40-Hour Online Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Training Course (Non-Medical)

Our 40-hour Online Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Training Course provides comprehensive, self-paced instruction for professionals responsible for managing radiation safety programs in industrial and non-medical environments. This course meets applicable regulatory training standards and is designed to support compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA CDRH), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements.

This course is not intended for medical or healthcare radiation applications. It is specifically developed for industrial, manufacturing, analytical, and research settings that use radiation-emitting devices or radioactive materials outside of medical practice.Add your short course description here
  • $1,495

    Price
  • 40 hours

    Video duration
  • Go at your own
    pace

    Pacing
  • Online slides with a quiz at the end of each lesson

    Learning Mode

    Course Overview

    This Radiation Safety Officer training course is designed for professionals who oversee the safe use of radiation-emitting devices and radioactive materials in non-medical industries. The curriculum combines regulatory knowledge with practical application, helping participants understand how to maintain compliance, manage radiation risks, and respond effectively to inspections and emergencies. The course is delivered entirely online and allows you to progress at your own pace, making it ideal for working professionals who need flexible, structured RSO training.

    What This RSO Course Covers

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    Who This Radiation Safety Officer Course Is For

    Radiation Safety Officers and Assistant RSOs in non-medical industries
    Industrial, manufacturing, and analytical professionals working with radiation-emitting equipment
    Safety, compliance, and regulatory personnel
    Organizations seeking regulatory-aligned Radiation Safety Officer training

    This course is not intended for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic radiation use in healthcare settings.

    Why Choose This Online RSO Training

    Meets applicable regulatory training standards

    Designed exclusively for industrial and non-medical radiation environments

    Fully online and self-paced for maximum flexibility

    Structured lessons with quizzes to reinforce learning

    Comprehensive coverage of radiation safety and compliance requirements

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    Frequently asked questions

    What is the 40-Hour Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Training Course?

    The 40-Hour Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Training Course is an online, self-paced training program designed for professionals responsible for radiation safety in industrial and non-medical environments. The course covers radiation fundamentals, regulatory requirements, safety practices, and compliance responsibilities.

    Does this Radiation Safety Officer course meet regulatory training standards?

    Yes. This course meets applicable regulatory training standards and is designed to support compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA CDRH), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements. Final acceptance may vary by licensing authority.

    Is this course intended for medical or healthcare radiation use?

    No. This course is not intended for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic radiation use. It is specifically designed for industrial, manufacturing, analytical, and research applications.

    How long does it take to complete the Radiation Safety Officer course?

    The course consists of 40 hours of training. Because it is self-paced, participants can complete the course according to their own schedule.

    Do I really need 40 hours of RSO training? 

    It depends upon your state, or NRC Regulator and what type of x-ray/ radiation sources you are using. The 40-hour requirement is standard, but you may be able to negotiate for less training. For example, some states will allow a cabinet x-ray user RSO to take our 8-hour course.  Please see the IRSC website for the list of states which will accept the reduced time 8-hour RSO course.  There are not consistent state policies for industrial x-ray RSO training and it is often not written down anywhere. If you like we can communicate with your regulator on your behalf to obtain an answer for you. 

    How is the course delivered?

    The course is delivered fully online through slide-based lessons. Each lesson includes a quiz to reinforce learning and assess understanding.

    Who should take this Radiation Safety Officer training course?

    This course is intended for Radiation Safety Officers, Assistant RSOs, safety managers, compliance personnel, and professionals working with radiation-emitting devices in non-medical industries.

    Is prior radiation safety experience required?

    No prior radiation safety experience is required. The course begins with foundational concepts and progresses to more advanced regulatory and operational topics.

    After I take the course, will I be a certified Radiation Safety Officer

    There is no such thing as RSO certification in the United States. However, after you complete the course, you will meet the training requirement to serve as a Radiation Safety Officer in industrial, manufacturing, or biotech settings.  You will receive a course certificate, which is available for immediate download after completing the course. 

    Will I receive a course certificate? Is it available for immediate download at the end of the course? 

    You will receive a course certificate, which is available for immediate download after completing the course.  If you wish to receive a hard copy of your certificate in the mail, please send us the spelling of how you wish you name to appear on the certificate, and the address you wish it to be mailed to. 

    Will my state accept your RSO Course? 

    Our RSO Course was started in 2009 as a classroom course and has been accepted by regulators in all 50 states. It has been an online course since 2020. 

    Is there a Pre-Requisite for Taking this Course? 

    No. This is an introductory level course. 

    What Education Degree do I need to be an RSO in the US?

    Please note that part of the qualification to be an RSO is your educational background, and in some circumstances for industrial applications the regulator wants someone with a four-year technical degree. This is not always a requirement, and there’s often flexibility in discussion with your regulator, depending upon what the role is within your organization. We are aware of approved RSOs with four-year degrees in business administration or other non-technical fields, or military or other experience substitutions, depending upon the use application. Please check with your NRC/state regulator. 

    I cannot locate the decommissioning exercise 

    The decommission exercise is available for download at the beginning of the decommissioning module. If you have already completed the module, please enter a request in our contact form to have it emailed to you. 

    Is the final exam optional? 

    Yes, as long as you have completed all the quizzes and turned in the decommission exercise, the final exam is optional. 

    What is the purpose of the final exam if it is optional? 

    To test your knowledge. 

    If I take the final exam and fail, will it count against me?  

    No

    How many times can I retake the quizzes or the final exam? 

    As many times as you like. 

    Do I need to purchase the textbook? 

    No, the textbook is optional. 

    How much time do I have to complete the online, go at your own course? Do I need to purchase the textbook? 

    The standard time is 60 days. If you need additional time, we will grant it. 

    Is there math in this course? 

    Yes, there is. There is a math review, and there is some math involved with some subjects, such as the inverse square formula (dose vs. distance), the decay equation, internal and external radiation dose calculations, shielding, and counting statistics.   

    Please do not be intimidated by any math in the course. During the course you may contact us day, night, or weekends with questions. We’re happy to help.  

    In the real world, often no one is typically solving math problems associated with radiation safety on their own. We go look for information online, read books, talk to colleagues, and use software programs. And if you ever need help when you’re in your role as RSO, you can reach out to us and we’re happy to assist as your consultant. 

    Does my RSO training expire? 

    RSO training in the US is one time, and does not expire. Regulators have an expectation that you as an RSO will continue your education, but there is no regulatory requirement (unlike radiation workers who are expected to retrain every year, and transportation retraining every three years). Often RSOs will repeat our course as a refresher. We have trainees who have retaken our course two or more times. 

    Are there Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) for this course? 

    Unfortunately, our course does not offer CEU’s at this time. We are continuing to look into offering them. 
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    Contact Us

    Have questions about the course or want to confirm if this training is right for your organization? We’re happy to help.