RRT
NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
The NBRC RRT is the advanced respiratory therapy credential, required for independent practice and most leadership positions.
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RRT Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) |
| Governing Body | NBRC |
| Time Limit | 3 hours (TMC) plus 4 hours (CSE) |
| Passing Score | High TMC cut score plus a passing CSE |
| Exam Fee | $190 TMC new applicant / $150 repeat, plus $200 CSE |
| Category | Allied Health & Medicine |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | NBRC official website ↗ |
RRT Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Patient Data Evaluation and Recommendations | 26% |
| Troubleshooting and Quality Control | 16% |
| Initiation and Modification of Interventions | 58% |
| Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) | , |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the NBRC content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ TMC I. Patient Data - 50 of 140 scored items
- ✓ TMC II. Troubleshooting and Quality Control of Devices, and Infection Control - 20 of 140 scored items
- ✓ TMC III. Initiation and Modification of Interventions - 70 of 140 scored items
- ✓ CSE test-form specification (20 scored problems): Adult Chronic Airways Disease 7; Adult Medical or Surgical 5; Adult Cardiovascular 2; Pediatric 2; Neonatal 2; Adult Trauma 1; Adult Neurological or Neuromuscular 1
How C3RT Helps You Pass the RRT
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the RRT is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real RRT 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.
RRT Frequently Asked Questions
What does RRT stand for?
RRT stands for NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). It is administered by NBRC.
Who administers the RRT?
The NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) is administered by NBRC. For official information, visit the NBRC website.
What is the passing score for the RRT?
The passing score for the RRT is High TMC cut score plus a passing CSE, 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 RRT exam cost?
The RRT exam fee is $190 TMC new applicant / $150 repeat, plus $200 CSE. 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 is the RRT scored?
Not published as a number. NBRC reports multiple-choice results as RAW scores (one point per item) compared to a cut score set by a standard-setting study; the TMC has two cut scores. Achieving the LOW cut score earns CRT only. Achieving the HIGH cut score earns CRT and confers eligibility for the CSE (if other education requirements are met). Passing the CSE then awards the RRT credential. NBRC does not publish the numeric low/high TMC cut scores or the CSE cut score. Always confirm the current standard with NBRC before testing.
What does the RRT cost?
TMC: USD 190 new applicant / USD 150 repeat applicant. CSE: USD 200 for both new and repeat applicants. (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 RRT exam blueprint?
TMC Detailed Content Outline effective January 2020 - December 31, 2026. CSE Detailed Content Outline effective January 2020 - December 31, 2027. IMPORTANT UPCOMING CHANGE: effective January 1, 2027 NBRC replaces the TMC with a single 'Respiratory Therapy Examination' of 185 multiple-choice items (160 scored + 25 pretest) over 4 hours, which will also carry two cut scores (low = CRT, high = RRT). The CSE remains available only through December 31, 2027 for candidates who passed the TMC at the high cut score by December 31, 2026. Candidates get 3 initial attempts at TMC and CSE with no waiting period; subsequent attempts require 120 days between tries.
How difficult is the NBRC RRT exam and what is the pass rate?
The NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist credentialing process involves two exams: the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). The TMC must be passed at the "high cut score" to be eligible for the CSE. Pass rates for the TMC at high cut score are approximately 60–70%; CSE pass rates for eligible candidates are approximately 60–75%. Together, the RRT credential requires performing well on both assessments.
What are the eligibility requirements for the NBRC RRT?
You must have graduated from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program (typically an associate or bachelor's degree). To sit for the CRT credential first, a passing TMC score at the low cut score suffices; to advance to RRT, you need the high cut score on TMC plus passing the CSE. State licensure is also required and obtained separately from each state's licensing board.
How long should I study for the NBRC RRT exams?
Most candidates prepare for 3–5 months for the TMC at the high cut score, and an additional 4–8 weeks specifically for the CSE after passing the TMC. RRT Complete and TM Review from NBRC, along with The Respiratory Therapist Exam Guide by Robert Chang, are widely used preparation resources.
What career value does the NBRC RRT credential provide?
The RRT is the advanced respiratory therapy credential preferred for acute care, ICU, and neonatal/pediatric settings. RRT-credentialed therapists typically earn $60,000–$90,000+, with higher earnings in critical care, leadership, and sleep medicine. Many hospitals require or prefer RRT over CRT for positions in critical care units.
What is the NBRC RRT retake policy?
After a failed TMC or CSE attempt, candidates must wait 60 days before retesting. There is a maximum of eight total attempts for the TMC and CSE combined within a defined eligibility window. Candidates should confirm current attempt limits with NBRC.
How long is the NBRC RRT credential valid?
NBRC credentials do not have a formal expiration date, but most states require state licensure renewal with CE requirements. NBRC introduced a Continued Competency Program (CCP) for maintaining voluntary recognition of professional development.
What continuing education is required for respiratory therapy license renewal?
CE requirements are set by each state respiratory therapy licensing board, typically 12–30 CE hours per renewal cycle. AARC (American Association for Respiratory Care) provides approved CE through its annual congress and online education platform.
How does the NBRC RRT compare to the NBRC CRT?
The CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) is the entry-level credential earned by passing the TMC at the low cut score. The RRT is the advanced credential requiring the TMC at the high cut score plus the CSE. Most employers in acute care settings prefer or require RRT; CRT may be acceptable in outpatient and home care settings. All new graduates should aim for RRT as the professional standard.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), 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 ↗ .