Limited X-ray license requirements by state
Every state decides for itself who may take X-rays without being a registered radiologic technologist. The job title changes (limited X-ray machine operator, basic X-ray machine operator, limited permit X-ray technician, limited medical radiologic technologist), and so do the exam, the body-area modules and the pass mark.
The short version
- 29 states use the ARRT Examination for the Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography: a core section plus the procedure modules the state licenses.
- 2 states (New Mexico and Ohio) give their own limited exam.
- 18 states and DC have no limited license exam. Some have no operator license at all; others only license full radiographers.
- South Carolina's exam is still being confirmed with its certifying board.
From our state-by-state research, last checked 2026-11-06. Rules change: confirm with your state board before you apply.
Exams, sections and pass marks: all 50 states and DC
| State | Exam | Sections | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Alaska | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Arizona | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest and Extremities | 67% |
| Arkansas | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | 70% |
| California | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | Not published |
| Colorado | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses and Spine | 75% |
| Connecticut | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Delaware | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | Not published |
| District of Columbia | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Florida | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | 65% |
| Georgia | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Hawaii | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Idaho | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Illinois | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses and Spine | 65% |
| Indiana | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Spine and Podiatric | Not published |
| Iowa | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities and Spine | 70% |
| Kansas | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Kentucky | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | Not published |
| Louisiana | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses and Spine | Not published |
| Maine | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | Not published |
| Maryland | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities and Spine | 75% |
| Massachusetts | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | Not published |
| Michigan | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Minnesota | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | 70% |
| Mississippi | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Missouri | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Montana | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses and Spine | 70% |
| Nebraska | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | 70% |
| Nevada | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | Not published |
| New Hampshire | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | Not published |
| New Jersey | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Spine and Podiatric | 75% |
| New Mexico | State exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | 75% |
| New York | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| North Carolina | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| North Dakota | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses and Spine | Not published |
| Ohio | State exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | Not published |
| Oklahoma | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Oregon | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | 70% |
| Pennsylvania | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities and Skull/Sinuses | 70% |
| Rhode Island | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| South Carolina | Being confirmed | None required | n/a |
| South Dakota | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Tennessee | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses and Spine | 65% |
| Texas | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | 75% |
| Utah | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | 75% |
| Vermont | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Virginia | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | Not published |
| Washington | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| West Virginia | No limited license exam | None required | n/a |
| Wisconsin | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Spine and Podiatric | Not published |
| Wyoming | ARRT Limited Scope exam | Core, Chest, Extremities, Skull/Sinuses, Spine and Podiatric | 75% |
Pass marks are the first figure the state publishes; some states split it by section. Open a state for the full rule.
What limited X-Ray licenses are called in each state
| State | Limited X-ray license or credential | Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No State License Required | No limited license exam |
| Alaska | No State License Found | No limited license exam |
| Arizona | Certified Practical Technologist in Radiology (CPTR)Certified Practical Technologist in Radiology (CPTR); also Practical Technologist in Podiatry and in Bone Densitometry (ADHS) | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Arkansas | Limited Licensed TechnologistLimited Licensed Technologist (Limited Scope license) - Arkansas Dept. of Health, Radiologic Technology Licensure Program | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| California | Limited Permit X-Ray TechnicianLimited Permit X-ray Technician (CDPH Radiologic Health Branch) | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Colorado | Limited Scope Operator (LSO)Limited Scope Operator (LSO), CDPHE | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Connecticut | No Limited LicenseNo limited license. CT DPH licenses radiographers (ARRT Radiography exam) | No limited license exam |
| Delaware | Medical Radiation Technician, Limited ScopeMedical Radiation Technician, Limited Scope of Practice (state radiation technician certificate) - Delaware Office of Radiation Control | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| District of Columbia | No Limited LicenseNo limited category; DC Board of Medicine licenses radiographers and other full medical radiation technology categories | No limited license exam |
| Florida | Basic X-Ray Machine Operator (BXMO and BXMO-PM)Basic X-ray Machine Operator (BXMO) and BXMO-Podiatric Medicine (BXMO-PM) certificates - Florida DOH | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Georgia | No State License Required | No limited license exam |
| Hawaii | No Limited PathwayNo limited license (only full Radiographer, Radiation Therapist, Nuclear Medicine Technologist licenses) | No limited license exam |
| Idaho | No State License Found | No limited license exam |
| Illinois | Limited Diagnostic RadiographerLimited Diagnostic Radiographer (IEMA accreditation) | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Indiana | Chest, Podiatric or Chiropractic RadiographerLimited radiography licenses (IDOH): Chest Radiographer; Podiatric Radiographer; Chiropractic Radiographer; Dental Radiographer | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Iowa | Limited Radiologic Technologist (LRT)Limited Radiologic Technologist (LRT) permit; X-ray Equipment Operator permits (Podiatric; Bone Densitometry) - Iowa HHS | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Kansas | No Limited License | No limited license exam |
| Kentucky | Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO)Limited X-ray Machine Operator (LXMO) license - Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (KBMIRT) | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Louisiana | Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO)Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO) permit - Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (LSRTBE) | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Maine | Limited RadiographerLimited Radiographer license - Maine Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Maryland | Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO)Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO) registration - Maryland Board of Physicians | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Massachusetts | Limited Scope of Practice in RadiographyLimited Scope of Practice in Radiography license (new discipline in 105 CMR 125.000) - MA DPH Radiation Control Program | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Michigan | Facility-Qualified, No State LicenseLimited diagnostic radiographer (facility-qualified status, not a state license) | No limited license exam |
| Minnesota | Limited Scope X-Ray Operator (LSXO)Limited Scope X-ray Operator (LSXO) registration; Bone Densitometry Equipment Operator registration (MDH) | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Mississippi | Limited X-Ray Machine Operator Permit (LXMO)Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO) permit - Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure | No limited license exam |
| Missouri | No State License Found | No limited license exam |
| Montana | Limited Permit HolderLimited Permit Holder (Limited Permit X-Ray), Board of Radiologic Technologists | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Nebraska | Limited RadiographerLimited Radiographer (NE DHHS) | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Nevada | Limited License (Radiologic Imaging)Limited License (radiologic imaging), Nevada DPBH Radiation Control Program | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| New Hampshire | Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO)Limited X-ray Machine Operator (LXMO) license - NH Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (OPLC) | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| New Jersey | Limited Radiologic Technologist (Chest, Orthopedic, Podiatric or Urologic)Limited radiologic technologist licenses: Chest, Orthopedic, Podiatric, Urologic - NJDEP Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| New Mexico | Limited Practice Radiographer (LPR)Limited Practice Radiographer (LPR) license: LXE extremities, LXP podiatric, LXT, LXV (NMED Radiation Control Bureau) | State exam |
| New York | No Limited LicenseNo limited license. NY DOH licenses Radiologic Technologists only in Radiography, Radiation Therapy and Nuclear Medicine | No limited license exam |
| North Carolina | No State License Required | No limited license exam |
| North Dakota | Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO)Limited X-ray Machine Operator (ND Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy) | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Ohio | General X-Ray Machine Operator (GXMO)General X-ray Machine Operator (GXMO) license, Ohio Department of Health | State exam |
| Oklahoma | No State License Found | No limited license exam |
| Oregon | Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO)Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO) permit; Bone Densitometry LXMO permit | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Pennsylvania | Auxiliary Personnel, Limited RadiographyAuxiliary personnel performing radiologic procedures (no state license or registration since 2018; must pass a Board-approved exam or hold certification) | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Rhode Island | No Limited LicenseNo limited license. RIDOH licenses radiographers, nuclear medicine technologists and radiation therapists | No limited license exam |
| South Carolina | Limited Practice Radiographer (CLR-G, CLR-C, CLR-P, CLR-Ch)Limited Practice Radiographer certificates: CLR-G (General), CLR-C (Chest), CLR-P (Podiatric), CLR-Ch (Chiropractic) - SC Radiation Quality Standards Association (SCRQSA) | Being confirmed |
| South Dakota | No State License Required | No limited license exam |
| Tennessee | Limited Radiologic Imaging ProfessionalLimited Radiologic Imaging Professional license (limited license) - Tennessee Board of Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Texas | Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist (LMRT)Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist (LMRT) certificate - Texas Medical Board | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Utah | Radiology Practical Technician (RPT)Radiology Practical Technician (DOPL) | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Vermont | No Limited LicenseNo limited license. VT OPR licenses radiologic technologists in primary modalities (with ARRT/NMTCB certification) | No limited license exam |
| Virginia | Radiologic Technologist-Limited (RT-L)Radiologic Technologist-Limited (RT-L) - Virginia Board of Medicine | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Washington | X-Ray Technician Registration, No ExamX-ray Technician (registration) | No limited license exam |
| West Virginia | No General Limited LicenseNo general limited license. Only a Podiatric Medical Assistant Permit - WV Medical Imaging & Radiation Therapy Technology Board | No limited license exam |
| Wisconsin | Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO)Limited X-Ray Machine Operator (LXMO) permit, Radiography Examining Board / DSPS | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
| Wyoming | Radiologic Technician (Restricted License)Radiologic Technician (restricted license) | ARRT Limited Scope exam |
Searching for an X-ray tech license, a limited x-ray tech job or an "xray license" in your state? The names above are what your state board will use, so they're the words to search for on its website.
Study exactly what your state tests
Pick your state when you sign up and Limited X-Ray Prep matches your practice questions, lessons and mock exams to its modules and pass mark.