Limited scope X-ray · Iowa

Iowa Limited X-Ray Exam Prep: Limited Radiologic Technologist (LRT)

ARRT Limited Scope examChecked against official state sources

Iowa at a glance

Credential: Limited Radiologic Technologist (LRT) permit; X-ray Equipment Operator permits (Podiatric; Bone Densitometry) - Iowa HHS
Exam: ARRT Examination for the Limited Scope of Practice in Radiography
Exam sections: Core, Chest, Extremities and Spine
Pass mark: 70% on the ARRT core and 70% on each category
Research checked: November 6, 2026

Iowa's limited X-ray rules

Iowa HHS issues the Limited Radiologic Technologist (LRT) permit by category: chest, extremities and spine, each tested with the ARRT Limited Scope Core plus that module. The ARRT Skull/Sinus and Podiatric modules aren't LRT categories in Iowa.

Iowa also has Shoulder and Pediatric categories with no exam (they require chest or extremity), and separate X-ray Equipment Operator permits in Podiatric Radiography and in Bone Densitometry, each with an Iowa-approved exam at 70%.

Worth knowing

Rules moved to 641 IAC chapter 38 (38.7 LRT, 38.8 equipment operators) as of May 13, 2026.
Categories can be added later ($40).
Alternatives to ARRT: the ACRRT limited exam or a department-approved exam, both at 70%.

What you'll study for Iowa

Choose Iowa when you sign up and your practice questions, micro lessons and timed mock exams cover the core and the chest, extremities and spine modules, with nothing from modules Iowa doesn't use. Mock exams are weighted like the real one and scored section by section; we call you ready at 75% on every section.

Section	Practice questions	Micro lessons
Core (patient care, radiation safety, image production)	1,806	132
Chest	242	11
Extremities	718	41
Spine	232	12

A question or lesson that fits two sections is counted in both.

Start free with Iowa

Your state's modules and pass mark are set for you. One practice set per module every day and free micro lessons, no card needed.

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Official sources for Iowa

Where these facts come from. Rules change, so the board's own pages are the final word.

Iowa limited X-ray FAQ

Can I add an Iowa LRT category later?

Yes. Iowa issues the permit per category, and categories can be added later for $40.

Is there a podiatric X-ray permit in Iowa?

Not as an LRT category. Iowa has a separate X-ray Equipment Operator permit in Podiatric Radiography with an Iowa HHS-approved exam and a 70% pass mark.

Which modules are on the Iowa LRT exam?

The core (patient care, radiation safety and image production) plus Chest, Extremities and Spine. You don't have to take every module: you take the core plus the ones for the body areas you want on your license.

What score do I need to pass the Iowa LRT exam?

70% on the ARRT core and 70% on each category. Limited X-Ray Prep only calls you ready once you reach 75% on every section.

How do I study for the Iowa Limited Radiologic Technologist (LRT) exam with Limited X-Ray Prep?

Pick Iowa when you create your free account. Your practice questions, micro lessons and timed mock exams then cover Core, Chest, Extremities and Spine, and your dashboard scores each section against Iowa's pass mark.