Overview 

The DSHS Radiation Control Program certifies individuals to practice industrial radiography within the State of Texas. To become certified, individuals must complete classroom and on-the-job training and the required examinations.

Beginning October 2020, the examinations will be administered on computers at testing centers located throughout the United States.

Certification Requirements

The Radiation Control Program issues industrial radiography certification identification (ID) cards to individuals who successfully complete and document the following on appropriate forms:

• Complete a minimum 40 hours of radiation safety training from a course accepted by the State of Texas (PDF, 304KB), another Agreement State*, or the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission on the subjects in 25 TAC §289.255(x)(1).

• Received a trainee status card. You can submit an online application for the trainee status as identified below.

• Document on-the-job training (OJT)* as a certified trainee supervised by one or more radiographer trainers authorized on a Texas license or certificate of registration. (Minimum 200 hours RAM and/or 120 hours X-ray).

*NOTE: Individuals may substitute one year of industrial radiography experience using radioactive material and/or X-ray machines with a company outside of Texas for the OJT hours.

• Complete RC 255-R Radiographer Qualification - OJT (Hours) Form (PDF, 66KB) for radiographer status. OJT hours do not include safety meetings, film interpretation, darkroom activities, travel, classroom training, or use of cabinet X-ray systems.

• Pass the appropriate written exam accepted by your Radiation Control Program.

Trainer Qualifications

Radiographer trainers personally supervise trainees during on-the-job training. Documentation of one year experience as a certified radiographer must be submitted on RC 255-T Trainer Qualification Form (PDF, 65KB) to be qualified as a trainer. 

Certifications from Outside of Texas

Texas will accept an individual's radiographer certification if the individual or company submits a clear, legible copy (front and back) of the valid certification from an entity recognized by Texas in accordance with 25 TAC 289.255(l)(2)-(4).

Individuals must submit a Radiographer Reciprocity Qualification (PDF, 73KB) form and must be certified by one of the entities on this page under State Contact Information.

Trainee Applications

Trainee Applications should now be completed online through the new Regulatory Services Online Licensing System. Please use the "Industrial Radiographer RAS-VO User Guide" section "Industrial Radiographer Trainee Application" for detailed instructions on completing the online application.

For assistance creating an account to use the online system, please see the Online Licensing Help Center, or contact us. 

We will still accept emailed submissions of the RC 255-E Trainee Qualification Form (PDF, 27KB) for trainee status.

For questions regarding examinations, ID cards, re-certification, and qualifications, please reach out to any of the individuals listed below: 

Bridget Stephens 
Email: Bridget.Stephens@DSHS.Texas.gov 
Phone: 512-231-5691 

Amanda Leeth 
Email: Amanda.Leeth@DSHS.Texas.gov 
Phone: 512-231-5769 

Angelica Leal 
Email: Angelica.Leal@DSHS.Texas.gov 
Phone: 512-231-5705

Additional Contacts 

For a comprehensive list of contacts, please see the Radiation Control Contact Information page. 

We have transitioned to hosting exams via testing centers throughout the country with Pearson VUE that will allow you to select an exam date and exam location near you.

Here’s what you will need to do to get the process started:

1. Submit your exam application and the $120.00 initial exam fee or $124.00 recertification exam fee to us via regular mail. The mailing address is located at the bottom of Page 1. At this time, we accept checks or money orders for the exam fee.
2. Once we process your exam application, we will submit your exam information to Pearson VUE.
3. Once Pearson VUE has accepted your exam information, we will send you an email stating Pearson VUE will send you a confirmation email with a link for you to register online for an exam date and exam location. Please note at this time Pearson VUE will assess a $50.00 exam sitting fee that you will be able to pay online.

For exam information or questions, email IndRadCertification@dshs.texas.gov.

Required Forms for Certification 

If you are seeking a Trainee certification: 

• RC 255-1: Disability Accommodation Request for Industrial Radiographer Examination (PDF, 73KB) 

• RC 255-3: Application for Industrial Radiographer Examination (PDF, 30KB) 

• RC 255-C: Accepted Radiation Safety Training Courses (PDF, 66KB) 

• RC 255-E: Trainee Qualification Form (PDF, 27KB) 

• RC 255-OS: Radiographer Qualification - OJT (Years) (PDF, 35KB) 

• RC 255-R: Radiographer Qualification - OJT (Hours) (PDF, 36KB) 

If you are seeking an Industrial Radiographer certification: 

• RC IR-1: IR Replacement ID Card Application (PDF, 29KB) 

• RC IR (Instructions): Instructions for IR Replacement ID Card Application (PDF, 46KB) 

• RC IR-2: IR Second Certification ID Card Procedures (PDF, 27KB) 

• RC 255-RC: Radiographer Reciprocity Qualification (PDF, 73KB) 

If you are seeking a Trainer certification: 

• RC 255-T: Trainer Qualification (PDF, 65KB)