ARRT® CQR Requirements vs. CE Credits: A Complete Guide to the Differences
- TakeCE Team
- Jan 14
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 3
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. These are targeted CE credits prescribed after your Structured Self-Assessment—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
Continuing Qualifications Requirements (CQR) apply to ARRT® time-limited credentials. In general, CQR applies to credentials earned on or after January 1, 2011. If you hold more than one credential subject to CQR, you must complete a separate CQR process for each applicable credential.
CQR is completed every 10 years for each applicable credential. Your CQR compliance period begins on the first day of your birth month in year 8 of your 10-year CQR period. You have three years to complete the process.
The CQR process includes three main parts:
1. Professional Profile
Start by logging in to your ARRT® online account and opening the CQR tool from your dashboard.
The Professional Profile is a self-evaluation of your current practice. You will identify the types of procedures you perform and how often you have performed them during the past two years. You will receive a profile summary that compares your experience with others in your discipline.
2. Structured Self-Assessment (SSA) — Choose One Option
After completing your Professional Profile, you have two choices:
Option A: Take the SSA
The Structured Self-Assessment helps identify knowledge gaps related to your credential. It is an assessment, not a pass/fail exam. You cannot fail the SSA.
You may schedule the SSA using information provided in the CQR tool. Depending on availability, you may choose:
A Pearson VUE test-center appointment
An online proctored appointment, usually completed from home or work
Appointment availability varies by location, date, and delivery method. Pearson VUE will send a confirmation email with your appointment details. Follow the instructions in that confirmation carefully, including identification and testing requirements.
Before taking the SSA, you may review the current CQR Structured Self-Assessment Content Specifications for your discipline. The number of questions and time allowed vary by discipline, so always check your appointment confirmation and discipline-specific content specifications.
SSA results are available in the CQR tool within two weeks after completing the assessment.
Option B: Opt Out of the SSA and Skip the Assessment
You can opt out of the SSA and accept the maximum CQR CE prescription for your discipline.
This option is fully compliant, but it may require more total CE credits than taking the SSA. It can be a straightforward choice if you prefer to skip the assessment and complete the full prescribed CE requirement instead.
3. Prescribed CQR CE
If you take the SSA, your CQR CE prescription is based on the knowledge gaps identified by your assessment. If you opt out of the SSA, you receive the full CQR CE prescription for your discipline.
Your prescribed CE must match the assigned CQR categories and subcategories shown in your CQR tool. These prescribed CQR CE credits may also count toward your biennium CE requirement when they meet the required criteria.
To avoid last-minute issues, complete and report prescribed CQR CE at least two weeks before the end of your three-year CQR compliance period.
Tip
Taking the SSA may reduce the number of CQR CE credits you need. Skipping the SSA is simpler, but it usually means completing the maximum prescribed CQR CE for your discipline.
CQR Study Guide Misconception: Do You Need to Study for the SSA?
No. You do not need to buy a CQR study guide before taking the SSA. The SSA is not a pass/fail test. It is an assessment tool designed to identify knowledge areas where additional continuing education may be needed. You cannot fail the SSA, and your SSA results do not directly affect your certification status. After the SSA, use your prescribed CQR CE list—or your confirmed opt-out status—to choose the correct CQR CE credits. This helps you avoid buying unnecessary review materials or courses that do not match your actual CQR requirement.
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, and Nuclear Medicine.
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 Calculator (highly recommended)
Every technologist’s SSA results are different. To make sure you only buy what counts, Use our instant CQR Credit Calculator.
Enter the CQR CE credits from your CQR CE prescription, and click Calculate Now. Your low-cost CQR solution and promo code matched to your needs will appear immediately. The offer will cover the CQR categories and credits you entered. These credits may also apply toward your 2-year 24 CE renewal requirement.
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:
✔ 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
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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 Credit Calculator (highly recommended). Enter the CQR CE credits from your CQR CE prescription, and click Calculate Now. Your personalized CQR offer and promo code will appear immediately. The offer will cover the CQR categories and credits you entered.
Q: Should I purchase exam review courses to prepare for the SSA?
A: No. The SSA is not a pass/fail test, and a study guide is not required. You may review the content specifications for your discipline if you want to refresh key topics. The best approach is to complete the SSA first, then use your prescribed CQR CE list to choose the correct CE credits.
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®. The SSA is a self-assessment, not an exam. Preparation is optional and not required; compliance is achieved by completing the prescribed CQR continuing education.