NBRC (National Board for Respiratory Care)

RRT

Registered Respiratory Therapist

The advanced national credential for respiratory therapists, earned by passing the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination at the high-cut score plus the Clinical Simulation Examination. Required or strongly preferred for most acute-care RT positions.

$190TMC: 3 hours; CSE: 4 hoursRequired to practice

What's on the exam

TMC Detailed Content Outline (effective January 2020)

Patient Data Evaluation and Recommendations

~36% (50 of 140 items)

Evaluate data in the patient record · Perform clinical assessment · Perform procedures to gather clinical information · Interpret ABG and pulmonary function results · Recommend diagnostic procedures

Troubleshooting and Quality Control of Equipment and Infection Control

~14% (20 of 140 items)

Assemble and troubleshoot devices · Ensure infection prevention · Perform quality control procedures · Verify equipment function · Standard precautions

Initiation and Modification of Interventions

~50% (70 of 140 items)

Maintain a patent airway and artificial airways · Airway clearance and lung expansion · Support oxygenation and ventilation · Administer medications and specialty gases · Modify the respiratory care plan · Provide care in high-risk situations and patient education

Frequently asked questions

How much does the RRT cost?

The RRT costs $190. TMC fee ~$190 and CSE fee ~$200 (separate exams); both required for the RRT.

How long is the RRT and how many questions does it have?

TMC: 160 items (140 scored); CSE: 22 problems (20 scored) — TMC: 3 hours; CSE: 4 hours.

What do you need to pass the RRT?

TMC high-cut score plus passing the CSE.

Can you retake the RRT?

After a waiting period; limited attempts per period.

What is the best way to study for the RRT?

Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Patient Data Evaluation and Recommendations ~36% (50 of 140 items), Troubleshooting and Quality Control of Equipment and Infection Control ~14% (20 of 140 items), Initiation and Modification of Interventions ~50% (70 of 140 items)). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.

Program in development

We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.

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