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Respiratory Therapist
Total cost: $380 (application fee $190 + TMC exam fee $190)
RCP
Credential Title
Required
TMC Exam
Not Required
CSE Exam
Associate's degree
Min. Degree
10 hrs
CE Hours
$380 (application fee $190 + TMC exam fee $190)
Total Initial Fees
Official Title
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
Requirements
Graduate from CoARC-accredited program + pass NBRC TMC exam
NBRC Credential Required
CRT
Additional Requirements
Official Title
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
Requirements
CRT credential + pass NBRC CSE (Clinical Simulation Exam)
NBRC Credential Required
RRT
Additional Requirements
Education & Program Requirements
VerifiedMinimum Degree
Associate's degree
CoARC Accredited
Required
Program Length
2 years
Clinical Hours
Varies by program (set by CoARC-accredited programs) hours
Accepted Programs
Respiratory therapy programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Graduates are eligible to sit for the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) examination.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NBRC TMC Exam
→ CRT
Not Required
NBRC CSE Exam
→ RRT
Not Required
Jurisprudence Exam
NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam → CRT
160
Questions
3 hrs
Time Limit
Scaled score; low-cut for CRT, high-cut for RRT eligibility
Passing Score
$190
Exam Fee
Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice
Overall licensing difficulty: 12/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NBRC (CRT/RRT) Respiratory Therapist Exam
Browse study guides
Respiratory Therapy Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination
Questions
160 questions
Passing Score
Scaled score; low-cut for CRT, high-cut for RRT eligibility
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $190Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CRT Exam
Prepare for your CRT Exam with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
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Study guides for the TMC and RRT certification exams.
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Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
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Authorized Practice Areas
VerifiedAuthorized
Ventilator Management
Authorized
Oxygen Therapy
Authorized
Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)
Authorized
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFTs)
Authorized
Airway Management
Authorized
Medication Administration
Additional Scope
Notes
Full respiratory care scope under physician orders or approved protocols
Supervision Requirements
VerifiedPhysician Supervision
Required
Supervision Type
General supervision by physician
Protocol-Based Practice Allowed
Details
Respiratory therapists in Connecticut practice under physician orders or approved institutional protocols. Direct bedside supervision is generally not required for routine procedures.
Respiratory therapists typically work under the direction of a physician, but the level of supervision varies by state. Some states allow protocol-based practice where RTs follow physician-approved protocols without direct orders.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $190 |
NBRC TMC Exam Fee | $190 |
NBRC CSE Exam Fee | $200 |
State License Fee | $190 |
Renewal Fee | $105 |
Total Initial Fees Includes NBRC TMC exam ($190) and application/license fee ($190); CSE/RRT fees additional | $380 (application fee $190 + TMC exam fee $190) |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedAnnual (1 year)
Renewal Period
10 hrs
CE Hours Required
Yes
NBRC Maintenance
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$105
Regulatory Board
Respiratory therapist licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering clinical practice updates, patient safety, and emerging respiratory care technologies.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NBRC Credential-Based Transfer
Accepted
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement
Transfer Details
Applicants with out-of-state license and NBRC credentials may apply by endorsement
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Respiratory therapist license transfer is typically facilitated by holding current NBRC credentials (CRT or RRT). Most states accept the NBRC credential as the primary basis for out-of-state licensure.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Connecticut with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Connecticut requires 20 CE hours annually, which is a higher annual requirement than many states.
Telehealth Rules
VerifiedTelehealth: Allowed
Remote Monitoring: Allowed
Telehealth services permitted for licensed respiratory care practitioners
Annual license renewal
20 CE hours required each year
NBRC exam system changes January 2027: The current TMC + CSE two-exam system will be replaced by a single 'Respiratory Therapy Examination' (185 questions, 4 hours, $360 new applicants / $300 repeat). Two cut scores will award CRT (low) or RRT (high) — no separate CSE needed. The CRT-to-Registry pathway is eliminated December 31, 2026. CSE remains available through December 31, 2027 for those who passed TMC high cut before that date.
Respiratory Therapist requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut (you) | $380 | 112–222 wks | |
| Massachusetts | $450 | 112–222 wks | → |
| New York | $484 | 112–222 wks | → |
| Rhode Island | $250 | 112–222 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Connecticut
See how Connecticut compares: Respiratory Therapist License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare respiratory therapist requirements across all states →
Respiratory Therapist licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure respiratory therapist is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Connecticut compare to other states for respiratory therapist? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your respiratory therapist license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Connecticut.
Respiratory Therapist Schools in Connecticut
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Connecticut? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Respiratory Therapist license to Connecticut →
Transfer your Respiratory Therapist license from Connecticut to: Massachusetts → | New York → | Rhode Island →
Connecticut requires state licensure for respiratory therapists. The minimum credential is CRT. All licensing is managed through the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.