Free ARRT (CT) Practice Test
CT questions reward “console thinking”: protocol selection, contrast timing, dose control, and artifact troubleshooting. Use the mixed sets to simulate exam day and the domain quizzes to drill exactly where your score is leaking.
Practice Test Navigation
Use “Start Here,” then jump to the domain that matches your missed-question pattern.
Start Here: Take Mixed Set Practice Test 1 timed and don’t pause to “look up” concepts. CT is about decision flow—scan safely, get diagnostic data, and fix problems with the smallest correct adjustment.
“By weakness” shortcut: if you miss contrast timing, go Procedures; if you miss CTDI/DLP or modulation, go Safety; if you miss artifacts/recon, go Image Production; if you miss IV access/reaction steps, go Patient Care.
Mixed Set Practice Tests
Each mixed set is a 30-question blend that trains the exact switching skill CT techs use daily: one moment you’re assessing renal function and contrast risk, the next you’re adjusting pitch and mA for dose, then you’re deciding what reconstruction thickness best answers the clinical question. Mixed sets build stamina and teach you to keep your reasoning consistent under pressure: patient safety → protocol choice → dose control → image evaluation.
Think like the scanner: most CT items can be solved by asking, “What is the goal of the study, and what parameter most directly controls it?” Want less noise? Look at mAs, iterative reconstruction, and slice thickness. Want fewer helical artifacts? Think pitch, collimation, and patient centering. Want better arterial enhancement? Think bolus timing and rate—before you touch reconstruction.
A 30-question baseline covering patient care, safety, image production, and procedures with exam-style scenarios.
Protocol logic and contrast timing decisions plus common artifacts that you must recognize fast.
Dose control, modulation concepts, and “best next action” items that mirror real scanning workflow.
Reconstruction, W/L choices, MPR/MIP/VR use cases, and image critique with practical fixes.
Final 30-question readiness set to tighten pacing, reduce careless errors, and reinforce high-yield procedures.
Domain Wise Practice Tests
Domain practice is where CT candidates usually see the biggest jump because it turns scattered knowledge into automatic decision-making. Each domain quiz contains 25 questions focused on a single blueprint category, so you can drill one “type of thinking” repeatedly: contrast screening and injector safety, radiation dose and CTDI/DLP, reconstruction and artifacts, or procedure/protocol selection. If your mixed test results show a pattern (like consistently missing bolus tracking or confusing CTDI vs DLP), domain practice fixes it faster than taking another random full set.
Screening, consent basics, IV access, power injector safety, extravasation response, and contrast reaction steps.
Dose concepts (CTDI/DLP), modulation, pitch, kVp/mAs tradeoffs, shielding/positioning decisions, and safe scanning habits.
Image formation, reconstruction choices, kernels, thickness/interval, artifacts, windowing, QA, and PACS/DICOM basics.
Protocol selection by clinical indication: head/neck/chest/abdomen/pelvis/MSK, plus timing phases and reformats.
How to Use These Practice Tests
The biggest mistake CT candidates make is treating practice questions like trivia. CT is a workflow profession. A strong answer is usually the one that a careful CT technologist would do at the console with a real patient: verify the order, check contraindications, pick the safest protocol that answers the clinical question, control dose, and evaluate the dataset. That’s exactly why these tests include instant scoring, full answer review, and rationales after submission—and why the PDF download matters: you can build your own “protocol playbook” from your missed items.
A repeatable CT study loop
- Take a mixed test timed and avoid pausing—train exam-day pacing and decision confidence.
- Review every rationale (including correct answers) to catch “right for the wrong reason.”
- Tag each miss by cause: patient screening, contrast timing, dose/physics, reconstruction/artifact, or procedure logic.
- Drill one domain quiz that matches the biggest cause (25 questions, high focus).
- Retest after 48–72 hours to confirm the fix stuck (memory fades fast if you don’t revisit).
How to review like a CT tech
- Translate the rationale into an action: “What would I change—kVp, mAs, pitch, thickness, kernel, timing, or centering?”
- Use a 3-check image critique: coverage + phase adequacy → noise/contrast → artifacts and the most direct fix.
- For contrast questions, think in order: indication → contraindications → IV/injector → timing method → post-care/documentation.
- For dose questions, remember: patient centering and proper protocol selection often beat “just crank down mA.”
- Build a missed-question log with a “next time I will…” line so your review changes behavior, not just knowledge.
Use the PDF strategically: highlight the cue that should have triggered the right choice (e.g., “CTA timing,” “renal function,” “metal artifact,” “out-of-field positioning”), then write one sentence on what you’d do differently at the console. That’s the fastest way to stop repeating the same category of mistakes.
Exam at a Glance
| Quick Fact | What it means for your prep |
|---|---|
| Total questions | CT postprimary exams commonly list 165 scored items plus 30 unscored (pilot) items (195 total). Pilot items look identical, so treat every question as scored. |
| Time limit | 195 minutes of test time for CT items (with separate tutorial/NDA/survey time built into the appointment). Plan for ~1 minute per item with a two-pass strategy. |
| Testing provider | Computer-based delivery via Pearson VUE test centers (scheduling is tied to eligibility/approval). |
| Delivery mode | Computerized exam with mostly multiple choice plus occasional multiple-response, ordering, and image-based items. |
| Credential maintenance | ARRT credentials require annual renewal (by the last day of your birth month) and most R.T.s complete 24 CE credits each biennium (two-year cycle). |
| Fees range | Exam/applications are commonly in the $200–$300 range depending on credential type and timing. Always confirm the current fee schedule on ARRT before applying. |
| Retake policy | ARRT generally allows three attempts in three years. If you don’t pass on the third attempt, your dashboard provides instructions for regaining eligibility. |
Official Blueprint Breakdown
The CT blueprint is extremely practical: it reflects what an entry-level CT technologist must be able to do safely. That’s why you’ll see heavy weight on procedures and image production. If you want a score bump quickly, don’t just “study harder”— study in the same proportions the exam uses. Use the domain links below to drill one category at a time until your decision-making becomes automatic.
| Domain | Weight (%) | What to master (CT-specific) | Link to your domain quiz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patient Care | 13.3% | Screening and preparation (renal function, meds, allergies), IV access choices, power injector options, consent/education, monitoring and managing accessory devices, recognizing and responding to contrast reactions, and documentation that matches what was actually administered. | Open Patient Care |
| Safety | 13.3% | Radiation safety and dose: CTDI vs DLP meaning, effects of kVp/mAs/pitch/collimation on dose and noise, modulation concepts, overranging awareness, pediatric adjustments, and “lowest dose that still answers the clinical question.” | Open Safety |
| Image Production | 30.3% | Image formation and evaluation: slice thickness/interval, kernels, iterative reconstruction, window width/level logic, HU concepts, artifact recognition (beam hardening, partial volume, motion, metal, rings), and basic informatics/PACS workflows. | Open Image Production |
| Procedures | 43.0% | Protocol selection by indication: head/neck/chest/abdomen/pelvis/MSK and spine basics, contrast phase logic, reformats (MPR/MIP/VR) for the clinical question, and “best next step” decisions when the patient can’t cooperate perfectly. | Open Procedures |
Blueprint insight: Procedures is the largest slice, but Procedures questions often hide Image Production concepts inside them. Example: a CTA question might really be testing bolus timing and reconstruction (thin slices + appropriate kernel) more than anatomy. When you miss a Procedures item, always ask: “Was this actually a timing, dose, or artifact problem?”
Passing Score / Scoring Explained
ARRT uses pass/fail based on a scaled score. A scaled score is not a percent correct. It’s designed to keep the passing standard consistent even if one version of the exam is a little harder than another. That’s why two candidates can answer a different number of questions correctly and still land on the same scaled score outcome.
Your exam includes scored items plus unscored pilot items mixed throughout. Pilot questions help ARRT test future exam questions. You can’t identify them, so the smartest approach is simple: treat every question as if it matters, keep your pace steady, and avoid burning three minutes on a single confusing stem.
What a “safe target score in practice” means: because the real exam is scaled and includes mixed difficulty, you want a buffer. A strong goal is mid-to-high 80s on mixed sets and high 80s to 90s on domain quizzes after review. If you’re hovering around 70% in practice, you’re vulnerable to a tough run of dose/contrast/timing items. Build margin now so the exam feels controlled.
CT also rewards consistency. You don’t need exotic memorization; you need reliable choices on repeat themes: contrast screening, protocol selection, dose tradeoffs, reconstruction choices, and artifact fixes. That’s exactly what your rationales and missed-question log should train.
Eligibility Requirements
CT is commonly earned as a postprimary credential. In plain terms: you start with an eligible supporting discipline, then complete required structured education and clinical experience, and finally pass the exam. If you’re currently in a program, your director may allow you to begin logging requirements during training, but don’t assume—follow your official pathway instructions and keep your documentation clean.
Eligibility checklist (CT-focused)
- Supporting discipline: hold (or be eligible to hold) an approved credential such as Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, or Radiation Therapy per the postprimary pathway rules.
- Structured education: complete approved education activities covering CT concepts (contrast, safety, image production, procedures).
- Clinical experience: perform and document required CT competencies using the approved logging process.
- Ethics compliance: meet Standards of Ethics and disclose issues when required (handle questions early to prevent delays).
- Exam eligibility + scheduling: apply, receive approval, then schedule at Pearson VUE within your eligibility window.
If your route is non-traditional (international training, gaps, or unusual employment settings), verify details using the official handbook to avoid last-minute surprises.
Common confusion (quick FAQs)
Is ARRT CT the same as state CT licensing?
Not always. Many states reference ARRT credentials, but states can have separate requirements for licensure and scope. If you’re relocating, check the destination state’s rules rather than assuming your current setup transfers automatically.
Can I apply for CT if my supporting credential is from another organization?
Some pathways recognize supporting credentials from specific organizations (for example, certain nuclear medicine routes). The safest approach is to follow the postprimary handbook language and confirm your status through your ARRT account resources.
Do I need a certain number of months working in CT first?
Eligibility is based on completing structured education and verified clinical experience requirements—not simply “time served.” Focus on completing the documented competencies with correct protocols, patient safety steps, and accurate logs.
What if I have an ethics disclosure question?
Don’t guess or hide it. Handle ethics questions early using official guidance so your exam timeline doesn’t get disrupted later. Most delays happen when disclosures are discovered late in the process.
Study Plan by Weeks
CT preparation gets easier when you stop “studying chapters” and start training decision patterns. The plans below use a simple cadence: mixed set → deep review → domain drill → mini-retest. This keeps you honest on pacing while building mastery where the blueprint is heaviest. Use your missed-question log as the steering wheel—your next study block should always be based on what you missed, not what feels comfortable.
8-week plan (most balanced)
- Week 1: Mixed Test 1 timed + full review; build a missed-question log. Drill Patient Care once.
- Week 2: Contrast fundamentals: screening, injector options, reaction recognition, extravasation response. Do Patient Care twice (48–72 hours apart).
- Week 3: Dose control week: CTDI/DLP meaning, kVp/mAs/pitch tradeoffs, modulation and centering. Do Safety twice.
- Week 4: Reconstruction and artifacts: thickness/interval, kernels, iterative reconstruction, beam hardening/metal/motion/rings. Do Image Production twice.
- Week 5: Procedures focus: head/chest/abdomen-pelvis and phase logic (noncon, arterial, venous, delayed). Do Procedures twice.
- Week 6: Mixed Test 2 + Mixed Test 3 under timing; review; re-drill your weakest domain once.
- Week 7: Mixed Test 4; practice two-pass strategy; tighten common traps (timing method selection, artifact fixes, dose decisions).
- Week 8: Mixed Test 5 as a dress rehearsal; only fix top recurring patterns; keep the final days light and confidence-building.
6-week plan (efficient and focused)
- Week 1: Mixed Test 1 + review; pick your weakest domain and drill it immediately.
- Week 2: Safety domain twice; make a one-page “dose levers” sheet (kVp, mAs, pitch, collimation, centering, IR).
- Week 3: Image Production domain twice; artifact recognition with “single best fix” practice.
- Week 4: Procedures domain twice; build phase timing and reformat instincts (MPR/MIP for vessels, thin slices for detail).
- Week 5: Mixed Test 2 + Mixed Test 3; review hard; drill weakest domain once.
- Week 6: Mixed Test 4 + Mixed Test 5; focus on pacing and eliminating repeat mistakes from your log.
4-week plan (fast but structured)
- Week 1: Mixed Test 1 + review; Safety domain; start a missed-question log you actually maintain.
- Week 2: Image Production + Procedures domains; focus on artifacts, thickness/interval, and phase logic.
- Week 3: Mixed Test 2 + Mixed Test 3; drill weakest domain twice (48–72 hours apart).
- Week 4: Mixed Test 4 + Mixed Test 5; practice calm pacing and two-pass review; no last-minute “new topic binge.”
Missed-question log that works: Topic → why you missed (screening, timing, dose, recon, procedure, reading error) → “next time I will…” console action. CT is procedural—if your fix isn’t actionable, it won’t show up under time pressure.
High-Yield Topics
High-yield CT topics are the ones that show up in both the exam and real practice because they control safety and diagnostic quality. If you master the list below, you’ll notice something important: questions feel less like “facts” and more like “choices.” That’s the goal—make correct CT decisions quickly and consistently.
Top 20 high-yield CT topics to prioritize
- Contrast screening: allergies, renal function, medication considerations, prior reactions, and appropriate prep.
- Power injector basics: single vs dual head, flow rate, timing, saline chaser rationale, and documentation.
- Bolus timing methods: bolus tracking vs test bolus and when each makes sense.
- CTDIvol vs DLP: what each represents and how they relate to protocol decisions.
- kVp, mAs, pitch, and collimation: the core dose/noise levers.
- Automatic exposure control / tube current modulation concept (and why centering matters).
- Slice thickness and reconstruction interval: how they change noise, partial volume, and perceived detail.
- Reconstruction algorithms/kernels: sharp vs smooth and when each is appropriate.
- Iterative reconstruction concept: dose/noise tradeoff and artifact behavior changes.
- Window width/level logic for common tissues (lung vs soft tissue vs bone) and why W/L changes what you “see.”
- Hounsfield units basics: air, fat, water, soft tissue, bone, metal—directional understanding matters.
- Beam hardening and streak artifacts: recognition and reduction strategies.
- Partial volume averaging: when thick slices hide pathology and how to reduce it.
- Motion artifacts: prevention with patient coaching/immobilization and parameter choices.
- Metal artifacts: practical reduction strategies and realistic expectations.
- Ring artifacts and equipment-related problems: what they look like and what to do next.
- Scan range discipline: include what you need, exclude what you don’t—dose is length-dependent.
- Phase selection: noncontrast, arterial, portal venous, delayed—match phase to clinical question.
- Reformats: MPR for anatomy, MIP for vessels, VR/SSD for visualization—know the “best tool.”
- Post-procedure care: monitoring, extravasation management, and reaction documentation.
Most-tested CT scenarios you should be ready for
- Stroke and head CT logic: when noncontrast is priority and what “next” looks like in an acute workflow.
- CTA-style thinking: timing, flow rate, saline chaser, and thin recon for vascular detail.
- PE / chest protocols: breath-hold coaching, timing considerations, and motion prevention.
- Abdomen/pelvis phase choices: portal venous vs delayed and what each answers clinically.
- Trauma CT: fast workflow, safe transfers, lines/tubes awareness, and scan range discipline.
- Peds dose awareness: protocol adjustment mindset rather than “adult settings on a smaller body.”
Question Types You’ll See + How to Answer
CT exams don’t just ask “what is pitch?” They ask what you would do with pitch when image quality or dose is the problem. Expect questions that force you to prioritize safety and choose the most effective parameter change—without overcorrecting. If you train a repeatable decision framework, these questions become predictable.
Common item styles
- Case-based stems: indication, patient condition, IV access limitations, renal labs, and cooperation level that change protocol choices.
- Prioritization: “best next action” for reactions, extravasation, or an inadequate study.
- Console parameter decisions: how kVp/mAs/pitch/thickness/IR affect noise, detail, dose, and artifacts.
- Image critique: identify artifact type and choose the single best fix.
- Procedure logic: contrast phase and reformats aligned with the clinical question.
A repeatable answering framework (CT-safe)
- Assess: Is this a patient care, contrast, dose, reconstruction, or protocol selection question?
- Identify the goal: answer the clinical question with minimal risk and appropriate dose.
- Eliminate unsafe choices: missed contraindications, wrong reaction response, or reckless parameter choices go first.
- Choose the single best lever: fix the main problem with one primary adjustment (don’t “change everything”).
- Commit and move: flag if needed, keep pace stable, and return on the second pass.
When two options look close, the best tiebreaker is realism: which answer reflects how CT is actually performed—screening first, correct protocol next, dose control always, and image evaluation with a targeted correction? The exam rewards professional workflow, not clever overthinking.
Common Mistakes & Traps
CT “traps” are usually not tricks—they’re common real-world errors translated into multiple choice. If you can recognize the pattern, you can avoid losing easy points. Use this list during review and mark any item that describes you right now. Fixing just two recurring traps often raises scores more than learning ten new facts.
- Skipping screening cues: ignoring renal labs, meds, or prior reactions because you’re focused on protocol names.
- Confusing timing tools: picking bolus tracking when a test bolus or a different phase logic is clearly needed.
- Mixing up dose terms: CTDI vs DLP vs effective dose language—know what each represents conceptually.
- Overcorrecting noise: assuming the only fix is raising mAs instead of considering thickness, IR, or better centering.
- Artifact mislabeling: calling everything “motion” when beam hardening, partial volume, or metal is the real cause.
- Wrong slice strategy: using thick recon for a question that needs thin detail (or vice versa) and missing partial volume effects.
- Windowing blindness: forgetting that W/L changes lesion visibility—especially in lung vs soft tissue evaluation.
- Not matching reformats to purpose: choosing VR when MIP is the vascular workhorse, or forgetting MPR for anatomy.
- Scan range creep: selecting unnecessarily long coverage; length adds dose and often isn’t clinically justified.
- Pacing collapse: spending too long on one parameter question and rushing the last block—two-pass strategy prevents this.
High-impact fix: In your missed-question log, label every miss as (A) screening/contrast, (B) dose/physics, (C) recon/artifact, (D) procedures/timing, or (E) reading error. Then drill the matching domain quiz within 72 hours. This converts feedback into points fast.
Resources
For CT, trust matters. Use official ARRT documents for policies and blueprint topics, and keep your practice aligned with your own quizzes on this page. Avoid “mystery question banks” that claim to be real exam items—good prep comes from understanding the task behind the question, not hunting for leaked wording.
Official (Outbound)
ARRT CT Postprimary: Requirements & Documents ARRT Exam Scoring (Scaled Score Explained) ARRT: Three Attempts in Three Years ARRT Fees (Application, Reapplication, Renewal) Pearson VUE: ARRT Exam Scheduling ARRT Continuing Education (24 CE per Biennium) CDC Standard Precautions OSHA Bloodborne PathogensFAQs
How many questions are on the ARRT CT exam?
CT exams commonly list 165 scored items plus 30 unscored pilot items for a total of 195 questions. Pilot items are mixed in and not labeled.
What is the time limit for the ARRT CT exam?
A common CT test-time listing is 195 minutes for the exam questions, with separate tutorial/NDA/survey time included in the overall appointment.
What score do I need to pass?
ARRT uses a scaled score system; a 75 is the passing standard. It is not a percentage, and the required number correct can vary by exam form.
Which practice test should I take first?
Start with ARRT (CT) Practice Test 1 timed. Then use your missed-question pattern to pick the next domain quiz (Patient Care, Safety, Image Production, or Procedures).
Do these CT practice tests include rationales and answer review?
Yes. After submission you’ll see instant results, a full answer review, and rationales. You can also download a PDF containing the questions, correct answers, and explanations.
What is a good “safe” practice score target for CT?
Aim for a buffer: mid-to-high 80s on mixed sets and high 80s to 90s on domain quizzes after review. Consistency matters more than one perfect run.
How do I improve quickly if I keep missing contrast timing questions?
Drill the Procedures domain quiz and build a one-page timing guide: indication → target vessel/phase → timing method (bolus tracking vs test bolus) → recon strategy (thin slices, MPR/MIP as needed).
How many times can I retake the exam?
ARRT generally allows three attempts in three years. If you don’t pass on the third attempt, your ARRT dashboard provides instructions on regaining eligibility.
Is CT earned as a primary or postprimary credential?
CT is commonly pursued as a postprimary credential after an eligible supporting discipline. Eligibility typically includes structured education, clinical experience verification, and passing the exam.
What’s the most common reason people miss CT questions?
It’s usually not memorization—it’s workflow. Candidates skip screening cues, pick the wrong timing method, misidentify artifacts, or change the wrong parameter. Use rationales to learn the “single best lever.”