CRT
NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
The CRT is the entry-level NBRC credential for respiratory therapists, required for state licensure in most states.
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CRT Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) |
| Governing Body | NBRC |
| Number of Questions | 160 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | Raw cut score (low TMC cut, value not published) |
| Exam Fee | $190 new applicant / $150 repeat applicant |
| Category | Allied Health & Medicine |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | NBRC official website ↗ |
CRT Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Patient Data Evaluation and Recommendations | 30% |
| Troubleshooting and Quality Control | 18% |
| Initiation and Modification of Interventions | 52% |
| Patient Education and Special Populations | , |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the NBRC content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ I. Patient Data - 50 of 140 scored items
- ✓ II. Troubleshooting and Quality Control of Devices, and Infection Control - 20 of 140 scored items
- ✓ III. Initiation and Modification of Interventions - 70 of 140 scored items
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CRT
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CRT is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CRT format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
CRT Frequently Asked Questions
What does CRT stand for?
CRT stands for NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT). It is administered by NBRC.
Who administers the CRT?
The NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) is administered by NBRC. For official information, visit the NBRC website.
How many questions is the CRT?
The CRT consists of 160 questions. Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CRT?
The passing score for the CRT is Raw cut score (low TMC cut, value not published), as set by NBRC. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CRT exam cost?
The CRT exam fee is $190 new applicant / $150 repeat applicant. This fee is set by NBRC and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
How many questions on the CRT are scored?
Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination: 160 multiple-choice items, of which 140 are scored and 20 are pretest (unscored). Unscored items are used to trial future questions and are indistinguishable from scored items, so treat every question as if it counts.
How is the CRT scored?
Not published as a number. Scores are reported as RAW scores (one point per correct item) and compared to a cut score determined by a standard-setting study. The TMC has two cut scores: achieving the LOW cut score earns the CRT credential; achieving the HIGH cut score earns the CRT credential AND eligibility to attempt the Clinical Simulation Examination (the RRT pathway), subject to separate education requirements. NBRC does not publish the numeric values of either cut score. Always confirm the current standard with NBRC before testing.
What does the CRT cost?
USD 190 new applicant / USD 150 repeat applicant (AARC members receive a one-time USD 40 discount on a first application) Fees are set by NBRC and change periodically; confirm current pricing before you register.
What should I know about the current CRT exam blueprint?
Cognitive-level distribution of the 140 scored items published by NBRC: Recall 33, Application 66, Analysis 41, Ethics 3 (per the TMC Detailed Content Outline totals row). Additional test-form specifications: pediatric items target 4 (min 3, max 8), neonatal target 3 (min 2, max 5), balance adult/general. TMC DCO effective January 2020 - December 31, 2026; the TMC is replaced by the new Respiratory Therapy Examination on January 1, 2027.
How difficult is the NBRC CRT exam?
The NBRC CRT is earned by passing the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam at the "low cut score." The TMC is considered moderately challenging for recent CoARC-accredited program graduates. First-time pass rates at the low cut score are approximately 75–85%, making CRT the more accessible starting credential compared to RRT.
What are the eligibility requirements for the NBRC CRT?
You must be a graduate of a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program. Most programs are at least associate degree level. After passing the TMC at the low cut score, you receive the CRT credential. State licensure is handled separately through each state's respiratory care licensing board.
How long should I study for the NBRC CRT (TMC)?
Most candidates need 2–4 months of focused study using the TMC Review from NBRC, The Respiratory Therapist Exam Guide, and practice exams. Those aiming for RRT should study for the high cut score from the beginning to avoid having to retake the TMC after obtaining CRT.
What career value does the NBRC CRT credential provide?
CRT allows entry-level respiratory therapists to begin working under appropriate supervision in many states. CRTs typically earn $45,000–$65,000. While CRT is a valid starting credential, most employers encourage and often require advancement to RRT for long-term career viability in acute care.
What is the NBRC CRT (TMC) retake policy?
After a failed TMC attempt, a 60-day waiting period applies. A maximum of eight total TMC and CSE attempts combined are allowed within the eligibility window.
How long is the NBRC CRT credential valid?
The NBRC CRT does not have a formal expiration date at the national credential level. State respiratory therapy licenses require annual or biennial renewal with continuing education as required by each state board.
What continuing education is required to maintain a state respiratory therapy license?
CE requirements vary by state, typically ranging from 12–24 hours per renewal cycle. AARC-approved continuing education programs are accepted in most states. Staying current with clinical evidence and AARC practice guidelines is professionally expected.
Should I pursue CRT or aim directly for RRT?
The TMC is taken only once and the score determines which credential you earn. Studying specifically for the high cut score from the start means you can earn RRT immediately upon passing, there is no advantage to planning for CRT first and RRT later as a strategy. All recent graduates should study with the RRT standard in mind; CRT is simply the result if you pass below the high cut score threshold.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), a Allied Health & Medicine certification, administered by NBRC. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by NBRC. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the NBRC official website ↗ .