Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

The RRT credential is nationally recognized as the “standard of excellence” for respiratory care professionals.

The examinations for the RRT credential objectively and uniformly measure essential knowledge, skills and abilities required of advanced respiratory therapists. The NBRC evaluates the competency of respiratory therapists and ensures that graduates of accredited respiratory care education programs have every opportunity to earn the RRT credential. It is in high demand nationwide, and we work diligently to help to fill the shortage of qualified respiratory therapists in the field.

The first examination for earning the RRT is the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination (prior to January 2015, it was known as the Written Registry Examination). The TMC Examination evaluates the abilities required of respiratory therapists at entry into practice and determines eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). The CRT and/or RRT credentials are used as the basis for the licensure in all 49 states that regulate the practice of respiratory care.

For more information, click or tap on a topic below, or visit our TMC Exam FAQs.

Apply for the TMC Examination Now
Apply for the Clinical Simulation Examination Now
Registered Respiratory Therapist
SCORINGADMISSION REQUIREMENTSFree Practice ExamSELF-ASSESSMENTCLINICAL SIMULATIONCRT-TO-REGISTRYGeneral Exam InfoExam FAQSVOUCHERS
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Scoring

TMC Examination: Two cut scores determine whether you will receive a credential as a CRT and eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination, provided you are eligible to earn the RRT credential. If you achieve the low cut score, you earn the CRT credential. If you achieve the high cut score, you earn the CRT credential and become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination, if you qualify.

TMC Detailed Content Outline – Effective January 2020-December 31, 2026

The TMC Examination consists of 160 multiple-choice items (140 scored items and 20 pretest items) taken over a three-hour period.

CSE Examination: The CSE consists of 22 problems (20 scored items and 2 pretest items). The clinical setting and patient situation for each problem are designed to simulate reality and be relevant to the clinical practice of respiratory care. You will be given four hours to complete the CSE.

CSE Detailed Content Outline – Effective January 2020-December 31, 2027

RT Examination: Two cut scores determine whether you will receive credentials as a CRT or as an RRT. If you achieve the low cut score on the RT Examination, you earn the CRT credential. If you achieve the high cut score, you earn the RRT credential.

RT Detailed Content Outline – Effective January 2027

The Respiratory Therapy Examination consists of 185 multiple-choice items (160 scored items and 25 pretest items) taken over a four-hour period.

Refer to the Detailed Content Outline for the date when you plan to take the examination.

Admission Requirements

Please ensure you meet the following requirements before applying for the TMC Examination:

1. Be 18 years of age or older.

and

2. Be a graduate of and have a minimum of an associate degree from an entry into practice respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

or

3. Be a CRT for at least four years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, the applicant shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics. Click here for more information about CRT-to-Registry.

or

4. Be a CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, the applicant shall have earned a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited entry-level respiratory care education program.

or

5. Be a CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, the applicant shall have earned a baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care and shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics. Click here for more information about CRT-to-Registry.

or

6. Hold the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) RRT credential.

Free Practice Exam

A free practice examination is available so you may familiarize yourself with the content and types of questions that will be included on the credentialing exam.

ATTENTION – By accessing this examination, you agree not to reproduce, distribute, disclose, offer for sale, or sell any portion of these copyrighted National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. materials in any format. Failure to comply with these terms may result in disciplinary action by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. including loss of your credential, losing your ability to retake an examination, and/or legal action related to copyright infringement.

TMC practice examination
CSE practice examination
RT practice examination - Effective January 2027

Self-Assessment

Anyone planning to take the TMC Examination can assess how they will perform before actually attempting the examination by taking the official NBRC Self-Assessment Exam (SAE). The feedback from the SAE provides an opportunity to evaluate and remedy less-than-desirable examination performance before taking the credentialing examination. The official SAEs are the only products that provide the respective examination committees’ rationale for the best response to each question. There are two forms of the TMC Self-Assessment Examination available.

Official SAEs are only available in web-based format for purchase online through the NBRC’s testing agency, PSI. PSI’s e-store offers all currently available NBRC web-based SAEs for purchase online.

To take an online SAE, you must have:

• A compatible internet browser such as the current version of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or Safari. Other browsers may not work.
• Cookies and scripting must be enabled.
• Pop-up blocking must be disabled.

After your order is placed, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with specific instructions guiding you through the examination process. The e-mail contains your private password that allows you to receive individualized feedback on your performance. You will have 90 days from the time you receive your confirmation e-mail to complete the examination.

Please note: If you purchase an NBRC SAE, your credit card statement will reflect a purchase from LXR.

ATTENTION – By accessing this examination, you agree not to reproduce, distribute, disclose, offer for sale, or sell any portion of these copyrighted National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. materials in any format. Failure to comply with these terms may result in disciplinary action by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. including loss of your credential, losing your ability to retake an examination, and/or legal action related to copyright infringement.

Go to Self-Assessment Examinations

Clinical Simulation Examination Admission Requirements

Please ensure you meet the following requirements before applying for the CSE Examination:

1. Be a CRT and have successfully completed the Therapist Written Examination (WRRT) or the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC) at the high cut score.
and
2. Be a graduate of and have a minimum of an associate degree from an advanced level respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
or
3. Be a CRT for at least four years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, the applicant shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics.
or
4. Be a CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, the applicant shall have earned a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited entry-level respiratory care education program.
or
5. Be a CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, the applicant shall have earned a baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care and shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics.
or
6. Hold the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) RRT credential.

The NBRC continually receives inquiries regarding the CRT-to-Registry provision of the admission policies for the examinations associated with the RRT. If you have questions that are not answered below, or if you need further clarification of this admission policy, please contact the NBRC Executive Office.

The CRT-to-Registry admission policies will be eliminated effective December 31, 2026.

With the elimination of the CRT-to-Registry admission policy, if you do not earn the RRT credential before January 1, 2027, you must be a graduate of and have a minimum of an associate degree from an entry-into-practice respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) to qualify for the Respiratory Therapy Examination. For a list of CoARC-accredited programs, visit coarc.com/students/find-an-accredited-program.

To qualify for the CRT-to-Registry admission you must be one of the following:

  • A CRT for at least four years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, you must have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics; or
  • A CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, you must have earned a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited entry-level respiratory care education program; or
  • A CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential, and have a baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care with at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics

Click here for a CRT-to-Registry Evaluation Form.

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Semester Hours

The NBRC Board of Trustees has not established any minimum hour requirement for the basic science courses. A minimum of 62 semester hours of college credit must be completed; within the 62 hours, a minimum of one course must be completed in each of the following areas: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics.

The reason semester hour requirements were not established for the basic sciences is the lack of uniformity in hours awarded for similar courses by various national colleges and universities. For instance, some colleges combine anatomy and physiology while others offer them separately and some colleges award hours in semesters and others in quarters. Completion of the courses is more important than the hours awarded for the required courses.

The NBRC suggests you complete more than the minimum one course in mathematics and the basic sciences, because the more knowledge accumulated in these areas, the better your chance for success on the RRT exams. Many colleges and universities require laboratories for science courses, but if they don’t, they are not required for the RRT exam.

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Transcript Requirements

If you have a valid CRT credential for a minimum of four years, you must submit your official transcripts at the time of application. The science and mathematics courses must appear, by name, on your official transcripts and it must be apparent you completed the courses. If any of the courses do not appear on the transcripts by these names, you must obtain a course description from the college catalog for any course in question and submit each course description to the Admission Committee, in care of the NBRC, for review and final determination.

If you have had a valid CRT for a minimum of two years and have a baccalaureate degree in an area other than in respiratory therapy, you must provide proof of completion of a baccalaureate degree in the form of either official college transcripts or a notarized copy of your baccalaureate degree. Official transcripts verifying completion of the basic sciences and mathematics must also be submitted at the time of application.

A minimum of one course in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics must appear, by name, on the official transcript. It must be apparent from the transcript that these courses have been completed. If any of the courses do not appear on the transcript by these names, you must obtain a course description from the college catalog. For any course in question, submit course description to the Admission Committee, in care of the NBRC, for final determination.

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College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Courses challenged through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) will be accepted toward the 62 semester hours and required basic science courses if transferable college credit is awarded by an accredited college or university for each course completed by CLEP. The courses attempted through the CLEP program and the credit awarded must be recorded on an official transcript.

Courses Completed at Foreign Colleges or Universities

Courses taken at a foreign college or university do not satisfy the NBRC’s requirement of 62 semester hours of college credit. Foreign programs are not accredited by their regional association or its equivalent. If you attended a foreign college, you should contact an accredited college to have transfer credit awarded for the training received. The NBRC will accept transfer credit for foreign courses if an accredited United States college or university is willing to award transfer credit. A letter sealed by the Registrar indicating the courses and hours for which transfer credit is awarded may be accepted in lieu of official college transcripts.

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Training Completed at Hospital-Based Nursing or Other Health-Related Programs

If you completed courses at a hospital-based nursing or other educational program not accredited by its regional association or its equivalent, the course work will not be accepted unless transfer credit for the courses is awarded from an accredited college or university. A letter sealed by the registrar indicating the courses and hours for which transfer credit is awarded may be accepted.

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Course Descriptions for the Required Basic Science and Mathematics Courses

The NBRC Admissions Committee has developed course outlines for the basic science and mathematics courses required under this provision. The course outlines recommend the content areas which should be covered in each of the basic sciences. These course descriptions are intended for those who have not yet completed some or all courses, and who require guidance in course selection. The course outlines can be obtained by writing the Executive Office.

SubjectDescriptionBasic Titles
AnatomyHuman anatomy with specific emphasis on respiratory physiology and pathophysiology. Courses offered for paramedical personnel are desirable.
  • Paramedical Anatomy
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology (combined courses)
PhysiologyHuman physiology with specific emphasis on respiratory physiology and pathophysiology. Courses offered for paramedical personnel are desirable.
  • Paramedical Physiology
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology (combined courses)
  • Pathophysiology
ChemistryPrinciples of atomic theory: Mole concept, elements, chemical calculations, ions, solutions, and acid-base theory.
  • Inorganic Fundamentals of Chemistry
  • General Organic Biochemistry
MicrobiologyPrinciples of microbial life: Cell structure anatomy, metabolism, genetics, disease transmission, principles of sterilization and disinfection, function of antibiotics with respect to microbial life, bacteriology, and immunology. Courses offered for paramedical personnel are desirable.
  • Bacteriology
  • Paramedical Microbiology
  • General Microbiology
  • Principles of Microbiology
MathematicsMath courses above a remedial college level including: function, linear equations, word problems, inequalities, logarithms, and scientific and complex numbers. Algebra is desirable.
  • Algebra (intermediate college)
  • Trigonometry
  • Calculus
  • Statistics
  • College Business Mathematics
  • Geometry – only if Algebra is prerequisite
  • Computer Programming (Theoretical, not language) only if offered by Mathematics Department
  • Survey of Mathematics
  • Finite Mathematics
  • Elementary Functions

General Exam Info: Tools for Candidates

These additional tools are available at no cost to help you prepare for the examination:

  • Candidate Handbook: Information, applications and other forms for all NBRC credentialing examinations
  • TMC Examination: Two cut scores determine whether you will receive a credential as a CRT and eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination, provided you are eligible to earn the RRT credential. If you achieve the low cut score, you earn the CRT credential. If you achieve the high cut score, you earn the CRT credential and become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination, if you qualify.
    TMC Detailed Content Outline – Effective January 2020-December 31, 2026

    The TMC Examination consists of 160 multiple-choice items (140 scored items and 20 pretest items) taken over a three-hour period.

    CSE Examination: The CSE consists of 22 problems (20 scored items and 2 pretest items). The clinical setting and patient situation for each problem are designed to simulate reality and be relevant to the clinical practice of respiratory care. You will be given four hours to complete the CSE.

    CSE Detailed Content Outline – Effective January 2020-December 31, 2027

    RT Examination: Two cut scores determine whether you will receive credentials as a CRT or as an RRT. If you achieve the low cut score on the RT Examination, you earn the CRT credential. If you achieve the high cut score, you earn the RRT credential.

    RT Detailed Content Outline – Effective January 2027

    The Respiratory Therapy Examination consists of 185 multiple-choice items (160 scored items and 25 pretest items) taken over a four-hour period.

    Refer to the Detailed Content Outline for the date when you plan to take the examination.

  • TMC practice examination and CSE practice examination. Online simulations of the real examination experiences are available using identical software. ATTENTION – By accessing this examination, you agree not to reproduce, distribute, disclose, offer for sale, or sell any portion of these copyrighted National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. materials in any format. Failure to comply with these terms may result in disciplinary action by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. including loss of your credential, losing your ability to retake an examination, and/or legal action related to copyright infringement. To access the practice exams and your results:
    • Log in with your email address – this is the email address where your results will be sent.
    • Use the mouse to select your responses and to proceed through the examination.
    • To obtain your results, you must take the entire examination in one sitting. Your results will not be saved if you exit the examination.
    • When you have completed the examination, click Finish and Display. Your results will be displayed on the screen and emailed to the address you provided at login.
    • If you need assistance using the examination software, click on the Help button in the lower portion of the screen once you begin the examination.
    • To take the online practice exams, you will need a compatible internet browser such as the current version of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Other browsers may or may not work. Cookies and scripting must be enabled and pop-up blocking must be disabled.
    • RT practice examination – Effective January 2027
  • Assessment Centers: A listing of assessment centers where exams are offered nationwide, searchable by state or zip code
  • General FAQs: Information on credentials, fees, credential maintenance and other NBRC information
  • Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) Brochure: Detailed information on the NBRC’s Credential Maintenance Program
  • Submit an Online Application
  • Printable TMC & CSE Application

TMC Exam FAQs

Please ensure you meet the following requirements before applying for the TMC Examination:

1. Be 18 years of age or older.

and

2. Be a graduate of and have a minimum of an associate degree from a respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

or

3. Be a CRT for at least four years and have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics.

or

4. Be a CRT for at least two years and have earned a minimum of an associate degree from a respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

or

5. Be a CRT for at least two years and have earned a baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care and shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses:anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics.

or

6. Hold the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) RRT credential.

You may apply online or submit a paper application and fee once you have met the admission requirements.

If applying and paying by credit card online, your application is processed immediately. If mailing your application and fee, your application will be processed within approximately five to seven business days. An email confirmation notice of eligibility will be sent to you, which includes a website and toll-free telephone number for you to contact to schedule an examination appointment.

If your eligibility cannot be confirmed, you will be notified by email of the additional information required to complete your application.

The TMC Examination costs $190 for new applicants and $150 for repeat applicants.

There are no application deadlines. If you meet the admissions requirements for an examination you may submit your application and fee at any time.

If you don’t receive an email confirmation of eligibility or an incomplete notice within two weeks of submitting your application, contact the NBRC. If your application is not on file, you will be asked to send a replacement application form and fee.

NBRC examinations are administered Monday through Saturday at more than 300 assessment centers across the country (except on nationally recognized holidays). Search for an assessment center near you.

Yes. If you are already approved to take an examination and paid the appropriate fee, you may schedule online.

A free TMC practice examination is available so you may familiarize yourself with the content and types of questions that will be included on the credentialing exam.

ATTENTION – By accessing this examination, you agree not to reproduce, distribute, disclose, offer for sale, or sell any portion of these copyrighted National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. materials in any format. Failure to comply with these terms may result in disciplinary action by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. including loss of your credential, losing your ability to retake an examination, and/or legal action related to copyright infringement.

TMC practice examination

RT practice examination – Effective January 2027

If you are assessing your preparedness for the TMC Examination and feel you need more guidance than the free practice exam, there is a Self-Assessment Examination (SAE) available for purchase. The TMC SAE has the same number of questions as the credentialing examination.

ATTENTION – By accessing this examination, you agree not to reproduce, distribute, disclose, offer for sale, or sell any portion of these copyrighted National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. materials in any format. Failure to comply with these terms may result in disciplinary action by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. including loss of your credential, losing your ability to retake an examination, and/or legal action related to copyright infringement.

The testing time for the TMC Examination is three hours.

To begin your preparation in an informed and organized manner, you should know what to expect from the actual examination in terms of content areas tested. The detailed content outlines present the specific patient care settings and each of the content areas. The outlines can be used to get a general impression of the examination, and with closer inspection, can give you specific study direction. For example, you can determine the relative importance of each content area on the examination by reviewing the number of questions in each section.

TMC Examination: Two cut scores determine whether you will receive a credential as a CRT and eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination, provided you are eligible to earn the RRT credential. If you achieve the low cut score, you earn the CRT credential. If you achieve the high cut score, you earn the CRT credential and become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination, if you qualify.

TMC Detailed Content Outline – Effective January 2020-December 31, 2026

The TMC Examination consists of 160 multiple-choice items (140 scored items and 20 pretest items) taken over a three-hour period.

CSE Examination: The CSE consists of 22 problems (20 scored items and 2 pretest items). The clinical setting and patient situation for each problem are designed to simulate reality and be relevant to the clinical practice of respiratory care. You will be given four hours to complete the CSE.

CSE Detailed Content Outline – Effective January 2020-December 31, 2027

RT Examination: Two cut scores determine whether you will receive credentials as a CRT or as an RRT. If you achieve the low cut score on the RT Examination, you earn the CRT credential. If you achieve the high cut score, you earn the RRT credential.

RT Detailed Content Outline – Effective January 2027

The Respiratory Therapy Examination consists of 185 multiple-choice items (160 scored items and 25 pretest items) taken over a four-hour period.

Refer to the Detailed Content Outline for the date when you plan to take the examination.

You will receive information about your score after completing the examination.

As indicated in the table below, candidates may attempt the Therapist Multiple-Choice and Clinical Simulation Examinations three times, after which the candidate will be required to wait a minimum of 120 days between any subsequent attempt. For the specialty credentialing examinations, including Pulmonary Function Technology, Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty, Sleep Disorders Specialty, and Adult Critical Care Specialty Examinations, candidates may attempt the exam two times, after which the candidate will be required to wait at least 180 days before sitting for the exam again.

Examination

Initial Attempts Without Waiting

Days Between Each Subsequent Attempt

Therapist Multiple-Choice

3

120

Clinical Simulation

3

120

Pulmonary Function Technology

2

180

Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty

2

180

Sleep Disorders Specialty

2

180

Adult Critical Care Specialty

2

180

As the respiratory profession continues to grow and flourish, we feel this is an important and necessary policy to implement in order to ensure caregiver competency and patient safety for years to come.

When you apply for an examination, your eligibility records are maintained for one year following application regardless of whether or not you schedule an exam. If you don’t actively pursue credentialing, your eligibility records are inactivated after one year. If you are a candidate whose records are inactivated, you must reapply as a new candidate and meet the most current admissions requirements to be eligible for the exam. Please note: if you have passed one of the examinations to earn the RRT Credential (TMC or CSE) and allow your application records to become inactivated, your passing performance will be nullified, so we encourage you to pursue credentialing in a timely manner after applying and receiving a confirmation of eligibility notice.

To support you through the entire process, we are committed to providing appropriate notices to candidates before their application records are inactivated, so we also encourage you to keep your contact information current with the NBRC.

There are two established cut scores for the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination. If you achieve the low cut score, you will earn the CRT credential. If you achieve the high cut score, you will earn the CRT credential AND become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination (provided you meet the eligibility requirements and are eligible to earn the RRT credential). If you do not achieve a minimum of the low cut score, you must reapply for the TMC Examination.

No. All Candidates must meet the CSE eligibility requirements, regardless of examination score.

​No. You can retake the TMC Examination as many times as necessary to regain RRT eligibility or to become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination without impacting the status of your current CRT credential.​

Foreign respiratory therapy education does not qualify for admission to the TMC Examination. You must have a minimum of an associate’s degree from an accredited respiratory therapy education program. View a list of accredited education programs.

CSE FAQs

Please ensure you meet the following requirements before applying for the Clinical Simulation Examination:

1. Be a CRT and have successfully completed the Therapist Written Examination (WRRT) on or before December 31, 2014; OR Be a CRT and have successfully completed the TMC Examination by achieving the high cut score on or after January 2015.

and

2. Be a graduate of and have a minimum of an associate degree from a respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

or

3. Be a CRT for at least four years and have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics.

or

4. Be a CRT for at least two years and have earned a minimum of an associate degree from a respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

or

5. Be a CRT for at least two years and have earned a baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care and shall have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics.

or

6. Hold the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) RRT credential.

You may apply online or submit a paper application and fee once you have met the admission requirements.

If applying and paying by credit card online, your application is processed immediately. If mailing your application and fee, your application will be processed within approximately five to seven business days. An email confirmation notice of eligibility will be sent to you, which includes a website and toll-free telephone number for you to contact to schedule an examination appointment.

If your eligibility cannot be confirmed, you will be notified by email of the additional information required to complete your application.

The CSE costs $200 for both new and repeat applicants.

Yes, AARC MEMBERS are eligible for a one-time, $40 discount when applying for the first time for the following NBRC examinations:

– CSE
– PFT
– NPS
– SDS
– ACCS

You must register for the AARC Member Discount through the AARC website here. AARC will send an email after registering for the discount containing instructions about accessing the NBRC’s online examination application. You must begin the application process from the link in the instructions you receive from the AARC by email. The discount must be used at the time you submit your application and payment and will not be retroactively applied.

There are no application deadlines. If you meet the admissions requirements for an examination you may submit your application and fee at any time.

If you don’t receive an email confirmation of eligibility or an incomplete notice within two weeks of submitting your application, contact the NBRC. If your application is not on file, you will be asked to send a replacement application form and fee.

NBRC examinations are administered Monday through Saturday at more than 300 assessment centers across the country (except on nationally recognized holidays). Search for an assessment center near you.

Yes. If you are approved to take an examination and paid the appropriate fee, you may schedule online.

A free CSE practice examination is available so you may familiarize yourself with the content and types of questions that will be included on the credentialing exam.

ATTENTION – By accessing this examination, you agree not to reproduce, distribute, disclose, offer for sale, or sell any portion of these copyrighted National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. materials in any format. Failure to comply with these terms may result in disciplinary action by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. including loss of your credential, losing your ability to retake an examination, and/or legal action related to copyright infringement.

CSE practice examination

RT practice examination – Effective January 2027

If you are assessing your preparedness for the Clinical Simulation Examination and feel you need more guidance than the free practice exam, there is a Self-Assessment Examination (SAE) available for purchase.

ATTENTION – By accessing this examination, you agree not to reproduce, distribute, disclose, offer for sale, or sell any portion of these copyrighted National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. materials in any format. Failure to comply with these terms may result in disciplinary action by the National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. including loss of your credential, losing your ability to retake an examination, and/or legal action related to copyright infringement.

The testing time for the CSE is four hours.

To begin your preparation in an informed and organized manner, you should know what to expect from the actual examination in terms of content areas tested. The detailed content outlines present the specific patient care settings and each of the content areas. The outlines can be used to get a general impression of the examination, and with closer inspection, can give you specific study direction. For example, you can determine the relative importance of each content area on the examination by reviewing the number of questions in each section.

TMC Examination: Two cut scores determine whether you will receive a credential as a CRT and eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination, provided you are eligible to earn the RRT credential. If you achieve the low cut score, you earn the CRT credential. If you achieve the high cut score, you earn the CRT credential and become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination, if you qualify.

TMC Detailed Content Outline – Effective January 2020-December 31, 2026

The TMC Examination consists of 160 multiple-choice items (140 scored items and 20 pretest items) taken over a three-hour period.

CSE Examination: The CSE consists of 22 problems (20 scored items and 2 pretest items). The clinical setting and patient situation for each problem are designed to simulate reality and be relevant to the clinical practice of respiratory care. You will be given four hours to complete the CSE.

CSE Detailed Content Outline – Effective January 2020-December 31, 2027

RT Examination: Two cut scores determine whether you will receive credentials as a CRT or as an RRT. If you achieve the low cut score on the RT Examination, you earn the CRT credential. If you achieve the high cut score, you earn the RRT credential.

RT Detailed Content Outline – Effective January 2027

The Respiratory Therapy Examination consists of 185 multiple-choice items (160 scored items and 25 pretest items) taken over a four-hour period.

Refer to the Detailed Content Outline for the date when you plan to take the examination.

You will receive information about your score after completing the examination.

As indicated in the table below, candidates may attempt the Therapist Multiple-Choice and Clinical Simulation Examinations three times, after which the candidate will be required to wait a minimum of 120 days between any subsequent attempt. For the specialty credentialing examinations, including Pulmonary Function Technology, Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty, Sleep Disorders Specialty, and Adult Critical Care Specialty Examinations, candidates may attempt the exam two times, after which the candidate will be required to wait at least 180 days before sitting for the exam again.

Examination

Initial Attempts Without Waiting

Days Between Each Subsequent Attempt

Therapist Multiple-Choice

3

120

Clinical Simulation

3

120

Pulmonary Function Technology

2

180

Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty

2

180

Sleep Disorders Specialty

2

180

Adult Critical Care Specialty

2

180

As the respiratory profession continues to grow and flourish, we feel this is an important and necessary policy to implement in order to ensure caregiver competency and patient safety for years to come.

When you apply for an examination, your eligibility records are maintained for one year following application regardless of whether or not you schedule an exam. If you don’t actively pursue credentialing, your eligibility records are inactivated after one year. If you are a candidate whose records are inactivated, you must reapply as a new candidate and meet the most current admissions requirements to be eligible for the exam. Please note: if you have passed one of the examinations to earn the RRT Credential (TMC or CSE) and allow your application records to become inactivated, your passing performance will be nullified, so we encourage you to pursue credentialing in a timely manner after applying and receiving a confirmation of eligibility notice.

To support you through the entire process, we are committed to providing appropriate notices to candidates before their application records are inactivated, so we also encourage you to keep your contact information current with the NBRC.

No. You must meet the CSE eligibility requirements, regardless of examination score.

​If you passed the Therapist Written Examination (WRRT) prior to January 1, 2015, you are eligible for the CSE. If you passed the CSE but not the Therapist Written Examination (WRRT), you must take the TMC exam and pass at the high cut score to earn the RRT credential.

Yes. You must satisfy one of the following CRT-to-Registry admission requirements:

  • Be a CRT for at least four years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, you must have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, physics, and mathematics.
  • Be a CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, you must have earned a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited entry-level respiratory care education program; or
  • Be a CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential. In addition, you must have earned a baccalaureate degree in an area other than respiratory care and have at least 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or equivalent. The 62 semester hours of college credit must include the following courses: anatomy and physiology, chemistry, mathematics, microbiology, and physics.

The NBRC offers a CRT-to-Registry transcript evaluation at no charge. To request a CRT-to-Registry evaluation, submit a copy of your college transcripts with a completed CRT-to-Registry Evaluation Form to our office. Do not submit an application or fee since you are only requesting an evaluation of your education. Please allow approximately three weeks for a response to your request.

Please note that an evaluation request with no transcript information attached may result in a significantly delayed response.

Purchase a Voucher

If you are an employer or educator who plans to cover the cost of the NBRC credentialing examinations for candidates, an online prepay option is available for your convenience. Simply follow the link below to purchase a prepaid voucher. Once your payment is made, you will receive a voucher code that your student can use as payment when applying for the exam.

Purchase a Payment Voucher Now