APPLYING FOR STATE LICENSING

If your state licensing entity requires you to take an ARRT-administered exam to earn state licensing, get started by reviewing our Handbook for State Candidates and content specifications for your discipline. You’ll also want to begin the application process. 

Here’s an overview of what to do. Visit ARRT’s state licensing website for detailed instructions.   

  • Apply to the state
    Before scheduling your exam appointment, you’ll need to apply with your state licensing entity. Contact your state entity directly for an application and information regarding the application process.
  • The state responds
    Your state licensing entity will confirm or deny your eligibility to take the exam.
  • Submit exam fee
    If your state licensing entity approves you to take the licensing exam, it will send you instructions for paying your exam fee to ARRT.
  • Candidate Status Report* available online
    Approximately 10 days after ARRT processes your exam payment, you can log in to your online account to view your Candidate Status Report. Your Candidate Status Report contains the information you’ll need to schedule your exam appointment with a Pearson VUE test center.
  • Your 90-day exam window
    Your Candidate Status Report will list the dates of your 90-day exam window. You must schedule and complete your exam during this period. 
  • Exam window extensions
    You must submit exam window extension requests directly to your state licensing entity, which will determine whether to grant the extension. Exceptions in certain cases are California, which automatically allows a 365-day eligibility period, and Florida, which automatically allows a 180-day eligibility period. Although California and Florida allow longer eligibility periods, your ARRT-assigned window is still only 90 days. You must submit a request to ARRT (not California or Florida) to extend that window. 

*If your Candidate Status Report contains inaccurate name or contact information, please contact your state licensing entity to request an update before you schedule your exam appointment. ARRT can’t change personal information without notification from the state entity. 

CAN ARRT OR MY STATE LICENSING ENTITY ANSWER MY QUESTIONS?

Taking a state licensing exam is important to—and often required for—your career. If ARRT administers the state licensing exam you want to take, here’s whom to contact if you have questions along the way.

Contact your state licensing entity with questions about:

  • State licensing eligibility or requirements
  • Exam results
  • Name and/or address changes
  • Window extension requests (excluding California and Florida)

Contact Pearson VUE for questions about:

  • Scheduling the exam 

Contact ARRT with questions about:

  • Exam content specifications or information in the Handbook for State Candidates
  • What to expect at the exam center
  • Taking the exam
  • Issues at the test center
  • Extending your window in California (ARRT can approve up to three extensions, in 90-day increments, until you hit 365 days.)
  • Extending your window in Florida (ARRT can approve up to three extensions of 90 days; or until you hit 180 days.)

Learn more by visiting our state licensing FAQ section.