Respiratory Therapist License Cost by State (2026): Complete Fee Breakdown

Government licensing fees for respiratory therapists range from $220 to $615 across the 51 states we track. But government fees are only a small part of the total cost picture. This guide breaks down every cost component — from education to NBRC exams to annual renewal fees — so you can plan your budget accurately.

Of the 51 states, 50 require state licensure. The others may still require NBRC credentials (CRT or RRT) as a condition of employment. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam and Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) that are required for CRT and RRT credentials, respectively.

Cost Components: What You’ll Pay

Government & Credentialing Fees

State license application: $220–$615
NBRC TMC exam: ~$190
NBRC CSE exam (for RRT): ~$200
NBRC credential application: ~$100–$150
Background check / fingerprinting: $25–$100

Education & Ongoing Costs

Associate’s degree (CoARC program): $10,000–$30,000
Bachelor’s degree: $40,000–$100,000+
Textbooks & equipment: $500–$2,000
CE courses for renewal: $50–$500/year
NBRC credential renewal (every 5 years): ~$100
State license renewal: varies by state

Min Gov’t Fee

$220

Max Gov’t Fee

$615

States Licensed

RRT-Only States

CRT vs. RRT: The Cost Difference

Earning the CRT credential requires only the TMC exam (~$190). Earning the RRT (the preferred and increasingly required credential) requires passing the TMC at the high-cut score AND the CSE (~$200). That is ~$390 in NBRC exam fees alone to reach RRT, compared to ~$190 for CRT only. In the 3 states that require the RRT as the minimum, you must plan for both exams.

5 Cheapest States (Government Fees)

Pennsylvania

Min credential: CRT • CE: 30 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$220

Missouri

Min credential: CRT • CE: 24 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$230

Indiana

Min credential: CRT • CE: 15 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$240

Rhode Island

Min credential: CRT • CE: 12 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$250

South Dakota

Min credential: CRT • CE: 20 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$250

5 Most Expensive States (Government Fees)

California

Min credential: CRT • CE: 15 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$615

New York

Min credential: CRT • CE: 30 hrs • Renewal: 3 years

$484

New Jersey

Min credential: CRT • CE: 30 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$475

Nevada

Min credential: CRT • CE: 20 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$475

Hawaii

Min credential: CRT • CE: 0 hrs • Renewal: 3 years

$460

Full State Table — All 51 States

Government fees only. NBRC exam fees (~$190 TMC, ~$200 CSE) and education costs are additional. Sorted alphabetically.

State	Licensed	Min Credential	Gov’t Fees	CE Hours	Renewal	Telehealth
Alabama	Yes	CRT	$320	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Alaska	No	—	—	—	N/A	—
Arizona	Yes	CRT	$460	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Arkansas	Yes	CRT	$265	12 hrs	2 years	Yes
California	Yes	CRT	$615	15 hrs	2 years	Yes
Colorado	Yes	CRT	$275	0 hrs	2 years	Yes
Connecticut	Yes	CRT	$380	10 hrs	1 year	Yes
Delaware	Yes	CRT	$291	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
District of Columbia	Yes	CRT	$444	16 hrs	2 years	Yes
Florida	Yes	CRT	$355	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Georgia	Yes	CRT	$340	30 hrs	2 years	Yes
Hawaii	Yes	CRT	$460	0 hrs	3 years	Yes
Idaho	Yes	CRT	$255	12 hrs	1 year	Yes
Illinois	Yes	CRT	$310	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Indiana	Yes	CRT	$240	15 hrs	2 years	Yes
Iowa	Yes	CRT	$265	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Kansas	Yes	CRT	$290	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Kentucky	Yes	CRT	$340	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Louisiana	Yes	CRT	$353	10 hrs	1 year	Yes
Maine	Yes	CRT	$276	0 hrs	1 year	Yes
Maryland	Yes	CRT	$390	16 hrs	2 years	Yes
Massachusetts	Yes	CRT	$450	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Michigan	Yes	CRT	$285	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Minnesota	Yes	CRT	$399	24 hrs	1 year	Yes
Mississippi	Yes	CRT	$265	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Missouri	Yes	CRT	$230	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Montana	Yes	CRT	$290	12 hrs	1 year	Yes
Nebraska	Yes	CRT	$308	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Nevada	Yes	CRT	$475	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
New Hampshire	Yes	CRT	$360	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
New Jersey	Yes	CRT	$475	30 hrs	2 years	Yes
New Mexico	Yes	CRT	$340	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
New York	Yes	CRT	$484	30 hrs	3 years	Yes
North Carolina	Yes	CRT	$365	12 hrs	1 year	Yes
North Dakota	Yes	CRT	$270	10 hrs	1 year	Yes
Ohio	Yes	RRT	$265	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Oklahoma	Yes	CRT	$265	12 hrs	2 years	Yes
Oregon	Yes	RRT	$290	15 hrs	1 year	Yes
Pennsylvania	Yes	CRT	$220	30 hrs	2 years	Yes
Rhode Island	Yes	CRT	$250	12 hrs	2 years	Yes
South Carolina	Yes	CRT	$265	30 hrs	2 years	Yes
South Dakota	Yes	CRT	$250	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Tennessee	Yes	CRT	$340	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Texas	Yes	CRT	$365	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Utah	Yes	CRT	$250	0 hrs	2 years	Yes
Vermont	Yes	CRT	$305	12 hrs	2 years	Yes
Virginia	Yes	CRT	$325	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Washington	Yes	RRT	$355	30 hrs	2 years	Yes
West Virginia	Yes	CRT	$255	20 hrs	1 year	Yes
Wisconsin	Yes	CRT	$250	0 hrs	2 years	Yes
Wyoming	Yes	CRT	$290	8 hrs	1 year	Yes

How to Reduce Your Total Cost

Choose a community college CoARC program

Community college associate’s degree programs in respiratory therapy typically cost $10,000–$20,000, compared to $40,000+ at private colleges. The CoARC accreditation and resulting NBRC credentials are identical.

Earn the RRT on the first attempt

The TMC and CSE exams cost ~$390 combined. Each failed attempt costs additional fees and delays. Thorough preparation with NBRC practice exams and review courses is worth the investment.

Use AARC membership for free CE

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) offers CE courses free or at steep discounts to members. Annual AARC membership ($80–$120) can pay for itself quickly through CE savings, especially for the NBRC’s 30 CE credits required per 5-year maintenance cycle.

Negotiate CE reimbursement with employers

Most hospitals and healthcare systems support RT licensure maintenance as part of employment. Ask about CE reimbursement, paid time off for conferences, and employer-sponsored specialty credential programs.

Consider lower-fee states if relocating

Government fees range from $220 to $615. While this difference is modest compared to education costs, in states requiring CoARC accreditation (50 states), you have full flexibility to practice anywhere those credentials are accepted.

Next Steps

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist →

Education, NBRC exams, and state licensure steps

Easiest States for RT Licensure →

Ranked by credential requirements, fees, and CE burden

Sources

State respiratory care board websites (all 51 jurisdictions)
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) — nbrc.org
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) — coarc.com
American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) — aarc.org
Data last verified March 2026

Cost Components: What You’ll Pay

Government & Credentialing Fees

State license application: $220–$615
NBRC TMC exam: ~$190
NBRC CSE exam (for RRT): ~$200
NBRC credential application: ~$100–$150
Background check / fingerprinting: $25–$100

Education & Ongoing Costs

Associate’s degree (CoARC program): $10,000–$30,000
Bachelor’s degree: $40,000–$100,000+
Textbooks & equipment: $500–$2,000
CE courses for renewal: $50–$500/year
NBRC credential renewal (every 5 years): ~$100
State license renewal: varies by state

Min Gov’t Fee

$220

Max Gov’t Fee

$615

States Licensed

RRT-Only States

CRT vs. RRT: The Cost Difference

5 Cheapest States (Government Fees)

Pennsylvania

Min credential: CRT • CE: 30 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$220

Missouri

Min credential: CRT • CE: 24 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$230

Indiana

Min credential: CRT • CE: 15 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$240

Rhode Island

Min credential: CRT • CE: 12 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$250

South Dakota

Min credential: CRT • CE: 20 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$250

5 Most Expensive States (Government Fees)

California

Min credential: CRT • CE: 15 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$615

New York

Min credential: CRT • CE: 30 hrs • Renewal: 3 years

$484

New Jersey

Min credential: CRT • CE: 30 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$475

Nevada

Min credential: CRT • CE: 20 hrs • Renewal: 2 years

$475

Hawaii

Min credential: CRT • CE: 0 hrs • Renewal: 3 years

$460

Full State Table — All 51 States

Government fees only. NBRC exam fees (~$190 TMC, ~$200 CSE) and education costs are additional. Sorted alphabetically.

State	Licensed	Min Credential	Gov’t Fees	CE Hours	Renewal	Telehealth
Alabama	Yes	CRT	$320	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Alaska	No	—	—	—	N/A	—
Arizona	Yes	CRT	$460	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Arkansas	Yes	CRT	$265	12 hrs	2 years	Yes
California	Yes	CRT	$615	15 hrs	2 years	Yes
Colorado	Yes	CRT	$275	0 hrs	2 years	Yes
Connecticut	Yes	CRT	$380	10 hrs	1 year	Yes
Delaware	Yes	CRT	$291	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
District of Columbia	Yes	CRT	$444	16 hrs	2 years	Yes
Florida	Yes	CRT	$355	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Georgia	Yes	CRT	$340	30 hrs	2 years	Yes
Hawaii	Yes	CRT	$460	0 hrs	3 years	Yes
Idaho	Yes	CRT	$255	12 hrs	1 year	Yes
Illinois	Yes	CRT	$310	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Indiana	Yes	CRT	$240	15 hrs	2 years	Yes
Iowa	Yes	CRT	$265	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Kansas	Yes	CRT	$290	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Kentucky	Yes	CRT	$340	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Louisiana	Yes	CRT	$353	10 hrs	1 year	Yes
Maine	Yes	CRT	$276	0 hrs	1 year	Yes
Maryland	Yes	CRT	$390	16 hrs	2 years	Yes
Massachusetts	Yes	CRT	$450	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Michigan	Yes	CRT	$285	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Minnesota	Yes	CRT	$399	24 hrs	1 year	Yes
Mississippi	Yes	CRT	$265	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Missouri	Yes	CRT	$230	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Montana	Yes	CRT	$290	12 hrs	1 year	Yes
Nebraska	Yes	CRT	$308	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Nevada	Yes	CRT	$475	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
New Hampshire	Yes	CRT	$360	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
New Jersey	Yes	CRT	$475	30 hrs	2 years	Yes
New Mexico	Yes	CRT	$340	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
New York	Yes	CRT	$484	30 hrs	3 years	Yes
North Carolina	Yes	CRT	$365	12 hrs	1 year	Yes
North Dakota	Yes	CRT	$270	10 hrs	1 year	Yes
Ohio	Yes	RRT	$265	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Oklahoma	Yes	CRT	$265	12 hrs	2 years	Yes
Oregon	Yes	RRT	$290	15 hrs	1 year	Yes
Pennsylvania	Yes	CRT	$220	30 hrs	2 years	Yes
Rhode Island	Yes	CRT	$250	12 hrs	2 years	Yes
South Carolina	Yes	CRT	$265	30 hrs	2 years	Yes
South Dakota	Yes	CRT	$250	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Tennessee	Yes	CRT	$340	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Texas	Yes	CRT	$365	24 hrs	2 years	Yes
Utah	Yes	CRT	$250	0 hrs	2 years	Yes
Vermont	Yes	CRT	$305	12 hrs	2 years	Yes
Virginia	Yes	CRT	$325	20 hrs	2 years	Yes
Washington	Yes	RRT	$355	30 hrs	2 years	Yes
West Virginia	Yes	CRT	$255	20 hrs	1 year	Yes
Wisconsin	Yes	CRT	$250	0 hrs	2 years	Yes
Wyoming	Yes	CRT	$290	8 hrs	1 year	Yes

How to Reduce Your Total Cost

Choose a community college CoARC program

Earn the RRT on the first attempt

The TMC and CSE exams cost ~$390 combined. Each failed attempt costs additional fees and delays. Thorough preparation with NBRC practice exams and review courses is worth the investment.

Use AARC membership for free CE

Negotiate CE reimbursement with employers

Consider lower-fee states if relocating

Next Steps

Sources

State respiratory care board websites (all 51 jurisdictions)
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) — nbrc.org
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) — coarc.com
American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) — aarc.org
Data last verified March 2026

Respiratory Therapist License Cost by State (2026): Complete Fee Breakdown

Cost Components: What You’ll Pay

Government & Credentialing Fees

Education & Ongoing Costs

CRT vs. RRT: The Cost Difference

5 Cheapest States (Government Fees)

5 Most Expensive States (Government Fees)

Full State Table — All 51 States

How to Reduce Your Total Cost

Choose a community college CoARC program

Earn the RRT on the first attempt

Use AARC membership for free CE

Negotiate CE reimbursement with employers

Consider lower-fee states if relocating

Next Steps

Sources

Respiratory Therapy Exam Prep

Ready to Become a Respiratory Therapist?

Respiratory Therapist License Cost by State (2026): Complete Fee Breakdown

Cost Components: What You’ll Pay

Government & Credentialing Fees

Education & Ongoing Costs

CRT vs. RRT: The Cost Difference

5 Cheapest States (Government Fees)

5 Most Expensive States (Government Fees)

Full State Table — All 51 States

How to Reduce Your Total Cost

Choose a community college CoARC program

Earn the RRT on the first attempt

Use AARC membership for free CE

Negotiate CE reimbursement with employers

Consider lower-fee states if relocating

Next Steps

Sources

Respiratory Therapy Exam Prep

Ready to Become a Respiratory Therapist?