Respiratory Therapist Test Guide

The Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam is for entry-level respiratory therapists. Successful performance on the exam leads to the CRT designation, which is a voluntary certification credential. Certification can be used by respiratory therapists to demonstrate to current and future employers their dedication to their career as well as a high level of competency in respiratory therapy. The certification is administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

The TMC test is comprised of 160 multiple-choice questions that cover clinical data, therapeutic procedures and equipment. Twenty questions are pretest questions. Test questions will focus on the ability of the test taker to recall, apply and analyze information. Three hours are allotted for completion of the exam.

TMC exam sections include:

o   Patient data evaluation and recommendations

o   Review patient record data

o   Collect and evaluate clinical information

o   Recommend procedures for collecting additional data

o   Equipment manipulation, infection control and quality control 

o   Manipulate equipment by protocol or order

o   Ensure infection control

o   Perform quality control procedures

o  Initiation and modification of therapeutic procedures 

o   Achieve adequate respiratory support

o   Assist physicians in special procedures

o   Conduct pulmonary rehabilitation and home care

o   Determine appropriateness of respiratory care plans

o   Evaluate and monitor patient objectives and responses to care

o   Independently modify therapeutic procedures

o   Initiate, conduct and modify emergency respiratory care techniques

o   Maintain patient airway and care for artificial airways

o   Maintain records and communicate information

o   Recommend modifications in respiratory care plan

o   Remove bronchopulmonary secretions

Exam candidates must be 18 years old and either have an associate degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited institution or be enrolled in an accredited bachelor’s degree program in respiratory therapy. Candidates meeting the latter requirement will need to provide a certificate of completion from their college or university that indicates the successful completion of coursework in advanced science and respiratory therapy classes.

Test candidates can register for the exam online at www.nbrc.org. An exam fee must be paid during registration. Approximately two weeks after submission of the application to test, test candidates will receive an authorization letter that includes details on how to schedule an exam.

TMC exams are offered via computer at PSI Testing Centers. More than 300 test centers nationwide offer the TMC exam. Test appointments can be scheduled Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. An appointment to test is required before a candidate will be able to take the exam.

Following completion of the exam, test takers will receive a score report from the proctor. The report will include a scaled score and indicate if the test taker passed or failed the exam. The minimum passing score on the TMC is 75. Within a month following the exam, candidates who passed the exam will receive a certificate and wallet card and may begin using the CRT designation with their name.

The National Board for Respiratory Care recommends that CRT test candidates become familiar with the computerized test model and suggests taking pretests to prepare.

To prepare for your test, use our 500 question Respiratory Therapist Practice Test that includes flash cards and an exam review. It is written by instructors in respiratory therapy. Our interactive test platform allows you to simulate the exam. Take as many practice tests as you need. There's no time limit or recurrent charges.