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FREE ARRT CT Study Guide 2026: 75% Pass Rate Tips
Key Facts
- The ARRT CT exam contains 195 total items, with 165 scored and 30 pilot questions, per ARRT.
- ARRT allows 195 minutes of test time for CT within a 215-minute appointment (2026 Postprimary Handbook).
- The ARRT CT passing standard is a scaled score of 75 on a 1-to-99 scale, per ARRT.
- ARRT reported a 75% first-time pass rate for CT in 2025, with 4,966 first-time candidates.
- ARRT charges a $225 postprimary application fee for the CT exam, per the ARRT fees page.
- Imaging Procedures is the largest CT domain at 71 of 165 scored questions (about 43%).
- Image Production is the second-largest CT domain at 52 scored questions under the content specifications effective September 1, 2026.
- ARRT requires 125 documented CT clinical procedure repetitions, including 30 with iodinated IV contrast.
- ARRT requires 16 hours of structured education completed within 24 months before applying for CT.
- BLS reports an $81,390 median annual wage for radiologic and MRI technologists in May 2025.
ARRT CT Exam Guide 2026: Pass Faster with a Protocol-First Strategy
The ARRT Computed Tomography credential is one of the most valuable postprimary imaging credentials because it expands career mobility, shift opportunities, and advanced modality options. The problem is that many candidates study CT like a textbook course instead of an exam with specific weighting and predictable traps.
This guide is built around how ARRT actually scores the CT exam. You will get official structure data, domain weighting, eligibility and clinical requirements, high-risk topic clusters, and a 6-week execution plan designed for working technologists.
Exam Format & Structure
- Component Details
- Total Questions 195 total (165 scored + 30 pilot/unscored)
- Time Limit 195 minutes test time; 215-minute appointment includes tutorial, NDA, and survey
- Passing Score Scaled score of 75 (scale ranges 1 to 99)
- Pass Rate 75% first-time pass rate (2025, 4,966 first-time candidates)
- Cost $225 postprimary application fee
- Testing Format Computer-based at Pearson VUE
- Question Formats Multiple-choice, multi-response, sequencing, image-based, short video clip
This is a postprimary exam, so eligibility requires an existing primary ARRT credential plus structured education and clinical experience requirements specific to CT.