Medical
NBRC CRTCertified Respiratory Therapist
The NBRC CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) credential is awarded to candidates who pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination at the low cut score. The TMC is the single entry-level exam for respiratory therapy practice and the gateway to either the CRT-only credential or progression to the RRT.
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Exam facts
Everything you need to know about the NBRC CRT exam.
- Passing score
- Low cut score of 86/140 scored items (high cut score 92 unlocks RRT eligibility)
- Format & length
- 160 multiple-choice questions (140 scored + 20 pretest) · 3 hours
- Voucher cost
- $190 USD
- Prerequisites
- Graduation from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program (associate or bachelor's)
- Validity
- 5 years (Continuing Competency Program: 30 CE hours or pass alternate NBRC exam)
What’s tested
Key topics on the NBRC CRT exam.
The Cert Climb question bank is mapped to every domain on the official NBRC CRT exam blueprint, so what you study is what the test asks.
- Patient Data Evaluation & Recommendations
- Troubleshooting & Quality Control of Equipment & Infection Control
- Initiation & Modification of Interventions
Who it’s for
Built for the people taking this exam.
CoARC-program graduates pursuing entry-level respiratory therapy practice in states that accept the CRT credential as the licensure standard.
Why it matters in 2026
The career signal.
CRT is the minimum licensure credential most states accept for respiratory therapists — but the trend across the US is toward requiring the higher RRT. Many employers now hire only RRTs even where CRT is technically sufficient. CRT remains a valid entry credential for new graduates targeting the RRT, since the TMC is the same exam — earn the low cut score and move on to the Clinical Simulation Examination.
What you get
Everything you need to actually pass.
Full question bank
500 questions covering every objective on the official NBRC CRT exam blueprint, with detailed explanations on every option — right and wrong.
Quiz modes
Timed exam simulation, missed-only review, topic drills, and a daily question of the day. Practice the way you study best.
Flashcards
Spaced-repetition flashcards generated from each topic. Pull them up on a phone in the gap between meetings.
Progress tracking
See per-topic accuracy and answered counts. Find weak areas before they cost you on test day.
Per-category premium
Unlocking NBRC CRT unlocks every other Medical exam in the Cert Climb catalog — pay once, stack credentials.
No-fluff explanations
Every wrong answer comes with a 2-3 sentence explanation of why it’s wrong, not just “the correct answer is X.” Pattern recognition is the whole game.
Read while you study
NBRC CRT articles & study guides
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about NBRC CRT
How many questions does the NBRC CRT bank have?
500 questions, organized into 3 subject areas mapped to the official exam objectives.
Is the free trial really free?
Yes. 30 questions, no credit card, no email-trap, no “activate by Friday or pay” spam. You either upgrade because the bank’s good, or you don’t.
What does premium cost?
Premium is sold per category and unlocks every Medical exam in the Cert Climb catalog. Plans are 1-month, 3-month, or 12-month — see the upgrade modal for current pricing.
How current is the NBRC CRT content?
We track exam version updates and refresh the bank within weeks of new objectives. Where the version of an exam matters (e.g. CompTIA SY0-701 vs. SY0-601), question explanations call it out.
Can I cancel my subscription anytime?
Yes. Cancellation is one click from your profile. Your access continues through the end of the period you’ve already paid for.
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