Registered Respiratory Therapist Test
The Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) test is offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). It is considered a registry exam for advanced respiratory therapists. If you plan to take the RRT test, you should plan to do so shortly after earning your certified respiratory therapist (CRT) credential, as there is a three-year time limit to take the RRT test. If you wait too long, you will need to retake the CRT test.
To register for the RRT test, you must meet several requirements. You must be at least 18 years of age and be a CRT. You must possess either:
- 1) at least an associate’s degree from an accredited respiratory therapist education program
- 2) a special certificate of completion from an accredited respiratory therapist education program
- 3) at least four years of experience in clinical respiratory therapy under licensed supervision and 62 semester hours of college in microbiology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics, and math
- 4) an associate’s degree from an entry-level program, along with two years of supervised clinical experience in respiratory care
- 5) a bachelor’s degree in a field other than respiratory care, 62 semester hours of college in microbiology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry physics, and math, and two years of supervised clinical experience in respiratory care
If you meet the requirements for the RRT test, you can apply for it at any time. There are no pre-scheduled exam dates. You can apply online or via mail, but it is much easier and quicker to apply online, as the mail-in process requires two parts. If you are deemed eligible for the RRT test, you will receive a notice to schedule your exam. You must do so within a 90-day window, or you will need to repeat the application process, including paying another fee.
On the day of the RRT test, be prepared to arrive early at the testing center. You will need to bring two forms of valid ID. Both must contain your signature, while one must contain both your photo and your signature. Plan to keep personal belonging at home. Anything you bring will need to be stored in a locker during the RRT test, and you will not have access to it until you finish the test. You will be provided with pencils and scratch paper.
The RRT test consists of two portions: written and clinical simulation. Each requires a separate testing appointment, but they can possibly be completed on the same day if appointments are available. The RRT credential is only awarded when you successfully pass both portions of the test. The written portion consists of 115 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in two hours. The questions will test your knowledge of recalling, analyzing, and applying therapeutic procedures, equipment, and patient data. The clinical simulation includes 11 patient management problems. These problems are created to simulate incidents that you may encounter as a respiratory therapist.
After you complete the RRT test, you will immediately receive your score report, including raw scores for each content area, an overall scaled score, and your pass-or-fail status. The written potion of the RRT test requires a minimum score of 70. The clinical simulation score is based on information-gathering and decision-making. The total percentage score for these areas determines whether you pass or fail. If you pass, you will receive your certificate, patch, and wallet card the following month and will be allowed to use RRT after your name. If you fail, you may reapply and retake the RRT test as many times as you wish without a waiting period.