The Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential is the foundational licensure for professionals entering the dynamic field of respiratory care.

Administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), this certification validates that an individual possesses the core knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective respiratory care to patients.

It is specifically designed for graduates of accredited respiratory therapy education programs (either Associate or Bachelor’s degree level) who are seeking their first professional credential to practice in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home care.

Achieving the CRT designation is not only a significant professional milestone but is also a legal requirement for licensure in most states within the United States.

 What the Course Entails and Exam Details

While there is no single "course" for the CRT exam, your entire respiratory therapy educational program is the preparation groundwork.

The exam itself—officially known as the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination—measures your entry-level competency across several critical domains.

The examination content is based on a national job analysis of respiratory therapists, ensuring it reflects current clinical practice.

Key pillars of knowledge covered include:

• Patient Assessment: Techniques for gathering and evaluating subjective and objective patient data, including physical examination, laboratory values, and imaging findings.
• Respiratory Care Procedures: A comprehensive understanding of therapies such as oxygen administration, humidity and aerosol therapy, airway management, and arterial blood gas analysis.
• Equipment and Technology: Operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of essential respiratory care equipment, including ventilators, monitors, and diagnostic tools.
• Pathophysiology and Pharmacology: Knowledge of respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, COPD, pneumonia) and the mechanics and side effects of medications used in treatment.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Implementing and modifying care plans, including mechanical ventilation settings and weaning protocols.

 What to Expect in the Final Exam

The CRT is obtained by passing the NBRC’s Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination.

This is a comprehensive computer-based test composed exclusively of multiple-choice questions.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect on test day:

• Total Questions: The TMC Examination consists of 160 multiple-choice questions.
• Scoring Structure: Of these 160 questions, 140 are scored, and 20 are "pretest" questions used for future exam development; these pretest questions do not affect your final score.
• Passing Score: The TMC Examination has two cut scores. Achieving the lower cut score grants you the CRT credential. If you achieve the higher cut score, you not only earn the CRT but also become eligible to take the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
• Time Limit: Candidates are given a total of three (3) hours to complete the entire examination.
• Exam Rules: The exam is strictly monitored. No personal items, notes, or outside electronics are allowed in the testing room. You will be provided with scratch paper and an on-screen calculator.

 How to Study and Exam Centers

Effective preparation for the CRT exam requires a structured approach that combines a review of academic knowledge with strategic test-taking practice.

A successful study strategy often includes the following elements:

• Utilize Official Resources: Your first and most valuable resource is the NBRC itself. Download the official TMC Content Outline and use the provided self-assessment examinations to understand the exact format and type of questions asked.
• Comprehensive Review Guides: Invest in reputable CRT/RRT review books that summarize key concepts and offer practice questions with rationales. These rationales are crucial, as they explain why an answer is correct.
• Take Full-Length Practice Exams: Simulate the test-day experience by taking multiple full-length, timed practice tests. This builds endurance and improves time management skills.
• Focus on Weakness: Use your practice test results to identify areas where you struggle. Dedicate extra study time to these specific topics until your comprehension improves.

The TMC Examination is administered internationally at specialized computer testing centers.

• Testing Centers: The NBRC partners with PSI, a leading global provider of assessment services. PSI has hundreds of secure testing centers located throughout the United States and internationally.
• Scheduling: Once you have submitted your application to the NBRC and received your eligibility confirmation, you will schedule your specific exam date and location directly through PSI’s online portal or by phone.

 Job Opportunities from the Course

Earning your CRT credential is the key that unlocks numerous rewarding career paths within the healthcare industry.

As a certified professional, you will be in high demand in a variety of settings.

Here are some specific job titles and career paths available to you:

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
• Staff Respiratory Therapist
• Hospital Respiratory Therapist (Critical Care, ED, Floors)
• Neonatal Respiratory Therapist
• Pediatric Respiratory Therapist
• Home Health Respiratory Therapist
• Travel Respiratory Therapist
• Pulmonary Function Technologist
• Sleep Disorder Specialist (with additional training)
• Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist

Respiratory Care Educator