AE-C Practice Test 2026 — Free AE-C Exam Prep Questions
The AE-C exam certifies nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, health educators and other professionals who teach people with asthma and their families. Our practice questions follow the official AE-C examination specifications — the asthma condition, assessment, asthma management and organizational issues — using patient-education scenarios and current GINA and NAEPP guidance, with guideline-dependent items flagged.
An evaluation of a family asthma program finds that knowledge scores and inhaler-technique checklists improved, but ED visits did not change. Only 30% of families completed the home-visit session, which addresses home triggers. Which recommendation is most appropriate?
AE-C format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based at PSI assessment centers, by appointment, Monday through Saturday. One question per screen; you can skip, bookmark and change answers. A virtual calculator is built into the exam software (personal calculators are not allowed).
| Exam | 175 multiple-choice items (150 scored + 25 pretest) in 3.5 hours |
|---|---|
| Content outline | AE-C Examination Specifications, effective September 1, 2018 |
| Content split | The Asthma Condition 30, Assessment 34, Asthma Management 71, Organizational Issues 15 (scored items) |
| Item format | 4 options (A–D), one best answer; no guessing penalty |
| Calculator | On-screen virtual calculator; personal calculators not allowed |
| Fee | $350 first attempt / $250 repeat |
| Retakes | 2 attempts, then 180 days between attempts |
| 2025 first-time pass rate | 51.3% |
| Certification | Valid 5 years (NBRC Credential Maintenance Program) |
| Administered by | The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which took over the AE-C from NAECB in September 2022 |
Facts last verified Nov 3, 2026. Source: www.nbrc.org/examinations/certified-asthma-educator-ae-c/. Always confirm details with NBRC before your exam.
When can you take the AE-C?
There are no application deadlines. Once your application is accepted you have 90 calendar days to test at a PSI assessment center (Monday–Saturday, except listed holidays).
Plan backwards from your exam date
What the AE-C covers
Every PrepBanq AE-C test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
The Asthma ConditionPathophysiology; factors contributing to acute and chronic asthma: triggers, tobacco smoke, occupational risks, medications that worsen asthma, mimics and comorbid conditions (30 items). | 20% | ~30 | 30 questions → |
Assessment of an Individual with Asthma and FamilyHistory, physical signs of an exacerbation, objective measures (ACT, spirometry, peak flow, FeNO, allergy testing, bronchoprovocation) and educational needs (34 items). | 22.7% | ~34 | 34 questions → |
Asthma ManagementMedications and delivery devices, behavioral and environmental modifications, the self-management education plan, the written asthma action plan and its periodic reevaluation (71 items). | 47.3% | ~71 | 71 questions → |
Organizational IssuesNeeds assessment, program development, implementation, evaluation and professional partnerships (15 items). | 10% | ~15 | 15 questions → |
How to register for the AE-C
Eligibility
Age 18 or older, and either a current, active, unrestricted U.S. license or credential (e.g., MD/DO, PA-C, RN/LPN/NP, RRT/CRT, RPFT/CPFT, RPh, CSW, CHES, PT, OT, EMT/AEMT, paramedic, CCC-SLP) or at least 1,000 hours of direct patient asthma education, counseling or coordinating services.
Retake policy
Two attempts without a waiting period; after that, at least 180 days between attempts. Each attempt needs a new application and the repeat fee.
Score release
Your score report is emailed after the exam; contact PSI if it has not arrived within 24 hours.
Credential renewal
The AE-C credential lasts 5 years. Maintain it through NBRC's Credential Maintenance Program (assessments and/or asthma-education CE, or retaking the AE-C in the final year).
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AE-C FAQ
How many questions are on the AE-C?
The AE-C has 175 questions (150 of them scored) and you have 3 hours 30 minutes to finish. Question types: Multiple choice only: 175 items (150 scored + 25 unscored pretest items mixed in), each with 4 options (A–D) and one best answer. The outline calls for 34 recall, 78 application and 38 analysis items..
How long is the AE-C exam?
Testing time for the AE-C is 3 hours 30 minutes.
What is the passing score for the AE-C?
AE-C passing standard: Pass/fail: your raw score (1 point per scored item) is compared with a cut score set by a subject-matter-expert panel study. There is no penalty for guessing. Score range: 0–150 scored items.
How much does the AE-C cost?
The AE-C registration fee is $350 first attempt; $250 repeat attempt. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the AE-C?
The AE-C covers The Asthma Condition (about 20%), Assessment of an Individual with Asthma and Family (about 22.7%), Asthma Management (about 47.3%), Organizational Issues (about 10%).
Who administers the AE-C?
The Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C) Exam is administered by NBRC. Delivery: Computer-based at PSI assessment centers, by appointment, Monday through Saturday. One question per screen; you can skip, bookmark and change answers. A virtual calculator is built into the exam software (personal calculators are not allowed).
Can you retake the AE-C?
Two attempts without a waiting period; after that, at least 180 days between attempts. Each attempt needs a new application and the repeat fee.
Is there a free AE-C practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free AE-C practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real AE-C formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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