Master DXA scanning and BMD interpretation for the ARRT Bone Densitometry exam.
The ARRT Bone Densitometry (BD) credential certifies that a technologist can competently perform dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) studies used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and assess a patient's risk of osteoporosis and fracture. It is administered by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and validates the knowledge and cognitive skills underlying the tasks a bone densitometry operator performs at entry level.
BD is a post-primary credential: candidates must already hold a qualifying ARRT credential (or, in certain cases, a supporting credential from another recognized organization such as an NMTCB nuclear medicine credential) and complete the required structured education and clinical experience through the post-primary eligibility pathway. Candidates must also satisfy ARRT's ethics requirements before being deemed eligible to test.
The examination is a computer-based, multiple-choice test delivered at a standardized testing center. Its content is organized into four major categories — Patient Care, Safety, Image Production, and Procedures — that cover osteoporosis and bone physiology, radiation safety, DXA system operation and quality control, BMD measurement and reporting, and hands-on scanning of the lumbar spine, proximal femur, and forearm.
Mapped to the ARRT content outline.
Osteoporosis and bone physiology, bone health education, risk factors, patient history and preparation, ergonomics, and infection control.
Fundamental radiation protection principles including ALARA and basic methods of minimizing dose to patients and operators.
X-ray production fundamentals, dual-photon energies, DXA components (k-edge filtration, energy switching, detectors), and fan-beam geometry.
Equipment safety, phantom scanning and frequency, recalibration, troubleshooting shift/drift with pass/fail criteria, and record maintenance.
Scan analysis algorithms, BMC/area/BMD calculation, basic statistics (mean, SD, %CV), T-scores, Z-scores, WHO diagnostic criteria, FRAX, VFA, TBS, and whole-body DXA.
Determining quality in BMD measurements, in vivo precision studies, least significant change (LSC), and scanner, operator, and patient factors affecting reproducibility.
Anatomy and region-of-interest placement, positioning, scan acquisition and analysis, special positioning considerations, and follow-up scans assessing rate of change.
Registered radiologic technologists and other qualified imaging or nuclear medicine professionals who perform or plan to perform DXA bone density scans and want to earn the ARRT post-primary Bone Densitometry credential.
BD is earned through ARRT's post-primary eligibility pathway and generally requires an existing qualifying credential plus structured education, clinical experience, and ethics requirements. Specifics vary by year — confirm current requirements at arrt.org.
Create a free profile now — you'll be ready to jump in the moment Bone Densitometry prep launches, and you can start with radiography or CIIP today.
Official exam details and eligibility: arrt.org