To meet the future needs of the profession, the NBRC has announced a significant change to the examination process for both CRTs and RRTs.
Beginning in January of 2027, the NBRC will shift to a single multiple choice examination, eliminating the Clinical Simulation Examination now required for those seeking the RRT.
Under the new system, all candidates will sit for the same multiple choice exam, with those reaching a lower cut score earning the CRT credential and those reaching a higher cut score receiving the RRT credential. The new exam will be known as the Respiratory Therapy Examination.
AARC President Sheri Tooley, BSRT, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, CPFT, FAARC, and President-Elect Carl Hinkson, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, FAARC, both see the move as a welcome development for new graduates.
“I applaud this change by the NBRC,” Hinkson said. “Soon, respiratory therapists will only have to pay for one exam when they graduate and enter the workforce.”
Said Tooley, “I too applaud the NBRC. This is the first step toward a single credential for entry to practice.”
The NBRC sent out an email with a Q&A regarding the changes to all concerned on Tuesday of this week. Stay tuned for more details as the implementation date gets closer.
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Debbie Bunch is an AARC contributor who writes feature articles, news stories, and other content for Newsroom, the AARC website, and associated emailed newsletters. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, photography, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Connect with Debbie by email or on AARConnect or LinkedIn.
