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An imaging assistant (I.A.) working under a registered MR technologist notices a patient's wheelchair contains a clearly labeled ferromagnetic frame. Where must the wheelchair stop before entering Zone IV?

At the Zone III controlled-access door

Only when it sets off the ferromagnetic detector

At the scanner bore

Inside Zone IV next to the magnet

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: I.A. Exam

100

Scored Questions

ARRT Content Specifications 2025

Passing Scaled Score

ARRT

$225

Application Fee

ARRT primary pathway

HS Diploma

Minimum Education

ARRT eligibility

2025-2026

Credential Launched

ARRT

Content Categories

Patient Care, Safety, Positioning

The ARRT Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance (I.A.(MR)) credential is ARRT's newest entry-level offering and the only credential for which you can qualify with just a high school diploma or GED. Launched by ARRT in 2025-2026, the role was created to enhance MR safety, improve workflow, and support MR technologists — not replace them. The exam has 100 scored questions plus 20 unscored pilot items across three content areas: Patient Care (31), Safety (37), and Positioning and Anatomical Landmarking (32). ARRT uses scaled scoring and a passing score of 75. Candidates must complete structured education, clinical competency activities verified by an ARRT-certified technologist, and pass the ARRT ethics review. The application fee aligns with the $225 primary pathway structure, paid to ARRT. Imaging Assistants do NOT perform scanning or interpret images — they focus on patient interactions, MR safety screening, Zone III/IV access control, positioning, and environment management under the supervision of an MR technologist.

Sample I.A. Practice Questions

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1An imaging assistant (I.A.) working under a registered MR technologist notices a patient's wheelchair contains a clearly labeled ferromagnetic frame. Where must the wheelchair stop before entering Zone IV?

A.At the Zone III controlled-access door

B.Only when it sets off the ferromagnetic detector

C.At the scanner bore

D.Inside Zone IV next to the magnet

Explanation: Per ACR and ARRT MR safety guidance, ferromagnetic items must never cross into Zone IV (the magnet room). Access to Zone III is restricted and access to Zone IV requires screening clearance. The wheelchair must stop outside Zone III or be exchanged for an MR Conditional wheelchair before the patient enters the scan room.

2Which document outlines the professional conduct and ethical obligations an ARRT Imaging Assistant must follow?

A.ARRT Standards of Ethics

B.AMA Principles of Medical Ethics

C.Joint Commission Patient Safety Goals

D.The Hippocratic Oath

Explanation: The ARRT Standards of Ethics — which include the Code of Ethics and the Rules of Ethics — applies to all ARRT candidates and credential holders, including Imaging Assistants. It defines aspirational standards and enforceable rules of conduct. Candidates must attest to ethics compliance at application and at every annual renewal.

3A patient presents for an MRI brain exam and shows the I.A. an implant card indicating a deep brain stimulator (DBS). What is the correct next step?

A.Stop the screening and escalate to the MR technologist and MR Safety Officer for conditional review

B.Proceed with scanning because modern DBS devices are MR Safe

C.Remove the external programmer and scan as usual

D.Send the patient for CT instead without documenting

Explanation: Deep brain stimulators are MR Conditional at best, and scanning requires verification of the device model, field strength, coil, SAR, and specific programmer settings. The I.A. must escalate to the MR technologist and MR Safety Officer/Medical Director who determine whether the conditions can be met before any scan proceeds.

4Under ARRT scope of practice, which of the following tasks is an Imaging Assistant NOT permitted to perform?

A.Independently prescribe and set scan parameters on the MR console

B.Position a cooperative adult for a routine lumbar spine MRI under direct technologist supervision

C.Assist the technologist with patient transfer from a stretcher to the MR table

D.Screen a patient for ferromagnetic objects using the screening form

Explanation: Imaging Assistants support MR technologists but do not perform imaging or prescribe scan parameters. Selecting pulse sequences, running scans, and interpreting images remain the responsibility of a credentialed MR technologist. The I.A. focuses on patient interactions, MR safety screening, patient positioning, and MR environment management.

5HIPAA permits disclosure of protected health information without the patient's authorization for which of the following purposes?

A.Treatment, payment, and healthcare operations

B.Posting anonymized images on a personal social media account

C.Discussing the case in a public elevator with another I.A.

D.Sharing scan images with a patient's friend who drove them to the appointment

Explanation: Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, covered entities may use or disclose PHI without patient authorization for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations (TPO). All other purposes generally require authorization. Casual conversation in public spaces and social media posts, even if 'anonymized,' are not permitted disclosures.

6Which of the following is classified as MR Unsafe?

A.A steel oxygen tank

B.A titanium orthopedic screw

C.A plastic IV pole

D.A ceramic coffee mug

Explanation: MR Unsafe items contain ferromagnetic material and pose a projectile hazard near the magnet. Steel oxygen tanks are a classic example and must never enter Zone IV. Titanium is generally MR Conditional or MR Safe, plastic and ceramic without metal are MR Safe. ASTM labeling requires MR Unsafe items to carry a red 'MR' symbol with a diagonal line.

7Which CDC Standard Precaution applies to every patient regardless of suspected infection status?

A.Hand hygiene before and after every patient contact

B.Full airborne isolation

C.N95 respirator use only

D.Negative pressure rooms

Explanation: Hand hygiene is the single most important component of Standard Precautions and applies to every patient encounter. Airborne isolation and N95 use are transmission-based precautions applied to specific patients (e.g., suspected tuberculosis). Standard Precautions also include PPE based on anticipated exposure, respiratory hygiene, and safe injection practices.

8An I.A. is helping transfer a frail elderly patient from a stretcher to the MR table. Which action best supports safe patient handling?

A.Use a slide board and the available safe patient handling lift with appropriate staff

B.Have the I.A. lift the patient alone using a bear hug

C.Ask the patient to stand and walk across unassisted

D.Drag the patient by the sheet corner across the gap

Explanation: Safe patient handling requires the use of mechanical aids such as slide boards, transfer devices, and powered lifts with adequate staffing to prevent injury to both patient and worker. Manual lifting of frail patients is discouraged under OSHA and CDC safe patient handling guidance. Body mechanics alone are not sufficient.

9Before any MRI examination, who is ultimately responsible for final safety clearance of a patient into Zone IV?

A.A Level 2 MR personnel member (typically the MR technologist), with oversight by the MR Medical Director

B.The front-desk receptionist

C.The Imaging Assistant acting alone

D.The patient's primary care physician

Explanation: Only Level 2 MR personnel — who have received extensive safety training — may grant final clearance for patients and non-personnel into Zone IV. The MR Medical Director has ultimate accountability for the MR safety program. An Imaging Assistant may collect screening information but cannot provide final clearance alone.

10A patient asks what 'MR Conditional' means on their hip implant card. Which response is correct?

A.The implant has been shown to pose no known hazards under specified MRI conditions (field strength, SAR, gradients)

B.The implant is completely safe in any MRI scanner

C.The implant cannot be scanned in any MRI

D.The implant label is irrelevant to the scan

Explanation: ASTM F2503 defines MR Conditional as posing no known hazards in a specified MR environment, with specified conditions of use (e.g., maximum static field strength, spatial gradient, SAR, scan duration). The technologist must verify each condition before scanning. MR Safe has no known hazards under any condition, and MR Unsafe is dangerous in any scanner.

About the I.A. Exam

The ARRT Imaging Assistant (I.A.(MR)) is ARRT's newest entry-level credential, created specifically to support MR technologists with patient safety, screening, positioning, and environment management. Candidates need only a high school diploma or GED to qualify — no radiography degree required. Imaging Assistants do NOT perform imaging, run scans, or interpret images.

Questions

120 scored questions

Time Limit

~2.5 hours (estimated)

Passing Score

Scaled score of 75 (ARRT standard)

Exam Fee

$225 (primary pathway application fee) (ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists))

I.A. Exam Content Outline

37%

Safety — MRI Screening and Safety

MR safety zones, ferromagnetic screening, biomedical implants (MR Safe/Conditional/Unsafe), electromagnetic fields (static, RF/SAR, gradient), cryogen safety, quench, projectile prevention, Level 1/2 MR personnel, MR Medical Director, MR Safety Officer, emergency procedures, safety event reporting

32%

Positioning and Anatomical Landmarking

Neurological (brain, TMJ, IAC, spine), Body (breast, thorax, brachial plexus, abdomen, MRCP, pelvis, SI joints), Musculoskeletal (wrist, hand, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, long bones). Includes anatomy, patient setup, coil selection, isocenter landmarking

31%

Patient Care — Patient Interactions and Management

Ethics (ARRT Standards of Ethics), HIPAA, informed consent, patient rights, communication, patient education, transfer and body mechanics, vital signs, infection prevention (CDC Standard Precautions), pharmacology and contrast media, medical emergencies

How to Pass the I.A. Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled score of 75 (ARRT standard)
Exam length: 120 questions
Time limit: ~2.5 hours (estimated)
Exam fee: $225 (primary pathway application fee)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

I.A. Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the difference between MR Safe, MR Conditional, and MR Unsafe — know the ASTM F2503 color/shape labels and what 'conditional' specifically means

2Master the four MR safety zones (I, II, III, IV) — know who can access each, what equipment is allowed, and the role of the 5-gauss line

3Study the ARRT Standards of Ethics (Code + Rules) — ethics questions appear throughout the exam and are enforceable minimum standards

4Learn the top biomedical implants and their typical MR compatibility: pacemakers, ICDs, cochlear implants, deep brain stimulators, aneurysm clips, orthopedic hardware

5Know CDC Standard Precautions and transmission-based precautions (contact, droplet, airborne) — including the C. difficile soap-and-water exception

6Understand the three types of MR electromagnetic fields (static, RF/SAR, gradient) and the specific hazards of each (projectiles, heating/burns, acoustic noise)

7Practice anatomical positioning for every major MR study: brain, cervical/thoracic/lumbar spine, shoulder, knee, hip, wrist, ankle, abdomen, pelvis, MRCP, MRA

8Review the roles of the MR Medical Director (MRMD), MR Safety Officer (MRSO), and MR Safety Expert (MRSE) — and the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 MR personnel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ARRT Imaging Assistant (I.A.(MR)) credential?

The Imaging Assistant, Magnetic Resonance is ARRT's newest entry-level credential. It was created to certify personnel who support MR technologists with patient safety screening, patient preparation, positioning, and MR environment management. Imaging Assistants do NOT perform imaging, run scans, inject contrast independently, or interpret images. The role is designed to enhance patient safety and workflow in MRI departments.

What are the eligibility requirements for the ARRT I.A.(MR) exam?

You must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED (no college degree required), meet ARRT ethics standards, and complete ARRT's structured education requirements and clinical competency activities. Clinical competencies must be verified by an ARRT-certified technologist. All requirements must be completed within 24 months before you apply.

How many questions are on the I.A.(MR) exam?

Per the ARRT Board-approved 2025 Examination Content Specifications, the exam has 100 scored multiple-choice questions plus 20 unscored pilot questions (120 total). Content is divided into three major areas: Patient Care (31 questions), Safety (37 questions), and Positioning and Anatomical Landmarking (32 questions, further split into Neurological 10, Body 10, Musculoskeletal 12).

What is the passing score for the ARRT Imaging Assistant exam?

ARRT uses scaled scoring for all its examinations, and the passing scaled score is 75. This is NOT a percentage — the raw number of correct answers required to achieve a 75 scaled score can vary between exam forms. ARRT provides pass/fail results shortly after the exam and a detailed content category breakdown for candidates who do not pass.

How much does the ARRT Imaging Assistant exam cost?

The I.A.(MR) application fee follows ARRT's primary pathway fee structure at $225 for first-time applicants. Reapplication fees are typically $200. Check the ARRT website for the most current I.A.(MR)-specific fee schedule, as this is ARRT's newest credential and fees may be updated. Additional costs include structured education program tuition and any required continuing education.

What is the scope of practice for an Imaging Assistant?

Imaging Assistants support MR technologists — they do NOT replace them. The I.A. performs safety screening, patient preparation and gowning, MR safety zone access control, patient transfer and positioning, coil and cable inspection, environment and equipment management, and patient monitoring. Imaging Assistants do NOT operate the MR console, select pulse sequences, run scans, administer contrast independently, or interpret images. Those tasks remain with credentialed MR technologists and radiologists.

Is the ARRT Imaging Assistant credential recognized by states?

Because this is ARRT's newest credential (launched 2025-2026), state recognition and licensing rules are still evolving. Some states may require a separate state license or permit for imaging assistant roles, while others may accept the ARRT credential directly. Always check with your state's radiologic technology licensing board before practicing. The ARRT credential provides national recognition and a clear career pathway into MR technology.

Can I become an ARRT Radiographer after earning the Imaging Assistant credential?

Yes — the I.A.(MR) is designed as an entry point into ARRT credentialing. Many Imaging Assistants go on to complete an accredited radiography program and earn the R.T.(R) primary radiography credential, then add post-primary MR certification. Some employers sponsor this career progression. The ARRT Imaging Assistant credential provides hands-on MR experience that strengthens applications to radiography programs.