How to Get Your California Fluoroscopy License: A Complete Guide
How to Get Your California Fluoroscopy License: A Complete Guide for Permit Renewal
Looking to apply for your California fluoroscopy license? Recent regulations from the California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB) may allow you to apply for a California fluoroscopy permit without taking the ARRT®-administered exam. These updated rules have divided the process into two separate paths. In this guide, we’ll help you determine if you’re eligible to skip the test, explain which application route to follow to obtain your California fluoroscopy license or permit, and outline the continuing education (CE) requirements for CRTs, including those related to California fluoroscopy license renewal.
- Why did the CDPH-RHB get rid of the exam (for some CRTs)?
- Eligibility: Who gets to skip the California fluoroscopy exam?
- How do I get a California fluoroscopy license?
- Continuing Education (CE) Requirements for CRTs with A California Fluoroscopy License
We’ll start with explaining the new regulations first.
Why did the CDPH-RHB get rid of the fluoroscopy exam (for some CRTs)?
Recently, the CDPH-RHB announced new regulations regarding the California fluoroscopy exam. In short, radiologic technologists practicing in California who meet specific criteria are now exempt from taking the exam as part of the application process for a California fluoroscopy license or permit.
But why?
This decision followed the findings of a subcommittee made up of representatives from ARRT® and Radiologic Technology School Program Directors. The group evaluated whether the ARRT® Radiography exam sufficiently measured fluoroscopy competence — and if a separate fluoroscopy exam was still necessary.
The subcommittee concluded that applicants who passed the ARRT® Radiography exam on or after January 1, 2011, and who also hold a valid California Diagnostic Technologist Certificate, demonstrate enough competency in fluoroscopy. Therefore, these individuals are no longer required to take a separate fluoroscopy exam to obtain a California fluoroscopy permit or license.
Eligibility: Who gets to skip the California fluoroscopy exam?
Now, for the part you’re interested in: Who has to take the exam and who doesn’t?
- You graduated on or after January 1, 2011, from a diagnostic radiologic technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) AND received a passing score on the ARRT® Radiography examination
- OR
- You earned ARRT® certification in Radiography on or after January 1, 2011, AND are currently registered with the ARRT®
If you do not meet either of these criteria, you must still take the fluoroscopy exam to apply for a California fluoroscopy license or permit.
How do I get a California fluoroscopy license?
With the new regulations, there are now two separate procedures for applying for a California fluoroscopy license, whether you’re seeking a permit or a full license. We’ll walk you through each path so you can determine which one applies to your situation.
How to Get a California Fluoroscopy License If You’re NOT Required to Take the Exam
If you meet the requirements to skip the California fluoroscopy exam, you can apply for your California fluoroscopy license by submitting the Radiologic Technologist Fluoroscopy Permit Application – Examination Not Required (Form CDPH 8228). This route is designed for technologists who qualify for a California fluoroscopy permit without the exam.
You can download the application form directly from the CDPH-RHB websitehere.
What You’ll Need For Your Application
- Your current California Diagnostic Radiologic Technology Certificate Number
- OR
- A copy of your completed application for your California Diagnostic Radiologic Technology Certificate, AND a copy of your ARRT® Certificate in Radiography
- Proof that you graduated on or after January 1, 2011, from a diagnostic radiologic technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) AND proof that you passed the ARRT® Radiography examination
- OR
- Proof that you received your ARRT® Certification in Radiography on or after January 1, 2011, AND proof that you are a current ARRT® Registrant
How much does it cost to apply for a California fluoroscopy license?
The application fee for a California fluoroscopy permit is $112.00, payable to the CDPH-RHB by check or money order. This fee applies whether you’re applying for a permanent license or, in some cases, a temporary fluoroscopy license in California while awaiting full approval.
Be sure to include the fee along with your application packet.
Okay, I’ve submitted my application with the Examination Not Required form. What next?
After you mail your completed application, supporting documentation, and fee to the CDPH-RHB, you should receive a response within 30 days of their receipt. They’ll notify you whether your California fluoroscopy license application is complete or if it’s unacceptable for filing, along with instructions on how to correct any issues.
How to Get a California Fluoroscopy License If You Are Required to Take the Exam
If you’re not eligible to skip the exam, you’ll follow a different process to apply for your California fluoroscopy license. You’ll need to complete the Radiologic Technologist Fluoroscopy Permit Application – Examination Required (Form CDPH 8218), which is available on the CDPH-RHB website here.
- To apply for your California fluoroscopy permit under this path, have the following ready:
- OR
- A copy of your completed application for the California Diagnostic Radiologic Technology Certificate, AND a copy of your ARRT® Certificate in Radiography
- A copy of your diploma or certificate from a CDPH-RHB–approved fluoroscopy school
- OR
- Proof that you graduated from a diagnostic radiologic technology program accredited by JRCERT AND passed the ARRT® Radiography exam
- OR
- Proof that you received your ARRT® Certification in Radiography on or before January 1, 2011, AND proof that you are currently registered with the ARRT®
How much does it cost to apply for a California fluoroscopy license?
The application fee for a California fluoroscopy license, whether you’re required to take the exam or not, remains $112.00. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to CDPH-RHB.
This fee also applies if you’re issued a temporary fluoroscopy license in California while waiting for your exam or final approval.
Okay, I’ve submitted my application with the Examination Required form. What next?
After mailing your application to CDPH-RHB, you’ll receive a response within 30 days of receipt. If your application is complete and acceptable, you’ll be given instructions to register for the California fluoroscopy exam. If there are any issues, they’ll notify you that your application is not acceptable for filing and what corrections are needed.
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements for CRTs with a California Fluoroscopy License
Once you obtain your California fluoroscopy license or permit, whether you took the exam or qualified for exemption, you must complete specific continuing education (CE) requirements to maintain it.
You are required to earn 24 CE credits every two years, and at least 4 of those CE credits must focus on radiation safety for the clinical uses of fluoroscopy. These CE hours are also a critical part of the California fluoroscopy license renewal process
Wrapping Up!
Getting your California fluoroscopy license is now simpler than ever, especially if you meet the new requirements to skip the California fluoroscopy exam. Whether you’re applying for a full license, a California fluoroscopy permit, or even a temporary fluoroscopy license in California, understanding the correct path makes all the difference.
We hope this guide has helped clarify the application steps and California fluoroscopy license renewal process, and we wish you success as you move forward in your career!
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