What reinstatement means and who needs it
Reinstatement is the process of restoring your ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) certification after it has lapsed due to non-renewal. If your certification expired because you did not pay the renewal fee or did not complete continuing education requirements by the important date, you cannot use the ARRT credential until you reinstate it. Reinstatement is different from renewal — renewal happens before expiration, while reinstatement happens after.
You need reinstatement if your ARRT certification has been expired for any length of time and you want to work as a radiologic technologist again. Some employers will not hire you or allow you to continue working without an active, current certification. Reinstatement restores your credential to active status, though the process and requirements depend on how long your certification has been lapsed.
The ARRT does not automatically reinstate lapsed certifications. You must take specific steps and meet their current requirements to restore your credential. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can return to work or maintain employment.
Key Takeaways
- Reinstatement requires you to pay a reinstatement fee to the ARRT, which is higher than a standard renewal fee.
- If your certification lapsed less than five years ago, you may only need to pay the fee and submit proof of continuing education hours completed during the lapsed period.
- If your certification has been expired for five years or longer, you will likely need to retake and pass the ARRT examination in addition to paying fees and submitting continuing education proof.
- You must contact the ARRT directly through their website or by phone to begin the reinstatement process and learn which specific requirements explore to your situation.
Reinstatement requirements based on how long your certification has lapsed
The ARRT sets different reinstatement paths depending on the length of time since your certification expired. The longer the lapse, the more requirements you must complete. You can find the exact timeline and requirements on the ARRT website under their reinstatement section, or by calling their customer service line.
For lapses of less than five years, you typically need to submit proof of continuing education hours that you completed during the time your certification was expired. The ARRT requires a specific number of continuing education credits per year — currently 36 credits per three-year renewal period, though this may change. You will also pay a reinstatement fee, which is separate from and higher than a standard renewal fee.
For lapses of five years or more, the ARRT generally requires you to retake the radiologic technologist examination and pass it before your certification can be reinstated. You will also need to submit proof of continuing education and pay the reinstatement fee. Some radiologic technologists in this situation choose to take a refresher course before sitting for the exam.
Steps to start your reinstatement with the ARRT
Contact the ARRT directly to begin. Visit their official website at www.arrt.org and look for the reinstatement or lapsed certification section. You can also call their customer service department — the phone number is listed on their website. Have your Social Security number or ARRT ID number ready when you contact them.
Tell the ARRT representative that your certification has lapsed and ask them to review your specific situation. They will tell you which requirements explore to you based on when your certification expired. Ask them to send you written confirmation of what you need to do, in what order, and by what date. This prevents confusion later and gives you a clear checklist.
Request information about the reinstatement fee amount, where to send payment, and whether you can pay online or must mail a check. Also ask whether you need to submit continuing education documentation before or after paying the fee. Some programs require payment first; others require documentation first.
Gathering continuing education proof
If your lapse is less than five years, you must show that you completed continuing education hours during the time your certification was expired. The ARRT requires proof in the form of certificates, transcripts, or course completion documents from an accredited provider. You cannot count hours you completed before your certification expired — only hours earned after the expiration date.
Gather all certificates and documentation from courses you took during the lapsed period. Organize them by date and course title. If you took courses through your employer, your employer's education department may have records. If you took online courses, log into those accounts and read or print your completion certificates. Contact course providers directly if you cannot locate your original documents.
The ARRT will specify exactly how many continuing education hours you need to submit. If you do not have enough hours, you will need to complete additional courses before you can reinstate. Many radiologic technologists take online continuing education courses specifically to meet reinstatement requirements — these are widely available and can often be completed in a few weeks.
Retaking the ARRT examination if required
If your certification lapsed five or more years ago, you must pass the ARRT radiologic technologist examination again. This is the same exam that new technologists take, and it covers the full scope of radiologic technology practice. You cannot reinstate without passing it.
Register for the exam through the ARRT website. You will need to pay an exam registration fee in addition to the reinstatement fee. The exam is offered year-round at testing centers across the country. You can schedule your test date after you register. Most testing centers have multiple dates available each month.
Prepare for the exam by reviewing study materials. The ARRT publishes a content outline that shows what topics the exam covers. Many radiologic technologists use study guides, practice exams, or review courses to prepare. Some employers offer study time or tuition reimbursement for employees preparing to retake certification exams.
Paying the reinstatement fee
The reinstatement fee is separate from the exam fee (if required) and the renewal fee. The exact amount varies and may change year to year — check the ARRT website or ask when you contact them for the current fee. The fee is typically higher than a standard three-year renewal fee because reinstatement involves additional administrative processing.
You can usually pay online through the ARRT website using a credit card or bank account. Some situations may require mailing a check. Ask the ARRT representative which payment method applies to your reinstatement. Keep a copy of your payment confirmation or receipt for your records.
Do not assume your reinstatement is complete once you pay the fee. The ARRT must process your payment, review your continuing education documentation (if required), and confirm that you meet all requirements. This processing typically takes several weeks. You will receive written confirmation when your certification has been officially reinstated.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
After you submit your reinstatement request, payment, and all required documentation, the ARRT will review everything. Processing typically takes two to four weeks, though it may take longer during busy periods. You will receive a letter or email confirming whether your reinstatement was approved or whether additional information is needed.
If the ARRT approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new certification card and your credential will be listed as active in their online registry. You can then use your ARRT certification for employment. If the ARRT needs additional information, they will tell you exactly what is missing and give you a important date to submit it.
If you are required to retake the exam and you have not yet passed it, your reinstatement cannot be finalized until you pass. Schedule your exam as soon as possible after you register. Once you pass, notify the ARRT so they can complete your reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a radiologic technologist while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work using the ARRT credential while it is lapsed or while reinstatement is pending. Your employer may allow you to work in a non-credentialed role during processing, but this depends on your employer's policy and state regulations. Contact your employer's human resources department to ask about your options while reinstatement is underway.
What if I cannot find all my continuing education certificates from the lapsed period?
Contact the organizations or employers that provided the courses. Many keep records for years. If you completed courses through an online platform, log in and read your certificates. If records are truly unavailable, ask the ARRT whether you can take additional continuing education courses now to make up the hours. Some programs allow this; others do not.
Do I have to retake the exam if my certification lapsed by just a few months?
No. If your lapse is less than five years, you typically do not need to retake the exam. You only need to submit proof of continuing education and pay the reinstatement fee. The five-year threshold is the key dividing line — ask the ARRT to confirm your specific timeline when you contact them.
What happens if I fail the ARRT exam on my first attempt during reinstatement?
You can retake the exam. You will need to pay the exam registration fee again and schedule another test date. There is no limit to the number of times you can attempt the exam, though each attempt costs money and takes time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after additional study.
Can I reinstate my ARRT certification if I let it lapse more than ten years ago?
Yes, reinstatement is available regardless of how long your certification has been lapsed. However, the longer the lapse, the more stringent the requirements. A lapse of ten years or more will almost certainly require you to retake and pass the examination, submit continuing education proof, and pay all applicable fees. Contact the ARRT directly to learn the exact requirements for your situation.