9/10/2026 - This is a reminder that the NBRC is transitioning to a single examination to further minimize barriers to graduates as they enter the profession. Beginning January 1, 2027, candidates seeking the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentials will take the new Respiratory Therapy (RT) Examination. The examination will have two cut scores that determine whether passing candidates receive credentials as a CRT or as an RRT. Individuals achieving the low cut score earn the CRT credential, and those who achieve the high cut score earn the RRT credential.

The following options are available to candidates who are currently eligible for the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and Clinical Simulation (CSE) Examination.

Candidates Who Do Not Pass the TMC Examination by December 31, 2026

• Candidates who do not achieve a passing score on the TMC Examination by December 31, 2026, must meet the eligibility requirements and apply for the RT Examination.

Candidates Who Pass the TMC Examination at the Low Cut Score by December 31, 2026

• Candidates who pass the TMC Examination at the low cut score may continue to take the TMC Examination to attempt to achieve the high cut score and, if eligible, qualify for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) through December 31, 2026.
• Candidates who do not achieve the high cut score by December 31, 2026, must meet the eligibility requirements and apply for the RT Examination.

Candidates who achieve the high cut score on the TMC Examination before December 31, 2026, may:

• Take the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) through December 31, 2027; or
• Elect to take the new RT Examination beginning January 1, 2027. Once a candidate applies for the RT Examination, they are no longer eligible to apply for the CSE.

Eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions for the Respiratory Therapy (RT) Examination can be found here. Please contact us at info@nbrc.org or 913.895.4900 for additional support.