ARRT subcategory · 14.5% of scored exam
Radiation Protection
Covers the basic methods (time, distance, shielding), ALARA, minimizing patient exposure, occupational and public dose limits, lead equivalents for protective devices, and dosimetry practices.
29 of 200 scored questions under the 2022 content specification, in force through 28 February 2027. From 1 March 2027, the 2027 content specification lists 25 of 200.
Sample question
A free sample question, written for this page, like those in the 317-question Radiation Protection bank. Read it, pick your answer, then expand the rationale.
A radiographer is performing a portable chest x-ray. The patient cannot be moved from the bed. What is the minimum distance the radiographer should stand from the x-ray tube during exposure?
Show answer and full rationale
Correct answer: B. 6 feet (2 meters)
A, Incorrect: 3 feet is too close. Intensity falls with the square of distance, so short distances cost the most.
B, Correct: Correct. Bushong says the exposure switch of a mobile unit must let the operator remain at least 2 m from the x-ray tube, and Sherer says 2 m from the patient, the tube and the useful beam. Bontrager gives a minimum of 6 feet (2 m) from the tube for C-arm work. 6 feet is slightly under 2 m, so use 2 m. Keep the useful beam directed away from you.
C, Incorrect: An apron should be assigned to each mobile unit, but it does not replace distance.
D, Incorrect: More distance is safer, but the minimum Bushong and Sherer state is 2 m.
Topics to study in this subcategory
Our study list, in common study terms where those differ from ARRT's. ARRT's content outline is the official list.
- ALARA principle
- Time, distance, shielding
- Inverse square law applied to protection
- Occupational dose limit (50 mSv/year whole body, 5 rem)
- Public dose limit (1 mSv/year, 0.1 rem)
- Pregnant radiographer limit
- Lead equivalents for aprons (0.25 mm minimum, 0.5 mm in fluoroscopy)
- Personal dosimetry (TLD, OSL)
- Fluoroscopy protection practices
Drill the full 317-question bank.
The free tier includes a 50-question quiz and a 200-question sample exam, 241 different questions in all. A paid plan unlocks all 2,584 ARRT-style questions, unlimited generated mock exams, and drills in this subcategory that adapt question order to you. Paid plans open soon.
Frequently asked questions
How many Radiation Protection questions are on the ARRT Radiography Boards?
The Radiation Protection subcategory is 29 of the 200 scored questions under the 2022 content specification, in force through 28 February 2027, about 14.5% of the scored exam. From 1 March 2027, the 2027 content specification lists 25 of 200. The full Radtechprepper practice bank contains 317 questions in this category, giving you ample room to drill until the patterns are second nature.
What topics are in the Radiation Protection subcategory?
Our study list for Radiation Protection starts with: ALARA principle; Time, distance, shielding; Inverse square law applied to protection; Occupational dose limit (50 mSv/year whole body, 5 rem); Public dose limit (1 mSv/year, 0.1 rem). The official list is the content outline in ARRT Radiography Content Specifications. Our list uses common study terms in places, and the outline is what ARRT publishes.
How should I study for the Radiation Protection subcategory?
Start with the chapter overviews listed on this page, which cover the core concepts in plain English. Then drill questions, pause on every miss, read the rationale, and re-drill the same topic the next day. Space your review over several days instead of cramming.