Washington Radiologic Technologist Certification — Requirements and Application

Washington State requires radiologic technologists to hold a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist certification issued by the Washington State Department of Health before practicing in the state. Washington uses the term “certification” rather than “licensure” — the credential functions as the required state authorization to practice. See the At-a-Glance table above for current fees, pathways, and governing authority.

For ARRT-registered technologists, Washington’s certification process is straightforward — active ARRT registration is accepted by Washington DOH as meeting examination and education requirements, and no separate state exam is required. Washington also stands out as a state that imposes no continuing education requirement for certification renewal, making it one of the simpler states for working RTs to maintain credentials.

What Makes Washington Different

Washington is one of a small number of states where the Department of Health imposes no continuing education requirement for radiologic technologist certification renewal. Per Washington DOH sources reviewed May 2026: “There are no continuing education requirements.” ARRT maintenance obligations still apply independently — but the state itself imposes no CE burden at renewal.

Washington also requires a background check for every applicant — fingerprint submission via Washington State Patrol and FBI may be required depending on your application. This is more explicit than many states, where only a disclosure question is required.

Washington Radiologic Technologist Certification Pathways

Washington DOH recognizes multiple pathways to initial certification under Chapter 18.84 RCW and Chapter 246-926 WAC:

• Active ARRT registration pathway: Active ARRT registration is accepted by Washington DOH as meeting examination and education requirements for certification. This is the standard pathway for most working RTs — no separate Washington state exam is required for active ARRT registrants.
• JRCERT-accredited program plus national exam: Applicants who have graduated from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program and passed a national examination qualify for certification.
• Alternative training pathway: An approved alternative training pathway is available for applicants who completed training outside a traditional accredited program. This pathway has specific curriculum and contact hour requirements — verify current alternative training requirements directly with Washington DOH.
• Out-of-state credential verification: Out-of-state RTs may qualify through a credential verification pathway. Washington does not use traditional “reciprocity” or “endorsement” terminology, but out-of-state RTs with current credentials in another state may apply through this pathway. A Credential Verification form is required. Verify current eligibility requirements with Washington DOH before applying.
• Military education/training pathway: Qualifying military education and training is recognized as an alternative pathway under Washington DOH materials reviewed May 2026.

Certification Designations: Diagnostic, Therapeutic, Nuclear Medicine

Washington primarily structures its radiologic technology credentials around specific designations rather than separate post-primary specialty permits. The primary designations are Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, and Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Each designation corresponds to a specific scope of practice and examination pathway. A Designation Form is available from Washington DOH for adding new designations to an existing certificate.

Additional credential categories in Washington include cardiovascular invasive specialists, X-ray technicians, and radiologist assistants — each with their own requirements under Chapter 246-926 WAC.

How to Apply for Washington Radiologic Technologist Certification

1. Determine your applicable pathway — ARRT registration, JRCERT program plus exam, alternative training, or out-of-state credential verification
2. Create a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account if applying online
3. Access the HELMS portal through Washington DOH online services and complete the application
4. Submit required documentation — ARRT registration verification, educational transcripts, credential verification forms as applicable
5. Answer all Personal Data Questions — a background check is processed for every applicant; fingerprint submission via Washington State Patrol and FBI may be required
6. Pay the $150 application fee — credit/debit card or eCheck accepted online; check or money order for paper applications; all fees nonrefundable per WAC 246-12-340
7. Paper applications are also available — download the License Application (PDF) and required forms from the Washington DOH RT certification page

Washington DOH uses a dynamic processing queue — check the DOH application status page to see which payment clearance dates are currently being processed. Contact Washington DOH directly at hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov or 360-236-4700 if you need to confirm timeline for a specific assignment start date.

Background Check Requirements

Washington DOH requires a background check for every radiologic technologist applicant. All applicants must answer Personal Data Questions as part of the application. Depending on your application, fingerprint submission via Washington State Patrol and FBI may be required. Plan for potential background check processing time when planning your certification timeline for a specific assignment start date.

Practical Notes for Washington Certification Applicants

• Active ARRT registration is the practical gateway. Active ARRT registration is accepted by Washington DOH as meeting examination and education requirements. If your ARRT registration is current and active, the certification pathway is straightforward — apply, pass the background check, pay the fee.
• Washington calls it certification, not licensure. Employers and staffing agencies may refer to your Washington “license” — they mean your Washington DOH certification. Both terms describe the same credential.
• As of May 2026, Washington DOH does not require CE for certification renewal. Washington imposes no CE requirement at renewal — but because active ARRT registration is the standard qualifying credential, letting your ARRT lapse due to CE non-compliance could compromise your underlying qualification. Maintain your ARRT standing even though Washington itself does not collect CE documentation.
• Background check adds timeline uncertainty. Unlike states where only a disclosure question is required, Washington processes a background check for every applicant and may require fingerprint submission. Build extra lead time into your application timeline if you have a firm assignment start date.
• Track processing dates dynamically. Washington DOH maintains a weekly application processing status page showing which payment clearance dates are currently being evaluated. Check this page rather than guessing a static timeline.
• No interstate compact — Washington certification required. No MRTC participation was identified in Washington DOH materials reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain Washington certification regardless of what other state credentials they hold.
• Travel RTs: your certification expires on your birthday. Washington ties certification expiration to the credential holder’s birthday — not a fixed statewide date. Track your specific birthday-based expiration date and build renewal into your assignment planning calendar.

Relevant Statutes and Regulations

• Chapter 18.84 RCW — Radiologic Technology (governing statute)
• Chapter 246-926 WAC — Radiologic Technologist certification rules
• WAC 246-926-990 — Fees
• WAC 246-12-340 — Nonrefundable fees

Related Pages

• Washington Radiologic Technologist Certification Renewal
• Oregon Radiologic Technologist Requirements
• California Radiologic Technologist Certification Requirements
• Radiologic Technologist Licensing by State — Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Washington State require a license to practice as a radiologic technologist?

Yes. Washington requires a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist certification issued by the Washington State Department of Health. Washington uses “certification” rather than “licensure” but the credential functions as the required state authorization to practice. Source: Washington DOH Radiologic Technologist Certification

Does my ARRT registration qualify me for Washington certification?

Yes. Active ARRT registration is accepted by Washington DOH as meeting examination and education requirements — no separate Washington state exam is required. You must still submit a complete application, pass the background check, and pay the application fee. Source: Washington DOH Radiologic Technologist Certification

What is the Washington radiologic technologist certification fee?

The application fee is $150, nonrefundable per WAC 246-12-340. This is confirmed from the Washington DOH fee schedule (WAC 246-926-990) reviewed May 2026. Source: Washington DOH Fee Schedule

Does Washington require a background check for RT certification?

Yes. Washington DOH processes a background check for every radiologic technologist applicant. All applicants must answer Personal Data Questions, and fingerprint submission via Washington State Patrol and FBI may be required depending on the application. Source: Washington DOH Radiologic Technologist Certification

Is there a reciprocity or out-of-state pathway for Washington RT certification?

Washington does not use traditional reciprocity terminology, but out-of-state RTs with current credentials in another state may qualify through Washington’s out-of-state credential verification pathway. A Credential Verification form is required. Verify current eligibility requirements directly with Washington DOH before applying. Source: Washington DOH Radiologic Technologist Certification

Is Washington part of the Medical Radiation Technologist Compact?

No MRTC participation was identified in Washington DOH materials reviewed May 2026. Out-of-state RTs must obtain Washington certification directly through DOH. Verify current compact status with Washington DOH before planning multi-state practice. Source: Washington DOH Radiologic Technologist Certification