Medical
Medical

NBRC RRT

exam prep

National Board for Respiratory Care: Registered Respiratory Therapist

ios app
Medical
ios app
Princenton UniversityETH ZurichColumbia UGroningemErasmusErasmus2Erasmus3
Progress chart preview

Track your progress

See what you’ve mastered and what to focus on next.

Gauge score preview

Know where you stand

Understand your level and how close you are to passing.

Daily streak calendar preview

Stay consistent

Build a daily habit that keeps you on track.

NBRC RRT Certification Exam

General Information

The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) certification, administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), demonstrates advanced proficiency in respiratory care. This credential includes comprehensive assessments across key domains such as patient data evaluation, quality control, and intervention strategies. The RRT certification enhances career opportunities, often leading to higher salaries and eligibility for specialized roles within respiratory care. For a related credential pathway, see our NBRC CRT preparation guide.

Exam Format

The NBRC RRT certification process consists of two main examinations:

Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination
  • Number of Questions: 160 (140 scored, 20 pretest)
  • Time Limit: 3 hours
  • Question Types: Multiple-choice
  • Passing Score: Two cut scores; the higher score grants CRT credential and CSE eligibility.
Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE)
  • Number of Problems: 22 (20 scored, 2 pretest)
  • Time Limit: 4 hours
  • Format: Simulations assessing decision-making skills

Detailed information is available on the NBRC examinations page.

Candidate Requirements

Eligibility for the RRT exam requires graduation from an accredited respiratory care program. Candidates must pass the TMC exam at the higher cut score to qualify for the CSE. Successful completion of both exams awards the RRT credential, as outlined by the NBRC.

Exam Cost

  • TMC Examination: $190 for new applicants, $150 for retakes
  • CSE Examination: $200

How to Register

To register for the NBRC RRT certification exam:

  1. Create an account on the NBRC website.
  2. Submit an application for the exam.
  3. Pay the examination fee.
  4. Schedule the exam through the testing service provided.

What to Bring to the Exam

Candidates are required to bring a valid government-issued photo ID for verification. Personal items, such as electronic devices, notes, and bags, are prohibited in the testing area. The NBRC provides necessary materials like scratch paper and pencils at the testing center. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to complete check-in procedures. For more details, consult the NBRC Candidate Handbook.

NBRC RRT exam

overview

Key facts, pass rates, and resources to help you prepare smarter and pass with confidence.

The TMC (qualifying exam for the CRT and RRT) has two cut scores

Official Exam Information

The app's quizzes and detailed explanations boosted my confidence and efficiency in studying for the NBRC RRT exam.

Student Testimonial— Denise H.
Real exam-style questions

Real exam-style questions

Match the real test format and difficulty.

Clear explanations

Clear explanations

Understand mistakes and learn faster.

Target weak spots

Target weak spots

Focus on what improves your score.

Study anytime, anywhere

Study anytime, anywhere

Practice in minutes, on your phone.

Help when you need it

Help when you need it

Stay on track with built-in support.

Built to help you pass

Built to help you pass

Everything you need to succeed.

Why it helps you pass

Thousands of learners use SimplyTests to stay focused, consistent, and ready on exam day.

Real exam-style questions
Learn faster with clear explanations
Practice at your level
Stay consistent every day
Phone with results
Comprehensive NBRC RRT Preparation Guide

Study Materials and Resources

For those preparing for the NBRC RRT exam, the National Board for Respiratory Care provides a variety of resources to support your study efforts. Official practice exams can be accessed through the NBRC website, providing a structured approach to the exam's format and content.

Practice Tests and Question Banks

The NBRC RRT practice test is an essential component of exam preparation, offering over 160 questions that reflect the actual exam's structure and difficulty level. These practice tests help candidates familiarize themselves with the multiple-choice questions of the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and the simulated clinical scenarios of the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). Engaging with these practice tests enhances understanding of key topics and builds confidence by simulating real exam conditions.

Study Timeline

A strategic study plan for the NBRC RRT exam should allocate sufficient time for thorough preparation. Candidates are advised to dedicate several months to study, ideally spreading their efforts over 8-12 weeks. A daily study schedule might include 1-2 hours of focused review on key topics, reinforced by weekly practice tests to track progress and address areas requiring improvement.

Key Topics to Focus On

The TMC Examination covers critical domains that are essential for respiratory care practice. These domains include:

  • Patient Data Evaluation and Recommendations: 50 questions (35.7%)
  • Troubleshooting, Quality Control, and Infection Control: 20 questions (14.3%)
  • Initiation and Modification of Interventions: 70 questions (50%)

Focusing on these areas ensures comprehensive coverage of the exam content, equipping candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Obtaining the RRT credential can significantly enhance career prospects and earning potential. While the exact salary increase may vary, RRTs typically earn higher salaries compared to Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs). According to industry data, respiratory therapists with advanced certifications can earn approximately 10-20% more than their peers without such credentials. With the growing demand for respiratory therapists, obtaining the NBRC RRT certification is a worthwhile investment, offering a solid return on investment compared to the total exam cost of $390.

SimplyTests NBRC RRT App

The SimplyTests NBRC RRT App is a comprehensive tool for exam preparation, featuring:

  • Over 1000 practice questions across all exam domains
  • Adaptive quizzes that tailor to performance levels
  • Detailed progress tracking and module mastery scores
  • An offline mode for convenient study sessions anywhere
  • Exam simulators that mirror real test conditions
  • Gamified streaks and motivation tools

Users of the app report pass rate improvements of 20-30%, making it a valuable asset in achieving certification success.

Success Tips

Maximizing success on the NBRC RRT exam involves leveraging community features and peer learning opportunities. Engaging with fellow candidates in study groups or forums enhances understanding through shared insights and real-world applications. Test-taking strategies, such as time management and question analysis, are crucial in navigating the exam efficiently. By staying organized and focused, candidates can effectively prepare for and excel in their certification journey.

Pass your exam with confidence

Practice with real exam questions, clear explanations, and a simple system that helps you stay consistent.

ios app
Exam app demoExam app demo

Frequently asked questions

What is NBRC RRT certification?
The NBRC RRT certification signifies a high level of competence in respiratory care, awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care to those who pass the required examinations.
What is the exam format?
What are the candidate requirements?
How much does the exam cost?
How do I register for the exam?
What is the passing score?
What study resources are available?
What are the career benefits of NBRC RRT certification?
When is the exam administered?
What should I bring to the exam?