AE-C Exam Candidate Information

As of September 1, 2022, The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) assumed the Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C) examination and all assets of the National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB).

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredited AE-C examination will continue to be offered by the NBRC without disruption. All asthma educators’ credentials are still valid through the dates noted on their certificates, and certificants will be able to re-certify as before, either through continuing education credits or the AE-C examination.

With the transfer of the AE-C examination/credential to the NBRC, there are changes to the examination process that are important we be transparent about. The changes below are being implemented as part of this transition.

• Candidates applying with a current, active, unrestricted license or credential from the United States may apply online. Audits of first-time candidates are a routine part of NBRC’s commitment of ensuring public safety and complying with standard regulatory practices. If selected for audit, candidates will be notified on screen and by email and will have a period of two weeks to submit the required documentation.
• Candidates applying with 1,000 hours of experience must submit a paper application with employment listed and signature verification from a current supervisor.
• A virtual calculator function is integrated into the software of the examination. Virtual calculator functionality:
  • Accessed or hidden by clicking the calculator icon at the bottom of the screen
  • Must be toggled on for each new question, if needed
  • Depending on question length, you may need to scroll down to access the calculator icon
• Once an application is accepted, the candidate must schedule and attempt the examination within 90 calendar days. Candidates who do not take an examination within the 90-day period, will forfeit the application and all fees paid to take the examination. A complete application and new examination fee are required to reapply for examination.
• The examination fees remain the same. However, the international testing fee changes to $150 from $145.
• Candidates may now attempt the exam two times, after which the candidate will be required to wait at least 180 days before sitting for the exam again. If a candidate is currently scheduled for an attempt beyond their second attempt, they will remain scheduled and fall under this policy after their currently scheduled examination.
• Candidates requiring special testing accommodations must complete the Request for Special Examination Accommodations and Documentation of Disability-Related Needs forms and submit them to the NBRC for processing.
• The Linda M. Ford scholarship is no longer available.

To learn more about the AE-C credential, click here.

We look forward to providing excellent service for all your credentialing needs. Contact us at info@nbrc.org or 913.895.4900 with any questions.