Frequently Asked Questions

Here you’ll find clear, straightforward answers to the questions we’re asked most often about our services and courses. We’ve organized this section to help you quickly understand the essentials, avoid confusion, and make informed decisions with confidence.
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RSO Course FAQs

Is there such a thing as RSO certification in the United States?

In the United States, the term “RSO certification” is commonly used, but regulators refer to it as RSO qualification.

To be qualified as a Radiation Safety Officer, regulators expect:
  • 40 hours of Radiation Safety Officer training
  • A four-year college degree (often technical, though not always required)
  • Additional requirements depending on the type of radioactive material or x-ray use


Requirements vary by state and by license type. Some regulators may allow substitutions based on experience or other qualifications.

What are the requirements to become a Radiation Safety Officer in the U.S.?

RSO qualification generally includes:
  • Completion of a 40-hour RSO training course
  • A four-year degree (technical preferred in some cases)
  • Regulator approval


For more complex licenses, such as open beam industrial radiography, regulators may require prior experience working with radioactive materials. Each state and the NRC may interpret requirements slightly differently, so it is important to verify with your regulator.

Will I be qualified as an RSO after completing your 40-hour course?

After completing the 40-Hour Radiation Safety Officer Course, you will meet the training component typically required for RSO qualification.

Final approval to serve as an RSO depends on:
  • Your educational background
  • The type of radioactive materials or x-ray systems used
  • Your specific state or NRC regulator


You will receive a course completion certificate after finishing the program.

Will my state accept your RSO course?

Our RSO Course has been offered since 2009 and has been accepted by regulators across all 50 U.S. states.
However, approval decisions are ultimately made by your state regulator or the NRC.

Do I need previous RSO experience to take this course?

No prior RSO experience is required to take the course.
For certain complex licenses, regulators may require that the designated RSO has prior user experience with radioactive materials. This is typically determined during the licensing process.

What degree do I need to become an RSO?

Many regulators prefer a four-year degree, particularly in a technical field. However:
  • A technical degree is not always mandatory
  • Business degrees or other fields have been accepted in some cases
  • Military or relevant experience may sometimes be considered
Because requirements vary by state and license type, you should confirm with your regulator.

Is your 40-Hour RSO Course online or live?

We offer:
  • Live web-based RSO courses (typically twice per year)
  • An online, self-paced RSO course available year-round
  • On-site group training may also be arranged upon request.

How long do I have to complete the online course?

Students typically have 60 days to complete the course. Extensions are available upon request.

Does RSO training expire?

RSO training in the United States does not expire.
There is no regulatory requirement for periodic retraining. However, regulators expect RSOs to maintain knowledge and stay current. Many professionals retake RSO training as a refresher.

Is 40 hours of RSO training required?

The 40-hour RSO training standard is widely recognized.
However, for less complex uses, such as cabinet x-ray systems, some regulators may allow reduced training requirements.
Requirements are not always consistently written in state regulations, so confirmation with your regulator is recommended. 

Is there math in the RSO course?

Yes. Topics may include:
  • Inverse square law
  • Radiation decay calculations
  • Dose calculations
  • Shielding concepts
  • Counting statistics

The course includes review material, and support is available if you need assistance.

Can this course be used to qualify as a hospital RSO?

No. This course is designed for industrial, manufacturing, research, and biotechnology settings. It does not address medical or patient-specific radiation safety requirements.

General Radiation Safety FAQs

What is the difference between an industrial radiographer and an industrial x-ray user?

These roles are often confused.
Industrial Radiographers:
  • Use open beam x-ray systems
  • Work with higher radiation exposure risks
  • Have stricter training and experience requirements

Industrial X-ray Users (Cabinet Systems):
  • Use fully enclosed, self-shielded cabinet x-ray systems
  • Face lower exposure risks
  • Typically have reduced training requirements


Regulatory requirements differ significantly between these categories.

Do NRC regulations specify RSO training requirements?

Yes. Certain NRC regulations outline training expectations for RSOs.
State regulations may vary, and some requirements are defined during the licensing review process rather than explicitly written in regulation.

Industry FAQs

What is an Agreement State?

Under Section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act, any state may voluntarily enter into an agreement with the NRC to assume regulatory authority over the use of most forms of radioactive materials within their state. Such states are referred to as “Agreement States.” As of September 30, 2025, there are 40 Agreement States.

How is the use of radioactive materials regulated in the United States?

The primary authority is the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which regulates the civilian use of radioactive materials in the United States.

Other federal agencies also have specific roles:
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) – Regulates the transport of radioactive materials.
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Oversees medical devices that use radioactive sources.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Sets environmental radiation protection standards.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – Regulates worker radiation exposure.
  • Department of Energy (DOE) – Manages radioactive materials at federal facilities.
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Coordinates response to radiological emergencies.
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – Secures borders against illegal radioactive materials.
  • Department of Defense (DOD) – Uses radioactive materials for defense purposes.


In short, the NRC leads regulation, but multiple federal agencies share oversight depending on the activity involved.

What is the difference between byproduct material and NARM?

Byproduct material is radioactive material produced in a nuclear reactor and is regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

NARM stands for Naturally Occurring and Accelerator-Produced Radioactive Material. It includes radioactive material that is either naturally occurring or created in a particle accelerator.

Originally, the Atomic Energy Act only covered byproduct material, leaving NARM under state regulation. However, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 expanded federal authority to include certain types of NARM, placing them under regulatory oversight.

What are the different levels of regulatory approval of devices containing radioactive sources?

Radioactive devices fall into three categories:
  • Specifically Licensed – Requires written authorization from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or an Agreement State. The license outlines approved uses, safety requirements, and training.
Example: Moisture/density gauge used in road construction.

  • Generally Licensed – No prior application required, but users must follow regulations such as testing, recordkeeping, disposal, and in some cases, device registration.
Example: Static elimination device.

  • Exempt – No regulatory requirements for the end user due to very low risk.
Example: Smoke detector.

The level of oversight depends on the device’s risk and intended use.

What do the letters and numbers of a device registration approval mean?

The format is XX-0000-X-000-X.

  • XX – Approving authority (e.g., NR for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or a state abbreviation)

  • 0000 – Vendor code
  • S or D – Source or Device
  • 000 – Unique device number
  • Final letter – License type:
     
     S = Specifically licensed
     G = Generally licensed
     E = Exempt
     B = Both

It identifies who approved the device and what licensing requirements apply.

Do foreign governments have a category for generally licensed devices?

No. Almost all nations either classify devices as either specifically licensed or exempt.