for CT or mammography in Arizona?

Yes. CT practice requires a separate Certified Technologist in Computed Tomography (CTCT) certificate — Arizona uses a staged CTCT credentialing structure requiring a current CRT. Mammography practice requires a separate Certified Mammographic Technologist (CMT) certificate, also requiring a current CRT. ARRT post-primary certifications do not substitute for these state-issued specialty certificates. Verify current CTCT pathway requirements with ADHS before applying. Source: A.R.S. §32-2841

Is there a reciprocity or universal recognition pathway for out-of-state RTs?

Arizona offers universal recognition under A.R.S. §32-4302 for applicants licensed in another state for a minimum of one year. An Attestation of Licensure form is required. ARRT, NMTCB, or CBRPA certification qualifies. Verify current eligibility with ADHS before applying. Source: ADHS Medical Radiologic Technology

Is Arizona part of the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact?

Arizona did not appear to participate in the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact (MRTC) in sources reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain Arizona CRT certification directly through ADHS. Verify current compact status with ADHS before planning multi-state practice. Source: ADHS Medical Radiologic Technology