NBRC SDS

The exam contains 180 multiple-choice items. Of these, 160 are scored and 20 are pretest items that do not count toward your result. You are given four hours of testing time to complete all 180 items, which works out to roughly 80 seconds per item on average.

It is a multiple-choice computer-based examination, but it is not purely text. Candidates should expect polygraphic tracings based on old and new recording guidelines, so you must be able to read and interpret sleep study epochs. The NBRC offers a free online practice examination that uses the same software as the real exam.

It is a specialty exam, so it assumes solid CRT or RRT-level respiratory knowledge and layers sleep-specific competencies on top. Start with the detailed content outline and use the number of questions per section to judge relative weight, then concentrate study time on the heaviest content areas before reviewing lower-weight topics.

You must meet one of three routes: hold CRT or RRT status and have completed a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapist education program that includes a sleep add-on track; be a CRT for at least six months before applying; or be an RRT for at least three months before applying. Confirm your route before submitting an application and fee.

The Sleep Disorders Specialty Examination costs $300 for new applicants and $250 for reapplicants. AARC members are eligible for a one-time $40 discount when applying for the first time, but you must register for the discount through the AARC website first and begin the NBRC application from the link AARC emails you. The discount is not applied retroactively.

Candidates may attempt the SDS Examination two times. After those initial attempts, you must wait at least 180 days before sitting for the exam again. Plan your study timeline around this limit, since a rushed second attempt can leave you waiting roughly six months for another opportunity.

Online applications paid by credit card are processed immediately. Mailed applications and fees are processed in approximately five to seven business days. Once approved, you receive an email confirmation of eligibility containing a website and toll-free number for scheduling. There are no application deadlines, and exams are offered Monday through Saturday at more than 300 assessment centers.

You will receive information about your score at the test center after completing the examination. Keep in mind that your eligibility records are maintained for one year following application regardless of whether you schedule an exam, so if you delay, your records can be inactivated and you would need to reapply as a new candidate.

Skipping the polygraphic tracing practice. Many candidates study facts about sleep medicine but never drill epoch-by-epoch scoring under time pressure, then lose points on tracing items. Use the free practice exam to get comfortable with the software, then work through tracings using both old and new recording guidelines until interpretation is automatic.

The free practice exam familiarizes you with content and question types and mirrors the real testing software. The Self-Assessment Examination is a paid option with the same number of questions as the credentialing exam and provides the examination committee's rationale for the best response to each question, which makes it more useful for diagnosing weak areas late in preparation.