NBRC CRT

The TMC Examination consists of 160 multiple-choice items, of which 140 are scored and 20 are pretest items that do not count toward your score. The testing time is three hours. Because roughly one item in eight is unscored, a handful of unusually hard or odd questions is normal and not a sign you are failing.

Two cut scores are set. 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 CSE eligibility requirements and qualify to earn the RRT credential. If you fall below the low cut score, you must reapply.

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. Online applications paid by credit card are processed immediately; mailed applications take roughly five to seven business days.

Candidates may attempt the TMC Examination three times. After that, a minimum of 120 days is required between any subsequent attempt. Note that this differs from the specialty examinations, which allow two initial attempts and then require at least 180 days between subsequent sittings.

No. If you currently hold the CRT credential and score below the low cut score, your credential is not affected. You can retake the TMC Examination as often as necessary to regain RRT eligibility or to become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination - though once you have attempted three times, the 120-day waiting period applies.

No. Reaching the high cut score makes you eligible for the CSE only if you also meet the CSE eligibility requirements and are eligible to earn the RRT credential. Eligibility is determined separately from your examination score, so check the admission requirements before assuming you can proceed directly to the CSE.

NBRC examinations are administered Monday through Saturday at more than 300 assessment centers nationwide, except on nationally recognized holidays. Once your eligibility is confirmed you can schedule online. You receive information about your score at the test center after completing the examination.

Start with the Detailed Content Outline for your test date; the number of questions in each section shows the relative importance of each content area. A free online practice examination mirrors the real testing experience, and the Self-Assessment Examination has the same number of questions as the credentialing exam and provides the committee's rationale for each best response.

Yes. The TMC Examination and its Detailed Content Outline are effective January 2020 through December 31, 2026. Beginning January 2027, the Respiratory Therapy Examination replaces it: 185 multiple-choice items (160 scored, 25 pretest) taken over a four-hour period, with the low cut score earning the CRT and the high cut score earning the RRT. Always study from the outline matching your test date.

You must be at least 18 years old and a graduate with a minimum associate degree from a respiratory therapy program accredited by CoARC, or qualify through one of the alternate CRT-experience pathways, or hold the CSRT RRT credential. Foreign respiratory therapy education does not qualify for admission to the TMC Examination.