California Radiologic Technology Certificate Requirements 2026
- ARRT-certified radiologic technologists applying for an initial California CRT
- Travel RTs accepting California assignments who need a state credential
- Out-of-state RTs relocating to California
California Radiologic Technology Certificate — At a Glance
| State Credential Required? | Yes — California law requires certification under the Radiologic Technology Act to use X-rays on human beings in the state |
| Credential Name | Radiologic Technology Certificate (CRT) |
| Governing Body | California Department of Public Health — Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB) |
| Certificate Categories | Diagnostic RT and Therapeutic RT — separate application and fee required for each |
| Initial Application Fee | $112 per category — check or money order only, non-refundable |
| Application Method | Mail only — no online application available |
| ARRT Pathway | ARRT exam documentation accepted — no separate California state exam required for ARRT-certified applicants |
| Processing Time | CDPH-RHB notifies applicants within 30 calendar days of receipt |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Interstate Compact | Verify current compact status directly with CDPH-RHB |
California requires certification under the Radiologic Technology Act for anyone using X-rays on human beings in the state. Per California law, it is unlawful to use X-rays on human beings in California unless certified pursuant to the Radiologic Technology Act, acting within the scope of that certification, and acting under the supervision of a licentiate of the healing arts who is a certified supervisor or operator. The credential is called a Radiologic Technology Certificate (CRT) and is issued by the California Department of Public Health — Radiologic Health Branch.
California’s application process is notably different from most states — applications are mail-only, fees must be paid by check or money order, and processing can take up to 30 days after receipt. Travel RTs planning California assignments should factor in the mail-based processing timeline when planning their application.
What Makes California Different
California stands out from most states in several ways that directly affect working RTs and travel RTs:
- Mail-only applications — there is no online application system for initial CRT applications. All applications must be submitted by US mail or express delivery with a check or money order.
- Certificate categories are separate — Diagnostic and Therapeutic RT certificates are separate credentials. If you practice both, you need separate applications and separate fees.
- Additional permits required for certain modalities — Fluoroscopy, Mammography, and PET/CT each require separate permits beyond the base CRT.
- ASRT CE caution — not all ASRT courses are accepted for California renewal CE. Only ASRT courses specifically designated as “California credits” are acceptable.
- ARRT biennium dates may not match California expiration dates — CDPH-RHB explicitly warns that your ARRT renewal cycle and California certificate expiration may be on different schedules.
California Radiologic Technology Certificate Types
CDPH-RHB issues several types of certificates and permits for radiologic technologists. The primary credentials for most working RTs are:
- Diagnostic Radiologic Technology Certificate — covers standard diagnostic X-ray practice; most working RTs apply for this category
- Therapeutic Radiologic Technology Certificate — covers radiation therapy practice
- Fluoroscopy Permit — required separately for fluoroscopic procedures; two types depending on whether an examination is required
- Mammographic Radiologic Technology Certificate — separate certificate for mammography practice
- PET/CT On-The-Job Registration — separate registration for PET/CT practice
This page covers the Diagnostic Radiologic Technology Certificate — the credential most ARRT-certified RTs will apply for. Verify requirements for additional permits directly with CDPH-RHB.
Qualifying Pathways
California accepts two pathways for initial CRT certification:
Pathway 1 — ARRT-certified applicants:
- Hold current ARRT certification for the applicable certificate category
- Submit documentation that you have passed the applicable ARRT certification examination
- Submit application form CDPH 8200 with the $112 non-refundable application fee
- No separate California state examination is required for ARRT-certified applicants
Pathway 2 — Non-ARRT applicants:
- Must graduate from a CDPH-RHB approved school in diagnostic or therapeutic radiologic technology
- Must take and pass the appropriate California examination
- Submit application form CDPH 8200 with graduation diploma and $112 non-refundable application fee
How to Apply for a California CRT
- Download and complete form CDPH 8200 (Radiologic Technology Certificate Application) from CDPH-RHB
- Gather required supporting documentation (ARRT exam documentation or graduation diploma)
- Prepare payment of $112 as a check or money order made payable to CDPH-RHB — no credit cards or online payments accepted
- Mail completed application, documentation, and payment to CDPH-RHB
- CDPH-RHB will notify you within 30 calendar days of receipt — either confirming acceptance, providing next steps for examination, or noting what is needed to complete the application
Mailing addresses:
USPS First-Class Mail: California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch, MS 7610, P.O. Box 997414, Sacramento, CA 95899-7414
Express Mail: California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch, MS 7610, 1500 Capitol Ave., Suite 520, Bldg. 172, Sacramento, CA 95814-5006
Note: If applying for both Diagnostic and Therapeutic certificates, a separate application and separate $112 fee is required for each. Verify current application forms and mailing addresses directly with CDPH-RHB before submitting, as forms are periodically updated.
Practical Notes for Working Radiologic Technologists
- Mail-only means plan ahead. California has no online application system. Between mailing time, CDPH-RHB’s 30-day notification window, and any follow-up steps, the California application process can take significantly longer than states with online systems. Travel RTs should start the California application as early as possible before an assignment start date.
- Check or money order only. California does not accept credit cards or online payments for initial applications. Have a check or money order ready before you mail your application — missing this will delay processing.
- Separate applications for separate certificate categories. If you practice both diagnostic and therapeutic radiologic technology, each requires its own application and $112 fee. Don’t assume one application covers both.
- Fluoroscopy requires an additional permit. If your California assignment includes fluoroscopy, you need a separate Fluoroscopy Permit beyond the base CRT. Factor in the additional application time and fee.
- Your ARRT renewal date and California expiration date are likely different. CDPH-RHB explicitly warns that ARRT biennium expiration dates may not align with California certificate expiration dates. Track both separately.
- Address changes must be reported within 30 days. California requires CRT holders to notify CDPH-RHB of any name or address change within 30 calendar days using form CDPH 8391.
Related Pages
- California Radiologic Technology Certificate Renewal — CE Requirements and Fees
- Ohio Radiologic Technologist License Requirements
- Texas Medical Radiologic Technologist License Requirements
- Radiologic Technologist Licensing by State — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a California state credential to work as a radiologic technologist in California?
Yes. California law requires certification under the Radiologic Technology Act to use X-rays on human beings in the state. ARRT certification alone does not authorize practice in California. Source: CDPH-RHB
Does ARRT certification qualify me for a California CRT?
ARRT certification supports eligibility for a California CRT through the ARRT pathway — ARRT-certified applicants do not need to take a separate California state examination. However, you must still submit the application form, ARRT exam documentation, and the $112 fee by mail to CDPH-RHB. Source: CDPH-RHB
Can I apply for a California CRT online?
No. As of May 2026, California CRT applications must be submitted by mail. There is no online application system for initial CRT applications. Payment must be by check or money order made payable to CDPH-RHB. Source: CDPH-RHB
How long does it take to get a California CRT?
CDPH-RHB notifies applicants within 30 calendar days of receipt of the application. If an examination is required, the certificate is issued within 45 days of successful examination completion. Total processing time depends on mail delivery time plus the 30-day notification window. Source: CDPH-RHB
Do I need a separate permit for fluoroscopy in California?
Yes. A Fluoroscopy Permit is required separately from the base CRT for radiologic technologists performing fluoroscopic procedures in California. Two types of fluoroscopy permits exist depending on whether an examination is required. Verify current requirements and application forms directly with CDPH-RHB. Source: CDPH-RHB
What is the application fee for a California CRT?
The non-refundable application fee is $112 per certificate category, based on CDPH-RHB application form CDPH 8200 reviewed in May 2026. A separate fee applies for each certificate category. Verify current fees directly with CDPH-RHB before submitting your application. Source: CDPH-RHB