Exam guide
NBRC Respiratory Therapy Exam Guide
The 2027 RT exam: format, content outline, eligibility, the TMC and CSE transition, and an 8-week study plan
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The exam at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Items | 185 multiple choice: 160 scored, 25 unmarked pretest |
| Time | 4 hours, one sitting |
| Format | Fixed length, not adaptive, no simulations; forms vary by candidate (LOFT) |
| Passing | Raw score vs two cut scores: low earns CRT, high earns RRT |
| Eligibility | 18+ with a CoARC-supported or accredited RT associate degree or higher, or the CSRT RRT |
| Cost | $360 first attempt; $300 repeat |
| Dates | Apply from Oct 1, 2026; testing from Jan 4, 2027 |
| Scheduling | PSI centers, Monday to Saturday; 90 days to test after acceptance |
| Reschedule | Once, free, at least 1 business day ahead |
| Results | Pass/fail on screen; report emailed within 24 hours |
| Retakes | 3 attempts, then a 120-day wait between attempts |
NBRC had not published the two RT cut score numbers as of October 2026.
If you test before 2027
- TMC: last applications December 15, 2026; last test day December 31, 2026.
- Passed the TMC at the high cut before December 31, 2026? You may take the CSE through December 31, 2027, or the RT exam if you meet its admission rules.
- Current CRTs who meet RT admission rules can test for the RRT; scoring below the low cut keeps the CRT.
- TMC and CSE attempts do not count toward RT exam attempts.
- Credential maintenance is unchanged.
CRT-to-Registry admission routes end December 31, 2026. From 2027, a CRT without the RT degree or CSRT RRT cannot enter the RT exam.
What is on it
| Content area | Items | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Data | 25 | 15.6% |
| Devices and Patient Safety | 25 | 15.6% |
| Interventions | 50 | 31.3% |
| Breadth of Knowledge subtotal | 100 | 62.5% |
| Adults | 50 | 31.3% |
| Pediatric and neonatal | 10 | 6.3% |
| Depth of Clinical Judgment subtotal | 60 | 37.5% |
| Total | 160 | 100% |
| Clinical judgment patient type | Items |
|---|---|
| Adult chronic lung disease | 17 |
| Adult medical (infection, ARDS, other) | 15 |
| Cardiovascular | 5 |
| Pre- and post-operative | 5 |
| Trauma | 4 |
| Neurological or neuromuscular | 4 |
| Neonatal (resuscitation, RDS) | 6 |
| Pediatric | 4 |
Chronic lung disease: invasive ventilation 5, noninvasive 6, outpatient 3, new diagnosis 3. Judgment type: 20 information gathering, 40 decision making. Neonatal or pediatric items across the whole exam: 15 to 18.
How to study: 8 weeks
- Week 1: read the content outline, then take NBRC's free RT practice exam and a timed app Mock Exam as baselines.
- Weeks 1 to 2: Patient Data, with the ABG Interpretation and Capnography One-Pagers.
- Weeks 3 to 4: Interventions, with the Ventilator Modes and Settings One-Pager. Troubleshoot each device as you go (ventilators, CPAP/NPPV, high-flow, resuscitation, airways).
- Week 5: Devices and Patient Safety: troubleshooting, then infection control and quality control.
- Week 6: both Clinical Judgment subjects. For each stem, ask what to assess or what to change.
- Daily: Daily Review; twice a week, a Weakest Subject set.
- Weeks 7 to 8: two more Mock Exams, Missed and Trouble Questions, and an official NBRC Self-Assessment Exam if you choose.
Test-day tips
- Bring two current IDs with your name and signature, one with a photo. No temporary IDs.
- Over 15 minutes late: no test, no refund.
- No personal calculator; use the on-screen one. Scratch paper comes one sheet at a time.
- Breaks are allowed, but the clock keeps running.
- Bookmark hard items and come back. Answer every item; there is no guessing penalty.
- Pretest items look like scored items, so give each one full effort.
- Turn your phone off and leave it in the locker. If it rings or vibrates, your test ends.
Official resources
- RT Examination page and FAQs: nbrc.org/rt
- RT Detailed Content Outline: nbrc.org/doc/RT-DCO
- Candidate Handbook: nbrc.org/candidate-handbook
- Free RT practice exam and Self-Assessment Exams: nbrc.org/resources
- Scheduling: test-takers.psiexams.com/nbrc
NBRC does not endorse any review program.
NBRC, CRT and RRT are registered trademarks of The National Board for Respiratory Care, Inc. ICU Basics is an independent study aid. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the NBRC.
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Sources
- National Board for Respiratory Care. Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT): Respiratory Therapy (RT) Examination page, including the RT Exam FAQs. Accessed October 5, 2026. Link
- National Board for Respiratory Care. The Respiratory Therapy Examination Detailed Content Outline, effective January 2027 (copyright 2025). Link
- National Board for Respiratory Care. Candidate Handbook, revised 09/03/2026. Link
- National Board for Respiratory Care. Frequently Asked Questions (RT Examination FAQs and general exam FAQs). Accessed October 5, 2026. Link
- National Board for Respiratory Care. Examination Changes Coming in 2027 (news post). Link
- National Board for Respiratory Care. Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) examination page. Link
- National Board for Respiratory Care. Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) examination page. Link
- National Board for Respiratory Care. Resources: detailed content outlines, free practice examinations, Self-Assessment Examinations and applications. Link
- National Board for Respiratory Care. Respiratory Therapy Examination Application, effective January 1, 2027 (dated 09/08/2026). Link
- PSI Online Store. NBRC Self-Assessment Examinations. Link
- PSI. NBRC test-taker scheduling and assessment center search. Link