This 12-week study plan is designed to systematically prepare you for the NRRPT exam. It covers all
24 NRRPT Knowledge Categories, aligning them with recommended textbooks (Gollnick, Cember &
Johnson, Johnson). Each week has specific focus areas, assigned readings, and study tasks. The plan
assumes 8–10 hours/week of study time, with flexibility built in.

Week(s)	Focus Areas	Readings	Study Tasks
Weeks 1–2	Math, Units, Physics Basics	Gollnick: Ch. 2–3; Cember: Appendix A, Ch. 1–2; Johnson: Appendix	Practice unit conversions, logarithmic/exponential problems, geometry, algebra; complete 15–20 problems daily
Weeks 3–4	Nuclear Fundamentals & Radioactivity	Gollnick: Ch. 4–5; Cember: Ch. 3, 7; Johnson: Ch. 3–4	Diagram decay chains, calculate half-lives, solve activity problems; build isotope flashcards
Weeks 5–6	Radiation Interactions, Biology, Standards	Gollnick: Ch. 6, 10, 12; Cember: Ch. 5, 8, 9; Johnson: Ch. 5–6, 8	Compare alpha/beta/gamma/neutron interactions; memorize NRC/ICRP dose limits; solve applied problems
Weeks 7	ALARA & Exposure Control	Gollnick: Ch. 7–8, 13; Cember: Ch. 6–7, ALARA section Ch. 9	Work shielding problems, external dose-rate calculations, intake assessments; apply ALARA case studies
Weeks 8	Detectors & Counting	Gollnick: Ch. 9; Cember: Ch. 10–11; Johnson: Ch. 7	Study GM, scintillation, ion chambers, proportional counters; review dead time, efficiency; solve Poisson statistics and MDA
Weeks 9	Dosimetry & Contamination Control	Gollnick: Ch. 14–15; Cember: Ch. 6–7, 12; Johnson: Ch. 9	Review TLDs, film badges, EPDs; practice contamination surveys; calculate skin vs whole-body dose
Weeks 10	Airborne, Source, Environmental	Gollnick: Ch. 16–18; Cember: Ch. 12–14	Trace airborne sources, filtration methods, environmental pathways; calculate DAC and environmental doses
Weeks 11	Work Control & Emergencies	Gollnick: Ch. 19–21; Cember: Ch. 15–16	Learn job coverage practices, emergency planning zones, protective actions; perform scenario drills (spills, evacuation, shielding setup)
Weeks 12	Decontamination & Instrumentation	Gollnick: Ch. 22–23; Cember: Ch. 11–12	Review decontamination chemistry, smears, sampling methods; instrument identification and survey techniques

Ongoing Strategies

Ongoing (Every Week):

• Practice 15–20 questions per study session using DataChem or Pastime Pubs quizzes.
• Build and review flashcards for units, limits, isotopes, and key formulas.
• Join or form a study group; explain concepts to peers for reinforcement.
• Simulate exam conditions: by Week 12, take at least two full timed practice exams.

Study Tips

Study Tips:

• Use the ICS Calendar files to keep a steady daily/weekly rhythm.
• Focus extra time on high-weight categories: Detector Theory, Dosimetry, Exposure Control, Instrumentation.
• Match Knowledge Objectives directly with textbook chapters for efficient review.
• Use the Excel Tracker provided to log hours, progress, and practice scores.