CI (ARRT) - Cardiac-Interventional Radiography RT

The Cardiac-Interventional Radiography RT (CI) certification, offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), is a specialized credential for radiologic technologists working in the field of interventional cardiology. This certification recognizes the technologist’s expertise in assisting with cardiac catheterization procedures, performing complex imaging, and understanding the use of specialized equipment in a cardiovascular setting. It is designed for technologists who are skilled in the use of fluoroscopy, angiography, and other interventional techniques to diagnose and treat cardiac conditions.

Completion Time: Approximately 4 hours

Cost: $225

Exam Format

The CI exam includes 145 multiple-choice questions (40 unscored) covering areas such as patient care, image production, and procedures specific to cardiac interventional radiography.

Topics also include knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.

A scaled score of 75 is required to pass the exam.

Eligibility criteria include an ARRT-recognized educational program in radiography and documented clinical experience in cardiac-interventional procedures.

The application process involves submitting proof of clinical competency and passing the CI exam.

If unsuccessful on the exam, candidates can reapply following ARRT's reexamination policies.

Cardiac-Interventional Radiography RTs must renew their credentials every year, complete continuing education every 2 years and fulfill continuing qualification requirements every 10 years. Annual renewal requirements include being current on your biennial continuing education (CE) requirements. The annual renewal deadline is always the last day of your birth month and can be completed online.

Renewal Fees

• First Discipline: $30

• Additional Disciplines: $15

• First Discipline without ARRT supporting category: $45

• Additional Disciplines without ARRT supporting category: $15

Starting in January 2026, ARRT will set a standard renewal fee of $65, which applies regardless of the number of credentials held.

CE requirements include completing 24 credits of continuing education activities related to radiologic technology every two years. ARRT provides guidelines on acceptable CE activities and how to document them.

• Postprimary Eligibility Pathway Handbook

• CI Clinical Experience Requirements

• CI Education Requirements

• Task Inventory

Additional resources may include online courses, workshops, and professional development activities in cardiac-interventional radiography.

For the most accurate and detailed information regarding Cardiac-Interventional Radiography RT certification, including application procedures, exam preparation resources, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists' official website.

A prerequisite for the CI certification is certification and registration in Radiography RT(R) through the ARRT.

After obtaining CI certification, technologists may pursue further specializations in other radiologic modalities.

Other related certifications include:

• Bone Densitometry (BD)

• Breast Sonography (BS)

• Registered Technologist in Cardiovascular-Interventional Radiography (CV)

• Computed Tomography (CT) 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• Mammography (M) 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging RT (MR)

• Registered Technologist in Nuclear Medicine Technology (N) 

• Quality Management (QM)

• Radiation Therapy (T) 

• Registered Technologist in Radiography (R)

• Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.) 

• Registered Technologist in Sonography (S)

• Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI) 

• Vascular Sonography (VS)