CRT (IJCAHPO)

It is a multiple-choice examination. Under the content outline effective January 2020 through December 31, 2026, it contains 160 multiple-choice items, of which 140 are scored and 20 are pretest items, and the testing time is three hours.

The testing time for the TMC Examination is three hours. Plan your pacing around 160 items in that window, and note that a separate Respiratory Therapy Examination with a four-hour testing period takes effect in January 2027.

If you achieve the low cut score, you earn the CRT credential. If you achieve the high cut score, you earn the CRT credential and become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and qualify to earn the RRT credential.

No. You must meet the CSE eligibility requirements regardless of your examination score. A passing performance at the high cut score does not by itself establish eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination.

Candidates may attempt the TMC Examination three times, after which a minimum wait of 120 days is required between any subsequent attempt. If you do not reach at least the low cut score, you must reapply for the TMC Examination.

No. If you already hold the CRT credential and score below the low cut score, you do not lose it, and you can retake the examination to regain RRT eligibility or become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination, subject to the three-attempt rule and the 120-day wait afterward.

You must be 18 or older and meet one of the listed pathways, such as graduating with at least an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program, holding a CSRT RRT credential, or qualifying as a CRT with specified experience and college coursework. Foreign respiratory therapy education does not qualify.

The TMC Examination costs $190 for new applicants and $150 for repeat applicants. There are no application deadlines; if you meet the admission requirements you may submit your application and fee at any time, and online credit card applications are processed immediately.

Start with the Detailed Content Outline to see the relative importance of each content area, then use the free practice examination and, if needed, the Self-Assessment Examination, which has the same number of questions as the credentialing exam. A common failure mode is skipping the outline and studying broadly instead of targeting heavily weighted areas.

You will receive information about your score at the test center after completing the examination. Note that eligibility records are maintained for one year following application, so pursue credentialing promptly after receiving your confirmation of eligibility.