CQR vs. CE Credits: Understanding the Difference for ARRT® Renewal

Every radiologic technologist knows the importance of continuing education. But when it comes to renewal, knowing the difference between CE credits and CQR credits—and how the opt-out option works—can save you time, money, and frustration.

The Key Difference

• CE Credits – Required every 2 years for certification & registration renewal. You need 24 Category A or A+ credits per biennium.

• CQR Credits – Required every 10 years as part of Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR). These are targeted CE credits prescribed after your Structured Self-Assessment (SSA)—unless you choose to opt out.

✔ CQR credits also count toward your biennium CE requirement.

✘ But not all CE credits qualify as CQR credits.

Understanding the CQR Process

CQR process includes three possible steps:

1. Professional Profile – Document your current practice areas and responsibilities.

2. Structured Self-Assessment (SSA) – Identify knowledge gaps through an online assessment.

   • Opt-Out Option: You may skip the SSA and accept the maximum prescribed credits for your discipline.

3. Prescribed CE – Complete CE credits in your assigned subcategories, or complete the full maximum if you opt out.

Tip: Opting out may require more total credits than completing the SSA, but it is fully compliant and straightforward.

Important Note on Completion Dates

If you take the opt-out option, you must first receive confirmation of approval in your registry dashboard. Your CQR CE certificates must show completion dates after the opt-out approval date.

• Wait for approval before finishing any CQR coursework.

• Certificates dated the same as the approval date may be questioned.

• Best practice: confirm your opt-out status, wait for at least 24 hours, and then complete your CQR CE credits.

Why Finding a CE Course That Matches Your Exact CQR Need Is Nearly Impossible

Category A/A+ CE activities are first approved by ARRT®-recognized CE approvers. After approval, they are coded for CQR. As a result, a large CE course may only provide a small number of CQR credits. A perfect 1:1 match is nearly impossible.

Result: Many technologists buy subscriptions or courses that don’t align with their CQR, forcing them to purchase extra courses from multiple providers.

How TakeCE Simplifies Your CQR Journey

• 3,000+ CQR credits across Radiography, CT, MRI, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, and more

• Complete CQR CE Packages

• Instant access with automated certificates

• One-time payment (no subscriptions or hidden fees)

• Money-back guarantee for peace of mind

Personalized CQR Solution

Every technologist’s SSA results are different. To make sure you only buy what counts:

• Send us a screenshot of your prescribed CQR requirements.

• Email help@takece.com or text 214-937-9956.

• We’ll match your needs and provide a promo code for the lowest-cost solution.

Complete CQR Packages (Opt-Out Friendly)

If you prefer to skip the SSA, TakeCE offers ready-made discounted packages that cover the full CQR credits required for your discipline:

• Radiography CQR Package

• CT CQR Package

• MRI CQR Package

• Mammography CQR Package

• Nuclear Medicine CQR Package

✔ Accepted for the ARRT® certification & registration

✔ Covers the maximum CQR credit requirement

✔ Instant access and certificates

Double the Value: CQR + Biennium CE

Check your CQR deadline and 2-year 24CE cycle—you may be able to apply these credits to both: CQR and CE renewal. This means you can fulfill both requirements at once.

Why Professionals Trust TakeCE

• 18,000+ professionals served annually

• 350,000+ CE credits awarded each year

• 22,000+ five-star reviews

FAQ

Q: Can I really skip the SSA?

A: You may opt out and accept the maximum prescribed credits for your discipline.

Q: Will I need more credits if I opt out?

A: Yes. Opting out assigns you the full credit load, which is generally higher than what the SSA might prescribe.

Q: Can TakeCE cover my entire opt-out requirement?

A: Yes. Our Complete CQR Packages are designed to meet the full requirement for each discipline.

Q: Can CQR credits count toward my biennium?

A: Yes. Every CQR credit also fulfills biennium CE requirements.

Q: Why can’t I find a CE course that perfectly matches my CQR need?

A: All category A/A+ CE activities are first approved by ARRT®-recognized approvers and then matched to CQR categories. A large CE course may align with only a few CQR credits, making a perfect one-to-one match between your prescribed CQR list and a single course nearly impossible.

Q: How can I make sure my CE course purchase meets my CQR need?

A: Use our Personalized CQR Solution (highly recommended). We review your required CQR subcategories and recommend the best CE courses that cover them. You’ll also receive a promo code for a low-cost option. Simply send us a screenshot of your CQR CE credits needed for each subcategory by email at help@takece.com or text message:-

     Email: click button at bottom right

     Text: 214-937-9956

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until your CQR deadline is close. Whether you need Radiology CE, CT CE Credits, MRI CE, Mammography CE, or Nuclear Medicine CE, TakeCE has your solution.

• Send us your SSA prescription for a custom match

• Or select a Complete CQR CE Package online

Start earning your CQR credits today at TakeCE.com.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always confirm CE and CQR requirements with ARRT®.