CNMT (NMTCB) - Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear medicine technologists are healthcare professionals who prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment. They assist doctors and surgeons who diagnose and treat patients or work with researchers to investigate radioactive drugs. 

The Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CMNT) certification is a generalized credential for nuclear medicine technologists. The Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) awards the CNMT certification by exam. This credential is recognized by state licensing boards and respected by healthcare employers.

Test Format

Candidates must test through IQT, Inc. The NMTCB certification examination is a three-and-a-half-hour, timed, computerized test consisting of 200 multiple-choice items. Candidates may not skip a test question and are not permitted to return any item. CNMT candidates can view sample questions on the NMTCB website.

The content of this comprehensive exam is designed to test on tasks that are expected in the first year of practice as a nuclear technologists. There are five questions categories that include:

• Radiation Physics & Detection (7% of the exam)

• Radiation Safety & Regulations (13% of the exam)

• Pharmaceutical and Radiopharmaceutical Agents (25%)

• Instrumentation Operation & Quality Control (15%)

• Clinical Procedures (40%)

Test Fees

The NMTCB Examination is offered year-round. The test fee is $175.00. If you miss your exam, you may be charged an additional fee for rescheduling. 

Pre-application review process fee is $75.

Results

In approximately three weeks, candidates who pass the exam will receive a certificate and identification card via mail.

Nuclear medicine professionals must demonstrate clinical competency in radiation safety, instrumentation, and radio-pharmacy to pass this exam. The NMTCB’s nuclear medicine exam aims to show that a candidate can safely perform the duties and responsibilities required of an entry-level nuclear medicine technologist. 

A candidate must meet the following standards to sit for the CMNT exam:

• complete an NMTCB recognized nuclear medicine technology program

• an associate's, bachelor's, or master’s degree in nuclear medicine technology

Nuclear Medicine Technologists must apply for certification within three years of graduation. 

Candidates can apply online or mail completed applications with the examination fee to NMTCB. Approved applicants will receive an acknowledgment email containing a link to IQT Testing services for exam scheduling.

NMTCB requires registration annually. CNMTs must pay an annual registration fee and complete 24 continuing education (CE) hours every two years to maintain certification. 

Renewal Fee: $40

Next Steps

NMTCB offers additional professional certifications for technologists wishing to advance in the nuclear medicine and molecular imaging profession.

The NMTCB offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Sample Questions

• Components of Preparedness

• Exam Annual Reports

The NMTCB also offers the following certifications:

• Computed Tomography (CT)

• Nuclear Cardiology Technologist Certification (NCT)

• Nuclear Medicine Advanced Associate (NMAA)

• Positron Emission Technology (PET)

• Radiation Safety (RS)