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Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel (IRRSP) Examinations

Get ready for the IRRSP exam with detailed topics, resources for study, and guidance for scheduling.

How to Plan for Your IRRSP Exam

Comprehensive, standards-based examinations are a cornerstone of ASNT qualifications.

Before you schedule your exams, review the information on this page to ensure you know what topics and skills your exams will cover, how to study, and what to expect when test day comes.

1

Review IRRSP Exam Topics

To receive IRRSP certification, you must pass all exams they signed up for – Radioactive Materials (RAM), X-ray, or Combo (both the RAM and X-ray exams).

Exams include computer-based testing (CBT), as well as a practical exam, that is conducted by employers, to demonstrate your ability to perform the method and techniques. A completed practical exam form must be submitted within six months of your CBT exam date.

Download Practical Exam Form

Start by getting familiar with the topics and depth of knowledge you’ll need for each of your exams.

Computer-based Test

Number of Items: 100
Time for Completion: 3 hours

  • Fundamentals of radiation safety

    • Types of radiation

    • Origin of radiation and interaction with matter

  • Exposure and effects

    • Radiation exposure

    • Biological effects of exposure

  • Controlling exposure

    • Distance

    • Shielding

    • Time

  • Radiation detection

    • Radiation survey instruments

    • Survey requirements/techniques

    • Personnel monitoring devices

  • Radiographic equipment

    • Exposure devices (RAM/X-ray) and collimators

    • Source changers and storage containers

    • Daily/Quarterly inspections

    • RAM inventory, leak tests, repairs, and tagging

  • Regulations

    • Definitions

    • Licensing/Registration requirements

    • Notices, reports, and records

    • Labeling, boundaries, and posting

Number of Items: 100
Time for Completion: 3 hours

  • Fundamentals of radiation safety

    • Types of radiation

    • Origin of radiation and interaction with matter

  • Exposure and effects

    • Radiation exposure

    • Biological effects of exposure

  • Controlling exposure

    • Distance

    • Shielding

    • Time

  • Radiation detection

    • Radiation survey instruments

    • Survey requirements/techniques

    • Personnel monitoring devices

  • Radiographic equipment

    • Exposure devices (RAM/X-ray) and collimators

    • Source changers and storage containers

    • Daily/Quarterly inspections

    • RAM inventory, leak tests, repairs, and tagging

  • Regulations

    • Definitions

    • Licensing/Registration requirements

    • Notices, reports, and records

    • Labeling, boundaries, and posting

Number of Items: 100
Time for Completion: 3 hours

  • Fundamentals of radiation safety

    • Types of radiation

    • Origin of radiation and interaction with matter

  • Exposure and effects

    • Radiation exposure

    • Biological effects of exposure

  • Controlling exposure

    • Distance

    • Shielding

    • Time

  • Radiation detection

    • Radiation survey instruments

    • Survey requirements/techniques

    • Personnel monitoring devices

  • Radiographic equipment

    • Exposure devices (RAM/X-ray) and collimators

    • Source changers and storage containers

    • Daily/Quarterly inspections

    • RAM inventory, leak tests, repairs, and tagging

  • Regulations

    • Definitions

    • Licensing/Registration requirements

    • Notices, reports, and records

    • Labeling, boundaries, and posting

2

Study Recommended IRRSP Exam Resources

To help you build knowledge and confidence, ASNT offers a variety of study materials. You can use self-study materials from ASNT and other industry sources—or take a combined approach.*

Self-Study Collections

Created in alignment with the body of knowledge for each exam, ASNT study materials collections are designed to empower you in your IRRSP credential.

View IRRSP Study Materials 

Support for Exams and Beyond: ASNT Membership

Working on your initial Level II certification? Certifying in multiple methods?

ASNT members get reduced pricing on courses and save 25% on study guides, handbooks, and more.

Explore the benefits and become a member today

Join or Renew
3

When You’re Ready, Schedule Your IRRSP Exams

For IRRSP, ASNT offers in-person computer-based testing (CBT) through our partner, Pearson VUE at their locations or through our authorized exam centers (AECs).

Employers are responsible for carrying out visual acuity and practical exams to finish the certification process.

Before you schedule your exams, be sure you have:

Then, schedule your exams through your MyCert account.

Log In and Schedule Exams 

Who Is Pearson VUE?

Pearson VUE provides computer-based testing through the world's most comprehensive and secure network of test centers, with locations in over 175 countries.

Authorized Exam Centers

AECs are approved partners that provide CBT for ASNT certifications.

Address: 912 Gemini St., Houston, Texas 77058
Phone: 1-800-222-2768 or 1-614-274-6003
Email: certifications@asnt.org

Address: 1049 Triad Court, Marietta, Georgia 30062
Phone: 1-888-287-5227 or 678-444-2897
Email: training@atslab.com
Website: atslab.com/training/asnt-exam-center.php

Need to make a change?

You must schedule and complete all the examinations you’ve applied for within one year of our Letter of Approval. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, do so at least 48 hours in advance. Failing to give enough notice will result in losing your exam fees.

Be sure you understand the rules for rescheduling or canceling your certification examinations.

Read ASNT Cancellation/Refund Policy
4

Collect Your Identification

When it’s time to take your IRRSP exams, you must bring two valid forms of identification to the exam center.

  1. A primary government-issued ID with name and signature.

  2. A secondary ID with a name and signature/photo.

Both identifications must be current and original, and the name on your identification must match the name on your certification application and in your MyASNT record.

A valid photo identification can be your current:

  • passport

  • driver’s license

  • state or government-issued identification card

Other acceptable identification forms are:

  • work ID with your name and signature that matches primary ID

Tips: Before You Arrive at the Exam

  • Review the computer-based testing (CBT) and calculator demo.

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.

  • Plan at least half a day for the test.

  • Bring your two forms of ID.

  • Be ready to have a photo taken at the testing center.

  • Be aware that all examinations are in English. An online translation dictionary is available to help with NDT terminology in Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, UK English, and Arabic.

What’s Next?

After you pass the exams and all requirements are met, your results will be processed and your MyASNT record will be updated to show that you are certified.

You or your employer can verify your certification by searching the certificate holder directory in MyCert.

You can expect to receive a digital badge via email in one to two weeks.

Learn More and Claim Your Digital Badge

What Happens If I Don’t Pass?

If you don’t pass an exam, you can reapply, pay the required fees, and retest.

You must submit your retake request, submit payment, and receive a new approval letter before you can schedule and retake your exam.

If you fail any examination more than three times in a one-year period, you must receive 20 hours of additional radiation safety training and wait six months before reapplying.

Submit a Retake Application in MyCert 
View Retake Pricing

When Do I Need to Recertify?

IRRSP credentials must be recertification every five years, and you must submit your recertification application and payment before the expiration date on your certification.

Learn About Recertifying IRRSP

Have Additional Questions? Need Help?

Reach out to ASNT Certification Services for answers about eligibility, the certification renewal process, or planning for and taking exams.

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