Not being able to meet your expectations can be painful. I remember the days at my university when I used to sit next to the grading rubrics while anxiously waiting for my exam results. And thankfully, it all worked out in the end.
Alright. Your ARRT exam results did not pan out the way you wanted them to. What are your options?
In this article, you will learn about the next steps you can take after not passing your ARRT exams; and how you can ace them on your next try.
Not Passing the ARRT Exam — What’s Next?
Consider this before following any course of action, and it is:
Is this your first attempt at the ARRT exam?
The ARRT board gives you three attempts within a three-year time frame to pass your exam. If it is your first attempt, you have two more attempts before you lose your eligibility for appearing for the ARRT exam.
After using all three attempts, or if the three-year time frame expires, you would need to regain your eligibility before reappearing for ARRT exams. Your first attempt’s exam starting date marks the beginning of the three-year time frame.
Note: If you are a state candidate and the ARRT exams are part of the licensing process in your state. Your attempts still count towards those three attempts.
Now, based on your situation, you have several options, and I will list them out for you:
It Was Your First Attempt at the Exam
You still have two more attempts, provided you retake the exams within the three years time frame. Please refer to our article on ARRT Certification if you need help on how you can prepare for the ARRT exams. And also, remember there is an application fee for every exam attempt starting from $255.
It Was Your Second Attempt at the Exam
As you might have guessed, you still have one more attempt before you lose your eligibility. And again, only if you’re within the three years time frame from your first attempt.
It’s probably wise for you to review your scorecard and see how the scores are split for each section of the exam. And focus on parts where you are losing marks and give it all you got in your final attempt.
You can also try our free ARRT Practice test for exam preparation and practice.
Used Up All Your Attempts?
If you’re unsuccessful at the third attempt, you will need to regain your eligibility before you can reattempt and earn your certification.
How Can I Regain My Eligibility and Earn My Certification?
No need to worry! You will be able to regain your eligibility. The regaining process varies based on the ARRT certification pathway you used when pursuing your credentials. The two pathways are primary and post-primary.
You Used the Primary Pathway
If you had chosen the primary pathway and were unsuccessful after three attempts, you will have to repeat your discipline-related educational program from ARRT- recognized institutions.
Or, if you have a change of heart, you can also try other disciplines. The key point here being the educational programs you enroll in must be recognized by the ARRT board.
You Used the Post-Primary Pathway
If you had chosen the post-primary pathway and were unsuccessful after three attempts, you will have to repeat the education requirements for pursuing the post-primary pathway. These are the structured education and clinical experience components for your chosen discipline.
Other Less Likely Things That You Should Know
I have listed the most logical sets of scenarios and the outcomes you can take for them. But there is always a tiny chance that there might be some mistakes, like calculation errors on your final score or some procedural irregularities that can affect your performance during the exam.
In which case, what are your options?
Could There Be an Error in the Score Calculation?
Let’s make this clear, because ARRT states that it’s “extremely unlikely,” their scores are wrong.
Yet, if you strongly believe your scores are not the final representation of your exam performance. You can go for an appeal. Here is some info on the appeal process:
- Use the ARRT handbook and complete the Eligibility Appeal Request Form.
- Fill in the form and cover all the details on why you believe the ARRT board should consider your appeal.
- The fee for the appeal process is $25.
- Then the form is mailed to the Appeals Process Administrator using the mail address given in your ARRT handbook.
This process should be initiated within 14 calendar days from the postmark date found on the mail in which your original scores arrive. The review from the Appeal Process Administrator will be completed within 30 business days from the date they receive your request.
If the appeal is successful, the ARRT board will cancel your original score and update your profile with a corrected score.
Problem With the Testing Procedure
Just in case, keep this in mind when taking the exam. If you strongly believe some procedural irregularities affected your exam performance, you can appeal with ARRT using their Eligibility Appeal Request Form. Here is the general overview of the review process:
- The deadline for this process is within two business days after the exam. So you should file this appeal after receiving your preliminary score at the exam center.
- You can fax or mail the Eligibility Appeal Request Form with your reasoning to the address provided in the form.
- There will be no score adjustments, but if the ARRT finds your case valid, they will cancel your original score and will assign you a new exam at no expense from your side.
Wrapping Up
I can understand the stress and the disappointment after finding your scores, but the ARRT offers many options for you to bounce back and earn your certifications. Carefully consider your position and follow through with the options outlined in this article.
Don’t forget to review your scorecard after each attempt, as it has a wealth of information with which you can improve. I’m also inviting you to check out our ARRT Hero comprehensive study guide for the ARRT Radiography Exam. Wishing you the best!
