OpenExamsFREE PRACTICE — ANY EXAM

Arizona Respiratory Therapy — Requirements & Free Practice

US-AZ · License preparation

517 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

Choose what to practice

Start with an exam below. Your examination requirements depend on your application pathway. View licensing requirements

Combined practice

Loading selected examination banks…

Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner

Arizona respiratory care practitioner license, including issuance, renewal and reinstatement pathways. The current NBRC examination versions are referenced without redefining them.

Licensing authority: Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care Examiners · Application information

Reapplication after administrative closure or final denial
Application
Submit the application, disclosures, authorization to release records, truthful certification and documentary evidence under A.R.S. § 32-3522 and R4-45-201; disclose later changes as required by R4-45-201(C)–(D).
Case specific evaluations
Under A.R.S. § 32-3553(F), reasonable cause may lead to Board-ordered mental, physical, psychological or skills evaluations; these unspecified evaluations are applicant conditions, not invented examinations.
Closed file
Under R4-45-215(F), an application missing required information after 210 days is administratively closed and the applicant must apply anew. R4-45-217(B) also requires reapplication after an unchallenged or affirmed denial.
Education
Be a high school graduate or equivalent and a graduate of a Board-approved respiratory therapy program under A.R.S. § 32-3523(A) and R4-45-202.
Fees
Pay applicable application, fingerprint and initial-license fees; the Board will not issue the license before full payment.
Fingerprints
Submit the full fingerprints and fees for a state and federal criminal-history check under A.R.S. § 32-3504(A)(6).
Fitness
Do not have acts or crimes constituting grounds for license denial or discipline under A.R.S. § 32-3552.
Foreign training
If foreign-trained, have the school send certified transcripts and sufficient curriculum information for Board equivalence review and supply a diploma copy under R4-45-204.
Inactive practice
If neither respiratory care practice nor licensure in any state occurred during the preceding three years, document at least 20 Board-approved CEUs relating to clinical practice.
Lawful presence
Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, alien status, legal residency or lawful presence under R4-45-201(A)(21).
Military equivalence
A.R.S. § 32-4303 allows substantially equivalent military education, training or experience to satisfy corresponding requirements, as determined by the Board.
Other state licenses
If ever licensed in another state, obtain the license verification and examination documentation specified in R4-45-205.
Prior exam evidence
Passing scores or an existing RRT credential may already satisfy the examination requirement; prior completion does not require an applicant to sit an examination again.
Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete 20 approved CEUs in the licensing period, including at least two ethics hours; limits on online and other credit under R4-45-209 apply, with at least five live hours under the Board current instructions.
Current license
Hold the Arizona respiratory care practitioner license and submit the renewal form and current disclosures under R4-45-207(B).
Documentation
Maintain acceptable CEU documentation for five years and report compliance; provide the records when requested or audited.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal fee.
Grandfathered crt
The Board homepage explicitly allows renewal by a CRT-only licensee who has maintained an active Arizona license since before 2017; RRT is not newly required of that renewal applicant.
Renewal date
Renew on or before the birthday every other year under A.R.S. § 32-3525 and R4-45-207(A).
Waiver
R4-45-212 permits a documented CE waiver for qualifying absence or health/good-cause circumstances; disability requires a physician's verification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after the late renewal or reinstatement period
Application
Submit the application, disclosures, authorization to release records, truthful certification and documentary evidence under A.R.S. § 32-3522 and R4-45-201; disclose later changes as required by R4-45-201(C)–(D).
Case specific evaluations
Under A.R.S. § 32-3553(F), reasonable cause may lead to Board-ordered mental, physical, psychological or skills evaluations; these unspecified evaluations are applicant conditions, not invented examinations.
Education
Be a high school graduate or equivalent and a graduate of a Board-approved respiratory therapy program under A.R.S. § 32-3523(A) and R4-45-202.
Expired prior license
R4-45-207(E) requires a new application if the former licensee does not apply within the rule's two-year window. Current initial-license qualifications, including RRT, apply.
Fees
Pay applicable application, fingerprint and initial-license fees; the Board will not issue the license before full payment.
Fingerprints
Submit the full fingerprints and fees for a state and federal criminal-history check under A.R.S. § 32-3504(A)(6).
Fitness
Do not have acts or crimes constituting grounds for license denial or discipline under A.R.S. § 32-3552.
Foreign training
If foreign-trained, have the school send certified transcripts and sufficient curriculum information for Board equivalence review and supply a diploma copy under R4-45-204.
Inactive practice
If neither respiratory care practice nor licensure in any state occurred during the preceding three years, document at least 20 Board-approved CEUs relating to clinical practice.
Lawful presence
Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, alien status, legal residency or lawful presence under R4-45-201(A)(21).
Military equivalence
A.R.S. § 32-4303 allows substantially equivalent military education, training or experience to satisfy corresponding requirements, as determined by the Board.
Other state licenses
If ever licensed in another state, obtain the license verification and examination documentation specified in R4-45-205.
Prior exam evidence
Passing scores or an existing RRT credential may already satisfy the examination requirement; prior completion does not require an applicant to sit an examination again.
Reinstatement after expiration, beyond ninety days and within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete 20 approved CEUs in the licensing period, including at least two ethics hours; limits on online and other credit under R4-45-209 apply, with at least five live hours under the Board current instructions.
Current license
Hold the Arizona respiratory care practitioner license and submit the renewal form and current disclosures under R4-45-207(B).
Documentation
Maintain acceptable CEU documentation for five years and report compliance; provide the records when requested or audited.
Expiration period
More than ninety days but less than two years have elapsed since expiration; R4-45-216(E)(3) supplies the reinstatement procedure. A.R.S. § 32-3525 limits the distinct late-renewal authorization to ninety days.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal fee.
Grandfathered crt
The Board homepage explicitly allows renewal by a CRT-only licensee who has maintained an active Arizona license since before 2017; RRT is not newly required of that renewal applicant.
Practice statement
Submit the signed statement the Board requests regarding any violation of A.R.S. § 32-3556 while expired; demonstrate no harm and understanding or comply with the Board hearing and disciplinary agreement as R4-45-216(E)(3) requires.
Renewal date
Renew on or before the birthday every other year under A.R.S. § 32-3525 and R4-45-207(A).
Waiver
R4-45-212 permits a documented CE waiver for qualifying absence or health/good-cause circumstances; disability requires a physician's verification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure for a foreign trained applicant
Application
Submit the application, disclosures, authorization to release records, truthful certification and documentary evidence under A.R.S. § 32-3522 and R4-45-201; disclose later changes as required by R4-45-201(C)–(D).
Case specific evaluations
Under A.R.S. § 32-3553(F), reasonable cause may lead to Board-ordered mental, physical, psychological or skills evaluations; these unspecified evaluations are applicant conditions, not invented examinations.
Education
Be a high school graduate or equivalent and a graduate of a Board-approved respiratory therapy program under A.R.S. § 32-3523(A) and R4-45-202.
Fees
Pay applicable application, fingerprint and initial-license fees; the Board will not issue the license before full payment.
Fingerprints
Submit the full fingerprints and fees for a state and federal criminal-history check under A.R.S. § 32-3504(A)(6).
Fitness
Do not have acts or crimes constituting grounds for license denial or discipline under A.R.S. § 32-3552.
Foreign education equivalence
Certified school transcripts and curriculum must establish equivalence to an approved training program; supply the foreign diploma under A.R.S. § 32-3522(C) and R4-45-204.
Foreign training
If foreign-trained, have the school send certified transcripts and sufficient curriculum information for Board equivalence review and supply a diploma copy under R4-45-204.
Inactive practice
If neither respiratory care practice nor licensure in any state occurred during the preceding three years, document at least 20 Board-approved CEUs relating to clinical practice.
Lawful presence
Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, alien status, legal residency or lawful presence under R4-45-201(A)(21).
Military equivalence
A.R.S. § 32-4303 allows substantially equivalent military education, training or experience to satisfy corresponding requirements, as determined by the Board.
Other state licenses
If ever licensed in another state, obtain the license verification and examination documentation specified in R4-45-205.
Prior exam evidence
Passing scores or an existing RRT credential may already satisfy the examination requirement; prior completion does not require an applicant to sit an examination again.
Initial licensure by examination
Application
Submit the application, disclosures, authorization to release records, truthful certification and documentary evidence under A.R.S. § 32-3522 and R4-45-201; disclose later changes as required by R4-45-201(C)–(D).
Case specific evaluations
Under A.R.S. § 32-3553(F), reasonable cause may lead to Board-ordered mental, physical, psychological or skills evaluations; these unspecified evaluations are applicant conditions, not invented examinations.
Education
Be a high school graduate or equivalent and a graduate of a Board-approved respiratory therapy program under A.R.S. § 32-3523(A) and R4-45-202.
Fees
Pay applicable application, fingerprint and initial-license fees; the Board will not issue the license before full payment.
Fingerprints
Submit the full fingerprints and fees for a state and federal criminal-history check under A.R.S. § 32-3504(A)(6).
Fitness
Do not have acts or crimes constituting grounds for license denial or discipline under A.R.S. § 32-3552.
Foreign training
If foreign-trained, have the school send certified transcripts and sufficient curriculum information for Board equivalence review and supply a diploma copy under R4-45-204.
Inactive practice
If neither respiratory care practice nor licensure in any state occurred during the preceding three years, document at least 20 Board-approved CEUs relating to clinical practice.
Lawful presence
Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, alien status, legal residency or lawful presence under R4-45-201(A)(21).
Military equivalence
A.R.S. § 32-4303 allows substantially equivalent military education, training or experience to satisfy corresponding requirements, as determined by the Board.
Other state licenses
If ever licensed in another state, obtain the license verification and examination documentation specified in R4-45-205.
Prior exam evidence
Passing scores or an existing RRT credential may already satisfy the examination requirement; prior completion does not require an applicant to sit an examination again.
Late renewal within ninety days
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete 20 approved CEUs in the licensing period, including at least two ethics hours; limits on online and other credit under R4-45-209 apply, with at least five live hours under the Board current instructions.
Current license
Hold the Arizona respiratory care practitioner license and submit the renewal form and current disclosures under R4-45-207(B).
Documentation
Maintain acceptable CEU documentation for five years and report compliance; provide the records when requested or audited.
Expired license
The license expired no more than ninety days before the late-renewal application under A.R.S. § 32-3525.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal fee.
Grandfathered crt
The Board homepage explicitly allows renewal by a CRT-only licensee who has maintained an active Arizona license since before 2017; RRT is not newly required of that renewal applicant.
Renewal date
Renew on or before the birthday every other year under A.R.S. § 32-3525 and R4-45-207(A).
Timing conflict
R4-45-207(D) says "the former licensee may apply for late renewal within two years from the date of expiration." R4-45-216(E)(2) addresses seven-day late renewal and (E)(3) labels later applications reinstatement. The controlling statute permits late renewal within ninety days; the differing rule terminology and timing are retained for the applicant.
Unauthorized practice
Where applicable supply the Board-required statement about practice while expired and satisfy any resulting Board proceeding or disciplinary agreement under R4-45-216(E).
Waiver
R4-45-212 permits a documented CE waiver for qualifying absence or health/good-cause circumstances; disability requires a physician's verification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure with equivalent military education, training or experience
Application
Submit the application, disclosures, authorization to release records, truthful certification and documentary evidence under A.R.S. § 32-3522 and R4-45-201; disclose later changes as required by R4-45-201(C)–(D).
Case specific evaluations
Under A.R.S. § 32-3553(F), reasonable cause may lead to Board-ordered mental, physical, psychological or skills evaluations; these unspecified evaluations are applicant conditions, not invented examinations.
Education
Be a high school graduate or equivalent and a graduate of a Board-approved respiratory therapy program under A.R.S. § 32-3523(A) and R4-45-202.
Fees
Pay applicable application, fingerprint and initial-license fees; the Board will not issue the license before full payment.
Fingerprints
Submit the full fingerprints and fees for a state and federal criminal-history check under A.R.S. § 32-3504(A)(6).
Fitness
Do not have acts or crimes constituting grounds for license denial or discipline under A.R.S. § 32-3552.
Foreign training
If foreign-trained, have the school send certified transcripts and sufficient curriculum information for Board equivalence review and supply a diploma copy under R4-45-204.
Inactive practice
If neither respiratory care practice nor licensure in any state occurred during the preceding three years, document at least 20 Board-approved CEUs relating to clinical practice.
Lawful presence
Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, alien status, legal residency or lawful presence under R4-45-201(A)(21).
Military applicant
Provide satisfactory evidence of substantially equivalent education, training or experience from U.S. armed forces, National Guard or a reserve component; Board determines the substitution under A.R.S. § 32-4303. This does not waive the otherwise applicable RRT examination requirement.
Military equivalence
A.R.S. § 32-4303 allows substantially equivalent military education, training or experience to satisfy corresponding requirements, as determined by the Board.
Other state licenses
If ever licensed in another state, obtain the license verification and examination documentation specified in R4-45-205.
Prior exam evidence
Passing scores or an existing RRT credential may already satisfy the examination requirement; prior completion does not require an applicant to sit an examination again.
Renewal during the military active duty extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete 20 approved CEUs in the licensing period, including at least two ethics hours; limits on online and other credit under R4-45-209 apply, with at least five live hours under the Board current instructions.
Current license
Hold the Arizona respiratory care practitioner license and submit the renewal form and current disclosures under R4-45-207(B).
Documentation
Maintain acceptable CEU documentation for five years and report compliance; provide the records when requested or audited.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal fee.
Grandfathered crt
The Board homepage explicitly allows renewal by a CRT-only licensee who has maintained an active Arizona license since before 2017; RRT is not newly required of that renewal applicant.
Military extension
A.R.S. § 32-4301 extends eligibility for qualifying active-duty service or service-related injury. Submit the official military orders, redacted military ID or commanding-officer verification before the extended period ends; normal renewal activities and fees apply without additional late costs.
Renewal date
Renew on or before the birthday every other year under A.R.S. § 32-3525 and R4-45-207(A).
Waiver
R4-45-212 permits a documented CE waiver for qualifying absence or health/good-cause circumstances; disability requires a physician's verification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure based on NBRC registration or certification
Application
Submit the application, disclosures, authorization to release records, truthful certification and documentary evidence under A.R.S. § 32-3522 and R4-45-201; disclose later changes as required by R4-45-201(C)–(D).
Case specific evaluations
Under A.R.S. § 32-3553(F), reasonable cause may lead to Board-ordered mental, physical, psychological or skills evaluations; these unspecified evaluations are applicant conditions, not invented examinations.
Education
Be a high school graduate or equivalent and a graduate of a Board-approved respiratory therapy program under A.R.S. § 32-3523(A) and R4-45-202.
Fees
Pay applicable application, fingerprint and initial-license fees; the Board will not issue the license before full payment.
Fingerprints
Submit the full fingerprints and fees for a state and federal criminal-history check under A.R.S. § 32-3504(A)(6).
Fitness
Do not have acts or crimes constituting grounds for license denial or discipline under A.R.S. § 32-3552.
Foreign training
If foreign-trained, have the school send certified transcripts and sufficient curriculum information for Board equivalence review and supply a diploma copy under R4-45-204.
Grandfathered crt
R4-45-101 defines grandfathering by applying before January 1, 2017 with CRT. The Board homepage preserves renewal for such existing licensees; it does not reopen that expired initial-application eligibility window.
Inactive practice
If neither respiratory care practice nor licensure in any state occurred during the preceding three years, document at least 20 Board-approved CEUs relating to clinical practice.
Issuance without new sitting
A.R.S. § 32-3524(3)(b) and R4-45-206 permit licensure without a new examination for the already NBRC-registered/certified applicant. The Board currently requires RRT; the underlying currently offered examinations remain referenced.
Lawful presence
Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, alien status, legal residency or lawful presence under R4-45-201(A)(21).
Military equivalence
A.R.S. § 32-4303 allows substantially equivalent military education, training or experience to satisfy corresponding requirements, as determined by the Board.
Other state licenses
If ever licensed in another state, obtain the license verification and examination documentation specified in R4-45-205.
Prior exam evidence
Passing scores or an existing RRT credential may already satisfy the examination requirement; prior completion does not require an applicant to sit an examination again.
Licensure based on another state license
Alternative exam
R4-45-205(3) accepts RRT results or another administered examination with results and information sufficient for equivalence review. An examination belonging to another state is a condition, not an Arizona route leaf.
Application
Submit the application, disclosures, authorization to release records, truthful certification and documentary evidence under A.R.S. § 32-3522 and R4-45-201; disclose later changes as required by R4-45-201(C)–(D).
Board discretion
The Board may issue the license without a new examination; the registered NBRC RRT pathway is an accepted examination alternative, not a demand that every endorsement applicant resit both exams.
Case specific evaluations
Under A.R.S. § 32-3553(F), reasonable cause may lead to Board-ordered mental, physical, psychological or skills evaluations; these unspecified evaluations are applicant conditions, not invented examinations.
Education
Be a high school graduate or equivalent and a graduate of a Board-approved respiratory therapy program under A.R.S. § 32-3523(A) and R4-45-202.
Equivalence
Hold an other-state respiratory care practitioner license with requirements the Board finds at least equivalent; demonstrate a Board-satisfactory equivalent examination under A.R.S. § 32-3524(3)(a).
Fees
Pay applicable application, fingerprint and initial-license fees; the Board will not issue the license before full payment.
Fingerprints
Submit the full fingerprints and fees for a state and federal criminal-history check under A.R.S. § 32-3504(A)(6).
Fitness
Do not have acts or crimes constituting grounds for license denial or discipline under A.R.S. § 32-3552.
Foreign training
If foreign-trained, have the school send certified transcripts and sufficient curriculum information for Board equivalence review and supply a diploma copy under R4-45-204.
Inactive practice
If neither respiratory care practice nor licensure in any state occurred during the preceding three years, document at least 20 Board-approved CEUs relating to clinical practice.
Lawful presence
Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, alien status, legal residency or lawful presence under R4-45-201(A)(21).
Military equivalence
A.R.S. § 32-4303 allows substantially equivalent military education, training or experience to satisfy corresponding requirements, as determined by the Board.
Other state licenses
If ever licensed in another state, obtain the license verification and examination documentation specified in R4-45-205.
Prior exam evidence
Passing scores or an existing RRT credential may already satisfy the examination requirement; prior completion does not require an applicant to sit an examination again.
Reinstatement after revocation
Application
Submit the application, disclosures, authorization to release records, truthful certification and documentary evidence under A.R.S. § 32-3522 and R4-45-201; disclose later changes as required by R4-45-201(C)–(D).
Board discretion
The Board may accept or reject the application and require an examination under § 32-3554(B); an unnamed additional examination is a condition and no new exam identity is invented.
Case specific evaluations
Under A.R.S. § 32-3553(F), reasonable cause may lead to Board-ordered mental, physical, psychological or skills evaluations; these unspecified evaluations are applicant conditions, not invented examinations.
Education
Be a high school graduate or equivalent and a graduate of a Board-approved respiratory therapy program under A.R.S. § 32-3523(A) and R4-45-202.
Fees
Pay applicable application, fingerprint and initial-license fees; the Board will not issue the license before full payment.
Fingerprints
Submit the full fingerprints and fees for a state and federal criminal-history check under A.R.S. § 32-3504(A)(6).
Fitness
Do not have acts or crimes constituting grounds for license denial or discipline under A.R.S. § 32-3552.
Foreign training
If foreign-trained, have the school send certified transcripts and sufficient curriculum information for Board equivalence review and supply a diploma copy under R4-45-204.
Inactive practice
If neither respiratory care practice nor licensure in any state occurred during the preceding three years, document at least 20 Board-approved CEUs relating to clinical practice.
Lawful presence
Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, alien status, legal residency or lawful presence under R4-45-201(A)(21).
Military equivalence
A.R.S. § 32-4303 allows substantially equivalent military education, training or experience to satisfy corresponding requirements, as determined by the Board.
Other state licenses
If ever licensed in another state, obtain the license verification and examination documentation specified in R4-45-205.
Prior exam evidence
Passing scores or an existing RRT credential may already satisfy the examination requirement; prior completion does not require an applicant to sit an examination again.
Reinstatement qualifications
R4-45-218(B) requires the qualifications of § 32-3523(A) and the initial application under R4-45-201; the current RRT examination pathway remains referenced.
Revocation wait
Apply no earlier than one year after revocation under A.R.S. § 32-3554(A) and R4-45-218(A).
Universal recognition for an accompanying military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board instruction
The Board homepage says: "You CANNOT be licensed without an RRT credential." This broad instruction is recorded for the applicant; the controlling § 32-4302(A) military-spouse pathway expressly grants issuance without an examination. Request review of applicability to this statutory pathway.
Conduct
Satisfy § 32-4302(A)(5)–(7) and (9): no revoked or disciplinary-surrendered license, unresolved discipline, pending conduct investigation or disqualifying criminal history.
Fees and fingerprints
Pay applicable fees; § 32-4302(E)(4) preserves the Board's fingerprint authority.
Military spouse
Be married to an active-duty U.S. armed-forces member and accompany the member on permanent change of station to an Arizona installation; A.R.S. § 32-4302(A) expressly provides issuance without an examination.
Previous examination
Have passed the examination previously required by the other state, if that state required one, under § 32-4302(A)(4). That source names no current examination; the unidentified previous-examination evidence is a condition.
Prior licensure
Hold the same-discipline and same-practice-level out-of-state license in good standing and have been licensed at least one year; the other state verifies its required education, experience and supervision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Respiratory Care Practitioner License

Discretionary provisional form of the respiratory care practitioner license for an otherwise qualified applicant with an eligible criminal history, subject to A.R.S. § 32-4701 exclusions.

Licensing authority: Arizona State Board of Respiratory Care Examiners · Application information

Discretionary provisional licensure of an otherwise qualified ex offender
Application
Submit the application, disclosures, authorization to release records, truthful certification and documentary evidence under A.R.S. § 32-3522 and R4-45-201; disclose later changes as required by R4-45-201(C)–(D).
Case specific evaluations
Under A.R.S. § 32-3553(F), reasonable cause may lead to Board-ordered mental, physical, psychological or skills evaluations; these unspecified evaluations are applicant conditions, not invented examinations.
Criminal history
Be an otherwise qualified applicant convicted of an offense eligible under A.R.S. § 32-4701. The Board may issue the regular license or the provisional form; the section does not waive otherwise applicable education or examination qualifications.
Criminal supervision
Provide the supervising community-supervision, probation or parole officer information if applicable; incarcerated applicants cannot apply before release.
Education
Be a high school graduate or equivalent and a graduate of a Board-approved respiratory therapy program under A.R.S. § 32-3523(A) and R4-45-202.
Fees
Pay applicable application, fingerprint and initial-license fees; the Board will not issue the license before full payment.
Fingerprints
Submit the full fingerprints and fees for a state and federal criminal-history check under A.R.S. § 32-3504(A)(6).
Fitness
Do not have acts or crimes constituting grounds for license denial or discipline under A.R.S. § 32-3552.
Foreign training
If foreign-trained, have the school send certified transcripts and sufficient curriculum information for Board equivalence review and supply a diploma copy under R4-45-204.
Inactive practice
If neither respiratory care practice nor licensure in any state occurred during the preceding three years, document at least 20 Board-approved CEUs relating to clinical practice.
Lawful presence
Provide evidence of U.S. citizenship, alien status, legal residency or lawful presence under R4-45-201(A)(21).
Military equivalence
A.R.S. § 32-4303 allows substantially equivalent military education, training or experience to satisfy corresponding requirements, as determined by the Board.
Other qualification pathways
An otherwise qualified applicant may establish the applicable regular-license qualifications by examination, existing NBRC credential or qualifying endorsement. The Board's discretion and acceptance of equivalent examinations remain the applicant's conditions.
Other state licenses
If ever licensed in another state, obtain the license verification and examination documentation specified in R4-45-205.
Prior exam evidence
Passing scores or an existing RRT credential may already satisfy the examination requirement; prior completion does not require an applicant to sit an examination again.
Provisional term
The provisional license may last no more than one year as specified by the licensing authority.
Statutory exclusions
A.R.S. § 32-4701(K) excludes listed violent, sexual, kidnapping, fiduciary-duty and repetitive offenses, occupations supervising vulnerable adults or children, and offenses committed during the same or substantially similar occupation.
Supervision
Apply required direct-supervision conditions under § 32-4701(G)–(H) for qualifying facility employment or qualifying home visits; the supervisor must provide the verifying affidavit.

Clinical Simulation Examination

Provider
The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC); administered Monday through Saturday at more than 300 assessment centers through the NBRC testing agency PSI
Format
Computer-based clinical simulation examination of patient-management problems with information-gathering and decision-making sections; each section of each problem is classified to a minor content heading of the Detailed Content Outline. Admission requires the CRT and a TMC pass at the high cut score; with the implementation of the Respiratory Therapy Examination the CSE is available only to those who passed the TMC at the high cut score by December 31, 2026, and it ends December 31, 2027
Exam questions
22 problems: 20 scored and 2 pretest
Time limit
4 hours
Passing score
Points associated with the candidate’s set of responses are summed across the whole examination into one score compared with a cut score linked to examination committee decisions on whether each positively-scored option is required as a demonstration of minimal competence
Exam fee
$200 for both new and repeat applicants
Examination outline
  • I. PATIENT DATA
    • I.A. Evaluate Data in the Patient Record — 1. Patient history, for example, history of present illness (HPI), orders, medication reconciliation, progress notes, DNR status / advance directives, social, family, and medical history; 2. Physical examination relative to the cardiopulmonary system; 3. Lines, drains, and airways, for example, chest tube, vascular lines, artificial airway; 4. Laboratory results, for example, CBC, electrolytes, coagulation studies, sputum culture and sensitivities, cardiac biomarkers; 5. Blood gas analysis and / or hemoximetry (CO-oximetry) results; 6. Pulmonary function testing results, for example spirometry, lung volumes, DLCO; 7. 6-minute walk test results; 8. Imaging study results, for example, chest radiograph, CT scan, ultrasonography and / or echocardiography, PET scan, ventilation / perfusion scan; 9. Maternal and perinatal / neonatal history, for example, Apgar scores, gestational age, L / S ratio; 10. Sleep study results, for example, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI); 11. Trends in monitoring results: a. fluid balance; b. vital signs; c. intracranial pressure; d. ventilator liberation parameters; e. pulmonary mechanics; f. noninvasive, for example, pulse oximetry, capnography, transcutaneous; g. cardiac evaluation / monitoring results, for example, ECG, hemodynamic parameters; 12. Determination of a patient's pathophysiological state
    • I.B. Perform Clinical Assessment — 1. Interviewing a patient to assess a. level of consciousness and orientation, emotional state, and ability to cooperate; b. level of pain; c. shortness of breath, sputum production, and exercise tolerance; d. smoking history; e. environmental exposures; f. activities of daily living; g. learning needs, for example, literacy, preferred learning style, social / cultural; 2. Performing inspection to assess a. general appearance; b. characteristics of the airway, for example, patency, Mallampati classification, tracheal shift; c. cough, sputum amount and character; d. status of a neonate, for example, Apgar score, gestational age; e. skin integrity, for example, pressure ulcers, stoma site; 3. Palpating to assess a. pulse, rhythm, intensity; b. accessory muscle activity; c. asymmetrical chest movements, tactile fremitus, crepitus, tenderness, tactile rhonchi, and / or tracheal deviation; 4. Performing diagnostic chest percussion; 5. Auscultating to assess a. breath sounds; b. heart sounds and rhythm; c. blood pressure; 6. Reviewing a chest radiograph to assess a. quality of imaging, for example, patient positioning, penetration, lung inflation; b. presence and position of airways, lines, and drains; c. presence of foreign bodies; d. heart size and position; e. presence of, or change in, (i) cardiopulmonary abnormalities, for example, pneumothorax, consolidation, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, pulmonary artery size; (ii) diaphragm, mediastinum, and / or trachea
    • I.C. Perform Procedures to Gather Clinical Information — 1. 12-lead ECG; 2. Noninvasive monitoring, for example, pulse oximetry, capnography, transcutaneous; 3. Peak flow; 4. Mechanics of spontaneous ventilation linked to tidal volume, minute volume, maximal inspiratory pressure, and vital capacity; 5. Blood gas sample collection; 6. Blood gas analysis and / or hemoximetry (CO-oximetry); 7. Oxygen titration with exercise; 8. Cardiopulmonary calculations, for example, P(A-a)O2, VD / VT, P/F, OI; 9. Hemodynamic monitoring; 10. Pulmonary compliance and airways resistance; 11. Plateau pressure; 12. Auto-PEEP determination; 13. Spontaneous breathing trial (SBT); 14. Apnea monitoring; 15. Apnea test (brain death determination); 16. Overnight pulse oximetry; 17. CPAP / NPPV titration during sleep; 18. Cuff management, for example, tracheal, laryngeal; 19. Sputum induction; 20. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing; 21. 6-minute walk test; 22. Spirometry outside or inside a pulmonary function laboratory; 23. DLCO inside a pulmonary function laboratory; 24. Lung volumes inside a pulmonary function laboratory; 25. Tests of respiratory muscle strength - MIP and MEP; 26. Therapeutic bronchoscopy
    • I.D. Evaluate Procedure Results — 1. 12-lead ECG; 2. Noninvasive monitoring, for example, pulse oximetry, capnography, transcutaneous; 3. Peak flow; 4. Mechanics of spontaneous ventilation linked to tidal volume, minute volume, maximal inspiratory pressure, and vital capacity; 5. Blood gas analysis and / or hemoximetry (CO-oximetry); 6. Oxygen titration with exercise; 7. Cardiopulmonary calculations, for example, P(A-a)O2, VD / VT, P/F, OI; 8. Hemodynamic monitoring; 9. Pulmonary compliance and airways resistance; 10. Plateau pressure; 11. Auto-PEEP; 12. Spontaneous breathing trial (SBT); 13. Apnea monitoring; 14. Apnea test (brain death determination); 15. Overnight pulse oximetry; 16. CPAP / NPPV titration during sleep; 17. Cuff status, for example, laryngeal, tracheal; 18. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing; 19. 6-minute walk test; 20. Spirometry outside or inside a pulmonary function laboratory; 21. DLCO inside a pulmonary function laboratory; 22. Lung volumes inside a pulmonary function laboratory; 23. Tests of respiratory muscle strength - MIP and MEP
    • I.E. Recommend Diagnostic Procedures — 1. Testing for tuberculosis; 2. Laboratory tests, for example, CBC, electrolytes, coagulation studies, sputum culture and sensitivities, cardiac biomarkers; 3. Imaging studies; 4. Bronchoscopy a. diagnostic; b. therapeutic; 5. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL); 6. Pulmonary function testing; 7. Noninvasive monitoring, for example, pulse oximetry, capnography, transcutaneous; 8. Blood gas and/or hemoximetry (CO-oximetry); 9. ECG; 10. Exhaled gas analysis, for example, CO2, CO, FENO; 11. Hemodynamic monitoring; 12. Sleep studies; 13. Thoracentesis
  • II. TROUBLESHOOTING AND QUALITY CONTROL OF EQUIPMENT, AND INFECTION CONTROL
    • II.A. Assemble /Troubleshoot Devices — 1. Medical gas delivery interfaces, for example, mask, cannula, heated high-flow nasal cannula; 2. Long-term oxygen therapy; 3. Medical gas delivery, metering, and /or clinical analyzing devices, for example, concentrator, liquid system, flowmeter, regulator, gas cylinder, blender, air compressor, gas analyzers; 4. CPAP / NPPV with patient interfaces; 5. Humidifiers; 6. Nebulizers; 7. Metered-dose inhalers, spacers, and valved holding chambers; 8. Dry-powder inhalers (DPI); 9. Resuscitation equipment, for example, self-inflating resuscitator, flow-inflating resuscitator, AED; 10. Mechanical ventilators; 11. Intubation equipment; 12. Artificial airways; 13. Suctioning equipment, for example, regulator, canister, tubing, catheter; 14. Blood analyzers, for example, hemoximetry (CO-oximetry), point-of-care, blood gas; 15. Patient breathing circuits; 16. Hyperinflation devices; 17. Secretion clearance devices; 18. Heliox delivery device; 19. Portable spirometer; 20. Testing equipment in a pulmonary function laboratory; 21. Pleural drainage; 22. Noninvasive monitoring, for example, pulse oximeter, capnometer, transcutaneous; 23. Bronchoscopes and light sources; 24. Hemodynamic monitoring a. pressure transducers; b. catheters, for example, arterial, pulmonary artery
    • II.B. Ensure Infection Prevention — 1. Adhering to infection prevention policies and procedures, for example, Standard Precautions, donning/doffing, isolation; 2. Adhering to disinfection policies and procedures; 3. Proper handling of biohazardous materials
    • II.C. Perform Quality Control Procedures — 1. Blood analyzers; 2. Gas analyzers; 3. Pulmonary function equipment for testing a. spirometry results; b. lung volumes; c. diffusing capacity (DLCO); 4. Mechanical ventilators; 5. Noninvasive monitors
  • III. INITIATION AND MODIFICATION OF INTERVENTIONS
    • III.A. Maintain a Patent Airway Including the Care of Artificial Airways — 1. Proper positioning of a patient; 2. Recognition of a difficult airway; 3. Establishing and managing a patient's airway a. nasopharyngeal airway; b. oropharyngeal airway; c. esophagealtracheal tubes / supraglottic airways; d. endotracheal tube; e. tracheostomy tube; f. laryngectomy tube; g. speaking valves; h. devices that assist with intubation, for example, endotracheal tube exchanger, video laryngoscopy; 4. Performing tracheostomy care; 5. Exchanging artificial airways; 6. Maintaining adequate humidification; 7. Initiating protocols to prevent ventilator-associated infections; 8. Performing extubation
    • III.B. Perform Airway Clearance and Lung Expansion Techniques — 1. Postural drainage, percussion, or vibration; 2. Suctioning, for example, nasotracheal, oropharyngeal; 3. Mechanical devices, for example, high-frequency chest wall oscillation, vibratory PEP, intrapulmonary percussive ventilation, insufflation / exsufflation device; 4. Assisted cough, for example, huff, abdominal thrust; 5. Hyperinflation therapy; 6. Inspiratory muscle training
    • III.C. Support Oxygenation and Ventilation — 1. Initiating and adjusting oxygen therapy; 2. Minimizing hypoxemia, for example, patient positioning, secretion removal; 3. Initiating and adjusting mask or nasal CPAP; 4. Initiating and adjusting mechanical ventilation settings a. continuous mechanical ventilation; b. noninvasive ventilation; c. high-frequency ventilation; d. alarms; 5. Recognizing and correcting patient-ventilator dyssynchrony; 6. Utilizing ventilator graphics; 7. Performing lung recruitment maneuvers; 8. Liberating a patient from mechanical ventilation
    • III.D. Administer Medications and Specialty Gases — 1. Aerosolized preparations a. antimicrobials; b. pulmonary vasodilators; c. bronchodilators; d. mucolytics / proteolytics; e. steroids; 2. Endotracheal instillation; 3. Specialty gases, for example, heliox, inhaled NO
    • III.E. Ensure Modifications are Made to the Respiratory Care Plan — 1. Treatment termination, for example, life-threatening adverse event; 2. Recommendations a. starting treatment based on patient response; b. treatment of pneumothorax; c. adjustment of fluid balance; d. adjustment of electrolyte therapy; e. insertion or change of artificial airway; f. liberating from mechanical ventilation; g. extubation; h. discontinuing treatment based on patient response; i. consultation from a physician specialist; 3. Recommendations for changes a. patient position; b. oxygen therapy; c. humidification; d. airway clearance; e. hyperinflation; f. mechanical ventilation; 4. Recommendations for pharmacologic interventions a. bronchodilators; b. anti-inflammatory drugs; c. mucolytics and proteolytics; d. aerosolized antibiotics; e. inhaled pulmonary vasodilators; f. cardiovascular; g. antimicrobials; h. sedatives and hypnotics; i. analgesics; j. narcotic antagonists; k. benzodiazepine antagonists; l. neuromuscular blocking agents; m. diuretics; n. surfactants; o. changes to drug, dosage, administration frequency, mode, or concentration
    • III.F. Utilize Evidence-Based Practice — 1. Classification of disease severity; 2. Recommendations for changes in a therapeutic plan when indicated; 3. Application of guidelines, for example, ARDSNet, NAEPP, GOLD
    • III.G. Provide Respiratory Care Techniques in High-Risk Situations — 1. Emergency a. cardiopulmonary emergencies excluding CPR; b. disaster management; c. medical emergency team (MET) / rapid response team; 2. Interprofessional communication; 3. Patient transport a. land / air between hospitals; b. within a hospital
    • III.H. Assist a Physician / Provider in Performing Procedures — 1. Intubation; 2. Bronchoscopy; 3. Specialized bronchoscopy, for example, EBUS, navigational bronchoscopy (ENB); 4. Thoracentesis; 5. Tracheotomy; 6. Chest tube insertion; 7. Insertion of arterial or venous catheters; 8. Moderate (conscious) sedation; 9. Cardioversion; 10. Withdrawal of life support
    • III.I. Conduct Patient and Family Education — 1. Safety and infection control; 2. Home care and related equipment; 3. Lifestyle changes, for example, smoking cessation, exercise; 4. Pulmonary rehabilitation; 5. Disease / condition management, for example, asthma, COPD, CF, tracheostomy care, ventilator dependent
Examination sources

Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination

Provider
The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC); administered Monday through Saturday at more than 300 assessment centers through the NBRC testing agency PSI
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination; each scored item is linked to a content area and cognitive level (recall, application, analysis); the TMC ends December 31, 2026 and the Respiratory Therapy Examination is used from January 1, 2027
Exam questions
160 multiple-choice items: 140 scored and 20 pretest
Time limit
3 hours
Passing score
Raw score (each item worth one point) compared with two cut scores: the low cut score earns the CRT credential; the high cut score earns the CRT credential and eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination for candidates eligible to earn the RRT
Exam fee
$190 new applicants; $150 repeat applicants
Examination outline
  • I. PATIENT DATA (50 of 140 scored items; Recall 15, Application 27, Analysis 8) (35.71%)
    • I.A. Evaluate Data in the Patient Record (10 of 50 section items; Recall 4, Application 6, Analysis 0) — 1. Patient history, for example, history of present illness (HPI), orders, medication reconciliation, progress notes, DNR status / advance directives, social, family, and medical history; 2. Physical examination relative to the cardiopulmonary system; 3. Lines, drains, and airways, for example, chest tube, vascular lines, artificial airway; 4. Laboratory results, for example, CBC, electrolytes, coagulation studies, sputum culture and sensitivities, cardiac biomarkers; 5. Blood gas analysis and / or hemoximetry (CO-oximetry) results; 6. Pulmonary function testing results, for example spirometry, lung volumes, DLCO; 7. 6-minute walk test results; 8. Imaging study results, for example, chest radiograph, CT scan, ultrasonography and / or echocardiography, PET scan, ventilation / perfusion scan; 9. Maternal and perinatal / neonatal history, for example, APGAR scores, gestational age, L / S ratio; 10. Sleep study results, for example, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI); 11. Trends in monitoring results: a. fluid balance; b. vital signs; c. intracranial pressure; d. ventilator liberation parameters; e. pulmonary mechanics; f. noninvasive, for example, pulse oximetry, capnography, transcutaneous; g. cardiac evaluation / monitoring results, for example, ECG, hemodynamic parameters; 12. Determination of a patient's pathophysiological state
    • I.B. Perform Clinical Assessment (10 of 50 section items; Recall 3, Application 6, Analysis 1) — 1. Interviewing a patient to assess a. level of consciousness and orientation, emotional state, and ability to cooperate; b. level of pain; c. shortness of breath, sputum production, and exercise tolerance; d. smoking history; e. environmental exposures; f. activities of daily living; g. learning needs, for example, literacy, preferred learning style, social / cultural; 2. Performing inspection to assess a. general appearance; b. characteristics of the airway, for example, patency, Mallampati classification, tracheal shift; c. cough, sputum amount and character; d. status of a neonate, for example, APGAR score, gestational age; e. skin integrity, for example, pressure ulcers, stoma site; 3. Palpating to assess a. pulse, rhythm, intensity; b. accessory muscle activity; c. asymmetrical chest movements, tactile fremitus, crepitus, tenderness, tactile rhonchi, and / or tracheal deviation; 4. Performing diagnostic chest percussion; 5. Auscultating to assess a. breath sounds; b. heart sounds and rhythm; c. blood pressure; 6. Reviewing a chest radiograph to assess a. quality of imaging, for example, patient positioning, penetration, lung inflation; b. presence and position of airways, lines, and drains; c. presence of foreign bodies; d. heart size and position; e. presence of, or change in, (i) cardiopulmonary abnormalities, for example, pneumothorax, consolidation, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, pulmonary artery size; (ii) diaphragm, mediastinum, and / or trachea
    • I.C. Perform Procedures to Gather Clinical Information (12 of 50 section items; Recall 4, Application 7, Analysis 1) — 1. 12-lead ECG; 2. Noninvasive monitoring, for example, pulse oximetry, capnography, transcutaneous; 3. Peak flow; 4. Mechanics of spontaneous ventilation linked to tidal volume, minute volume, maximal inspiratory pressure, and vital capacity; 5. Blood gas sample collection; 6. Blood gas analysis and / or hemoximetry (CO-oximetry); 7. Oxygen titration with exercise; 8. Cardiopulmonary calculations, for example, P(A-a)O2, VD / VT, P/F, OI; 9. Hemodynamic monitoring; 10. Pulmonary compliance and airways resistance; 11. Plateau pressure; 12. Auto-PEEP determination; 13. Spontaneous breathing trial (SBT); 14. Apnea monitoring; 15. Apnea test (brain death determination); 16. Overnight pulse oximetry; 17. CPAP / NPPV titration during sleep; 18. Cuff management, for example, tracheal, laryngeal; 19. Sputum induction; 20. Cardiopulmonary stress testing; 21. 6-minute walk test; 22. Spirometry outside or inside a pulmonary function laboratory; 23. DLCO inside a pulmonary function laboratory; 24. Lung volumes inside a pulmonary function laboratory; 25. Tests of respiratory muscle strength - MIP and MEP; 26. Therapeutic bronchoscopy
    • I.D. Evaluate Procedure Results (10 of 50 section items; Recall 2, Application 4, Analysis 4) — 1. 12-lead ECG; 2. Noninvasive monitoring, for example, pulse oximetry, capnography, transcutaneous; 3. Peak flow; 4. Mechanics of spontaneous ventilation linked to tidal volume, minute volume, maximal inspiratory pressure, and vital capacity; 5. Blood gas analysis and / or hemoximetry (CO-oximetry); 6. Oxygen titration with exercise; 7. Cardiopulmonary calculations, for example, P(A-a)O2, VD / VT, P/F, OI; 8. Hemodynamic monitoring; 9. Pulmonary compliance and airways resistance; 10. Plateau pressure; 11. Auto-PEEP; 12. Spontaneous breathing trial (SBT); 13. Apnea monitoring; 14. Apnea test (brain death determination); 15. Overnight pulse oximetry; 16. CPAP / NPPV titration during sleep; 17. Cuff status, for example, laryngeal, tracheal; 18. Cardiopulmonary stress testing; 19. 6-minute walk test; 20. Spirometry outside or inside a pulmonary function laboratory; 21. DLCO inside a pulmonary function laboratory; 22. Lung volumes inside a pulmonary function laboratory; 23. Tests of respiratory muscle strength - MIP and MEP
    • I.E. Recommend Diagnostic Procedures (8 of 50 section items; Recall 2, Application 4, Analysis 2) — 1. Testing for tuberculosis; 2. Laboratory tests, for example, CBC, electrolytes, coagulation studies, sputum culture and sensitivities, cardiac biomarkers; 3. Imaging studies; 4. Bronchoscopy a. diagnostic; b. therapeutic; 5. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL); 6. Pulmonary function testing; 7. Noninvasive monitoring, for example, pulse oximetry, capnography, transcutaneous; 8. Blood gas and/or hemoximetry (CO-oximetry); 9. ECG; 10. Exhaled gas analysis, for example, CO2, CO, FENO; 11. Hemodynamic monitoring; 12. Sleep studies; 13. Thoracentesis
  • II. TROUBLESHOOTING AND QUALITY CONTROL OF DEVICES, AND INFECTION CONTROL (20 of 140 scored items; Recall 8, Application 9, Analysis 3) (14.29%)
    • II.A. Assemble / Troubleshoot Devices (15 of 20 section items; Recall 4, Application 8, Analysis 3) — 1. Medical gas delivery interfaces, for example, mask, cannula, heated high-flow nasal cannula; 2. Long-term oxygen therapy; 3. Medical gas delivery, metering, and /or clinical analyzing devices, for example, concentrator, liquid system, flowmeter, regulator, gas cylinder, blender, air compressor, gas analyzers; 4. CPAP / NPPV with patient interfaces; 5. Humidifiers; 6. Nebulizers; 7. Metered-dose inhalers, spacers, and valved holding chambers; 8. Dry-powder inhalers (DPI); 9. Resuscitation equipment, for example, self-inflating resuscitator, flow-inflating resuscitator, AED; 10. Mechanical ventilators; 11. Intubation equipment; 12. Artificial airways; 13. Suctioning equipment, for example, regulator, canister, tubing, catheter; 14. Blood analyzers, for example, hemoximetry (CO-oximetry), point-of-care, blood gas; 15. Patient breathing circuits; 16. Hyperinflation devices; 17. Secretion clearance devices; 18. Heliox delivery device; 19. Portable spirometer; 20. Testing equipment in a pulmonary function laboratory; 21. Pleural drainage; 22. Noninvasive monitoring, for example, pulse oximeter, capnometer, transcutaneous; 23. Bronchoscopes and light sources; 24. Hemodynamic monitoring a. pressure transducers; b. catheters, for example, arterial, pulmonary artery
    • II.B. Ensure Infection Prevention (2 of 20 section items; Recall 2, Application 0, Analysis 0) — 1. Adhering to infection prevention policies and procedures, for example, Standard Precautions, donning/doffing, isolation; 2. Adhering to disinfection policies and procedures; 3. Proper handling of biohazardous materials
    • II.C. Perform Quality Control Procedures (3 of 20 section items; Recall 2, Application 1, Analysis 0) — 1. Blood analyzers; 2. Gas analyzers; 3. Pulmonary function equipment for testing a. spirometry results; b. lung volumes; c. diffusing capacity (DLCO); 4. Mechanical ventilators; 5. Noninvasive monitors
  • III. INITIATION AND MODIFICATION OF INTERVENTIONS (70 of 140 scored items; Recall 10, Application 30, Analysis 30) (50%)
    • III.A. Maintain a Patent Airway Including the Care of Artificial Airways (10 of 70 section items; Recall 3, Application 4, Analysis 3) — 1. Proper positioning of a patient; 2. Recognition of a difficult airway; 3. Establishing and managing a patient's airway a. nasopharyngeal airway; b. oropharyngeal airway; c. esophagealtracheal tubes / supraglottic airways; d. endotracheal tube; e. tracheostomy tube; f. laryngectomy tube; g. speaking valves; h. devices that assist with intubation, for example, endotracheal tube exchanger, video laryngoscopy; 4. Performing tracheostomy care; 5. Exchanging artificial airways; 6. Maintaining adequate humidification; 7. Initiating protocols to prevent ventilator-associated infections; 8. Performing extubation
    • III.B. Perform Airway Clearance and Lung Expansion Techniques (5 of 70 section items; Recall 2, Application 2, Analysis 1) — 1. Postural drainage, percussion, or vibration; 2. Suctioning, for example, nasotracheal, oropharyngeal; 3. Mechanical devices, for example, high-frequency chest wall oscillation, vibratory PEP, intrapulmonary percussive ventilation, insufflation / exsufflation; 4. Assisted cough, for example, huff, abdominal thrust; 5. Hyperinflation therapy; 6. Inspiratory muscle training
    • III.C. Support Oxygenation and Ventilation (15 of 70 section items; Recall 1, Application 5, Analysis 9) — 1. Initiating and adjusting oxygen therapy; 2. Minimizing hypoxemia, for example, patient positioning, secretion removal; 3. Initiating and adjusting mask or nasal CPAP; 4. Initiating and adjusting mechanical ventilation settings a. continuous mechanical ventilation; b. noninvasive ventilation; c. high-frequency ventilation; d. alarms; 5. Recognizing and correcting patient-ventilator dyssynchrony; 6. Utilizing ventilator graphics; 7. Performing lung recruitment maneuvers; 8. Liberating a patient from mechanical ventilation
    • III.D. Administer Medications and Specialty Gases (4 of 70 section items; Recall 1, Application 3, Analysis 0) — 1. Aerosolized preparations a. antimicrobials; b. pulmonary vasodilators; c. bronchodilators; d. mucolytics / proteolytics; e. steroids; 2. Endotracheal instillation; 3. Specialty gases, for example, heliox, inhaled NO
    • III.E. Ensure Modifications are Made to the Respiratory Care Plan (18 of 70 section items; Recall 1, Application 7, Analysis 10) — 1. Treatment termination, for example, life-threatening adverse event; 2. Recommendations a. starting treatment based on patient response; b. treatment of pneumothorax; c. adjustment of fluid balance; d. adjustment of electrolyte therapy; e. insertion or change of artificial airway; f. liberating from mechanical ventilation; g. extubation; h. discontinuing treatment based on patient response; i. consultation from a physician specialist; 3. Recommendations for changes a. patient position; b. oxygen therapy; c. humidification; d. airway clearance; e. hyperinflation; f. mechanical ventilation; 4. Recommendations for pharmacologic interventions a. bronchodilators; b. anti-inflammatory drugs; c. mucolytics and proteolytics; d. aerosolized antibiotics; e. inhaled pulmonary vasodilators; f. cardiovascular; g. antimicrobials; h. sedatives and hypnotics; i. analgesics; j. narcotic antagonists; k. benzodiazepine antagonists; l. neuromuscular blocking agents; m. diuretics; n. surfactants; o. changes to drug, dosage, administration frequency, mode, or concentration
    • III.F. Utilize Evidence-Based Practice (6 of 70 section items; Recall 0, Application 2, Analysis 4) — 1. Classification of disease severity; 2. Recommendations for changes in a therapeutic plan when indicated; 3. Application of guidelines, for example, ARDSNet, NAEPP, GOLD
    • III.G. Provide Respiratory Care in High-Risk Situations (5 of 70 section items; Recall 0, Application 2, Analysis 3) — 1. Emergency a. cardiopulmonary emergencies, excluding CPR; b. disaster management; c. medical emergency team (MET) / rapid response team; 2. Interprofessional communication; 3. Patient transport a. land / air between hospitals; b. within a hospital
    • III.H. Assist a Physician / Provider in Performing Procedures (4 of 70 section items; Recall 1, Application 3, Analysis 0) — 1. Intubation; 2. Bronchoscopy; 3. Specialized bronchoscopy, for example, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), navigational bronchoscopy (ENB); 4. Thoracentesis; 5. Tracheotomy; 6. Chest tube insertion; 7. Insertion of arterial or venous catheters; 8. Moderate (conscious) sedation; 9. Cardioversion; 10. Withdrawal of life support
    • III.I. Conduct Patient and Family Education (3 of 70 section items; Recall 1, Application 2, Analysis 0) — 1. Safety and infection control; 2. Home care and related equipment; 3. Lifestyle changes, for example, smoking cessation, exercise; 4. Pulmonary rehabilitation; 5. Disease / condition management, for example, asthma, COPD, CF, tracheostomy care, ventilator dependent
Examination sources