200+ Free ARRT Radiation Therapy Practice Questions

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A radiation therapist is preparing to simulate a patient for head and neck cancer treatment. The patient expresses anxiety about the procedure. What is the most appropriate initial response?

Proceed quickly with the simulation to minimize the patient's discomfort

Acknowledge the patient's feelings and explain the procedure in simple terms

Tell the patient that the procedure is routine and nothing to worry about

Refer the patient to the radiation oncologist for sedation

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ARRT Radiation Therapy Exam

230

Total Questions

ARRT postprimary handbook (200 scored + 30 pilot)

3.5 hrs

Appointment Time

ARRT postprimary handbook (2026)

Passing Scaled Score

ARRT scoring model

$225

Exam Fee

ARRT application-fee schedule (2026)

200

Scored Items

ARRT Radiation Therapy content specifications

24/26/50

Content Distribution

Patient Care/Safety/Procedures percentages

ARRT's postprimary handbook (effective January 1, 2026) lists Radiation Therapy at 230 total items (200 scored + 30 pilot) with a 3.5-hour appointment and passing scaled score of 75. ARRT content specifications weight scored items across Patient Care (~48), Safety/Radiation Physics (~52), and Procedures (~100).

Sample ARRT Radiation Therapy Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ARRT Radiation Therapy exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A radiation therapist is preparing to simulate a patient for head and neck cancer treatment. The patient expresses anxiety about the procedure. What is the most appropriate initial response?

A.Proceed quickly with the simulation to minimize the patient's discomfort

B.Acknowledge the patient's feelings and explain the procedure in simple terms

C.Tell the patient that the procedure is routine and nothing to worry about

D.Refer the patient to the radiation oncologist for sedation

Explanation: The radiation therapist should first acknowledge the patient's anxiety and provide clear, simple explanations about what to expect. This therapeutic communication technique helps build trust and reduces anxiety. Minimizing the patient's concerns or rushing through the procedure would be inappropriate. Sedation is typically not necessary for simulation and should not be the first response to anxiety.

2Which vital sign finding during a weekly patient assessment would require immediate notification of the radiation oncologist?

A.Blood pressure of 138/88 mmHg

B.Oral temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F)

C.Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute

D.Heart rate of 78 beats per minute

Explanation: A temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F) indicates fever, which in a patient undergoing radiation therapy may suggest infection, particularly in those with low blood counts from concurrent chemotherapy. Fever in immunocompromised patients requires prompt evaluation. The other vital signs listed are within normal ranges and would not require immediate physician notification.

3A patient receiving pelvic radiation therapy reports increased diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Which instruction is most appropriate for the radiation therapist to provide?

A.Increase fiber intake to bulk up the stool

B.Consume a low-residue diet and increase fluid intake

C.Take over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication as needed

D.Discontinue treatment until symptoms resolve

Explanation: Diarrhea is a common side effect of pelvic radiation due to mucosal irritation of the bowel. A low-residue (low-fiber) diet reduces stool bulk and intestinal irritation, while increased fluid intake prevents dehydration. Increasing fiber would worsen diarrhea. While anti-diarrheal medications may be used, they should be recommended by the physician, not the therapist. Treatment interruption is a physician decision based on severity.

4According to the American Cancer Society guidelines, at what age should average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening?

A.40 years

B.45 years

C.50 years

D.55 years

Explanation: The American Cancer Society updated its guidelines in 2018 to recommend that average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. This change from the previous age 50 recommendation reflects the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults. Screening may begin earlier for individuals with risk factors such as family history or inflammatory bowel disease.

5A patient with a permanent pacemaker is scheduled for radiation therapy to the chest. What is the primary concern regarding the pacemaker during treatment?

A.The pacemaker will interfere with the linear accelerator

B.The radiation may damage the pacemaker's electronic components

C.The pacemaker will cause increased skin dose

D.The magnetic field will affect the radiation beam

Explanation: Radiation therapy can damage the semiconductor components of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). The accumulated dose to the device should be monitored, and if the predicted dose approaches the manufacturer's tolerance limit (typically 2-5 Gy), device relocation or other interventions may be necessary. The pacemaker does not interfere with treatment delivery or cause significant skin dose changes.

6Which skin care instruction is most appropriate for a patient receiving external beam radiation therapy?

A.Apply aloe vera gel to the treatment area twice daily

B.Use mild soap and water, pat dry, and avoid lotions before treatment

C.Expose the treatment area to direct sunlight for vitamin D

D.Use a heating pad on the treatment area to improve circulation

Explanation: Standard skin care instructions for radiation therapy include: using mild soap and water, patting (not rubbing) the area dry, avoiding lotions or creams at least 4 hours before treatment (unless specified by the physician), and avoiding irritants. Aloe vera may be recommended by some physicians but is not universally recommended. Sun exposure and heat should be avoided in the treatment area as they can worsen skin reactions.

7During the simulation of a pediatric patient, the radiation therapist notices what appears to be a cigarette burn on the child's arm. The parent reports the child accidentally touched a hot pan. What is the therapist's responsibility?

A.Document the observation and continue with the simulation

B.Notify the radiation oncologist and follow institutional child abuse reporting protocols

C.Confront the parent about the suspicious injury

D.Take a photograph of the injury for documentation

Explanation: Healthcare professionals are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. The therapist should not confront the parent but should notify the radiation oncologist and follow the institution's reporting protocols, which typically involve notifying child protective services. Documentation is important, but following reporting protocols is the primary responsibility. Photography should only be done as part of institutional protocol.

8A patient receiving head and neck radiation therapy complains of severe pain when swallowing (odynophagia). Which dietary recommendation is most appropriate?

A.Increase intake of citrus fruits for vitamin C

B.Consume soft, bland foods at room temperature

C.Add spicy foods to stimulate appetite

D.Drink carbonated beverages to clear mucus

Explanation: Odynophagia is a common side effect of head and neck radiation due to mucositis and esophagitis. Soft, bland foods at room temperature minimize irritation. Citrus fruits are acidic and will worsen pain. Spicy foods and carbonated beverages are also irritating to the inflamed mucosa. The patient should be referred to a dietitian for comprehensive nutritional support.

9What is the primary purpose of the informed consent process in radiation therapy?

A.To protect the institution from legal liability

B.To ensure the patient understands the treatment, risks, benefits, and alternatives

C.To document that treatment is medically necessary

D.To verify the patient's insurance coverage

Explanation: The informed consent process ensures that patients understand their diagnosis, the proposed treatment, expected benefits, potential risks and side effects, and alternative treatment options. This respects patient autonomy and supports shared decision-making. While documentation is important, the primary purpose is patient education and understanding, not institutional protection or insurance verification.

10A patient receiving chest radiation develops a cough with pink, frothy sputum. What condition should the radiation therapist suspect?

A.Radiation pneumonitis with pulmonary edema

B.Aspiration pneumonia

C.Pulmonary embolism

D.Pleural effusion

Explanation: Radiation pneumonitis, an inflammatory reaction of the lung tissue to radiation, can lead to pulmonary edema characterized by pink, frothy sputum. This is a serious complication requiring immediate physician notification. While the other conditions can cause respiratory symptoms, the pink frothy sputum is characteristic of pulmonary edema from severe pneumonitis in the context of chest radiation.

About the ARRT Radiation Therapy Exam

ARRT Radiation Therapy is a postprimary credential for technologists delivering external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy, performing treatment planning support, and conducting quality assurance in oncology settings.

Questions

200 scored questions

Time Limit

3.5 hours

Passing Score

Scaled score 75

Exam Fee

$225 (ARRT)

ARRT Radiation Therapy Exam Content Outline

~48 scored (24%)

Patient Care

Patient assessment, psychosocial support, patient education, symptom management, and ethical/legal considerations

~52 scored (26%)

Safety/Radiation Physics

Radiation interactions, beam characteristics, dose calculations, shielding, radiation protection, and QA

~50 scored (25%)

Procedures - Treatment Planning

Simulation, immobilization, contouring, beam arrangements, dose optimization, and plan evaluation

~50 scored (25%)

Procedures - Treatment Delivery & QA

Patient positioning, image guidance (IGRT), treatment verification, documentation, and quality assurance

How to Pass the ARRT Radiation Therapy Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled score 75
Exam length: 200 questions
Time limit: 3.5 hours
Exam fee: $225

Keys to Passing

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

ARRT Radiation Therapy Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus heavily on treatment planning and delivery procedures, which together account for 50% of scored items

2Master dose calculation formulas including MU calculations, PDD/TAR relationships, and inverse square law applications

3Practice radiation physics concepts including interaction mechanisms, beam characteristics, and shielding calculations

4Review patient care protocols specific to oncology patients, including side effect management and psychosocial support

5Study QA procedures including daily, monthly, and annual tests for linear accelerators and treatment planning systems

6Run timed practice sets to build pacing for a 3.5-hour appointment with 230 total items

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the ARRT Radiation Therapy exam?

ARRT's postprimary handbook lists 230 total questions for Radiation Therapy: 200 scored items and 30 pilot (unscored) items.

How long is the ARRT Radiation Therapy appointment?

ARRT lists a 3.5-hour exam appointment for Radiation Therapy candidates.

What score do I need to pass ARRT Radiation Therapy?

ARRT reports a passing scaled score of 75 for Radiation Therapy.

What are the ARRT Radiation Therapy content weights?

ARRT's scored blueprint is approximately Patient Care (24%), Safety/Radiation Physics (26%), and Procedures divided into Treatment Planning (25%) and Treatment Delivery/QA (25%).

How much is the ARRT Radiation Therapy exam fee?

ARRT's 2026 application-fee schedule lists Radiation Therapy at $225.

What experience do I need for ARRT Radiation Therapy?

Candidates must hold current ARRT certification in a primary pathway and complete structured education in radiation therapy. Clinical experience is strongly recommended.