FREE ARRT Bone Densitometry Study Guide 2026: Pass the BD Exam with a Domain-Weighted Plan

Key Facts

ARRT’s 2026 Postprimary Handbook lists Bone Densitometry at 105 total items: 75 scored and 30 pilot items.
ARRT’s 2026 Postprimary Handbook lists 105 minutes of test time and a 125-minute appointment length for Bone Densitometry.
ARRT uses a scaled passing score of 75 for its exams, as stated in ARRT scoring documentation and handbook materials.
The ARRT Annual Exam Report 2024 reports a 68.8% pass rate for Bone Densitometry.
ARRT Annual Exam Report 2024 lists BD scored-domain item counts as 17 Patient Bone Health/Care/Radiation Principles, 20 Equipment Operation/Quality Control, and 38 DXA Scanning.
ARRT lists postprimary application fees at $225, including Bone Densitometry (BD).
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median pay of $81,390 in May 2025 for radiologic and MRI technologists, with 5% projected growth from 2025 to 2035.

ARRT Bone Densitometry Exam 2026: What You Need to Know First

The ARRT Bone Densitometry (BD) credential is a postprimary certification for technologists who perform DXA exams, support osteoporosis screening workflows, and produce repeatable measurements for longitudinal patient care. If you already work in imaging, this credential is one of the cleanest ways to move into a specialty role with clear clinical value.

Many candidates underestimate the exam because it has fewer scored items than other ARRT disciplines. That is exactly why people get surprised on exam day: every missed question carries more weight, and quality-control details can move your score quickly.

This guide gives you a 2026-ready, domain-weighted strategy so you can study the right topics in the right order and then convert that prep into passing performance.

Exam Format & Structure

Component Details
Total Questions 105 total (75 scored + 30 pilot)
Time Limit 105 minutes test time
Appointment Length 125 minutes total appointment
Passing Score 75 (scaled score)
Pass Rate 68.8% first-attempt benchmark (ARRT Annual Exam Report 2024)
Cost $225 postprimary application fee
Testing Format Computer-based exam at Pearson VUE
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