NBRC RT Practice Test 2026 — Free NBRC RT Exam Prep Questions
The NBRC Respiratory Therapy (RT) Examination replaces the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination from January 2027. Respiratory therapy graduates earn the CRT at the low cut score and the RRT at the high cut score, with no separate Clinical Simulation Examination. Our practice questions follow the NBRC RT Detailed Content Outline across patient data, devices and safety, and interventions, with ventilator waveforms, blood-gas tables and worked calculations.
The respiratory therapist is teaching the parents of a 2-year-old who is going home with a tracheostomy. They ask what to do if he suddenly struggles to breathe, turns dusky, and a suction catheter will not pass beyond the end of the tube. What should the therapist teach them to do first?
NBRC RT format, scoring & key facts
NBRC Respiratory Therapy (RT) Examination, effective January 2027 (first offered January 4, 2027), replacing the TMC, whose last testing day is December 31, 2026. Computer-based at PSI assessment centers, by appointment Monday–Saturday. Forms are assembled linear-on-the-fly (not adaptive). A virtual on-screen calculator is built into the exam software; personal calculators are not permitted.
| Exam | NBRC Respiratory Therapy (RT) Examination, effective January 2027; replaces the TMC (last test date December 31, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Length | 185 multiple-choice items (160 scored + 25 pretest) in 4 hours |
| Portions | Breadth of Knowledge (100 items) and Depth of Clinical Judgment (60 items) |
| Credentials | Low cut score earns the CRT; high cut score earns the RRT |
| Item format | Single-best-answer multiple choice with four options (A–D) |
| Calculator | Virtual on-screen calculator in the exam software; no personal calculators |
| Eligibility | Age 18+ and a minimum of an associate degree from a CoARC-supported or accredited entry-into-practice respiratory therapy program |
| Fee | $360 first attempt; $300 repeat |
| Retakes | 3 attempts, then a 120-day wait between attempts |
| Clinical Simulation Exam | Ends December 31, 2027; only for candidates who passed the TMC at the high cut score before December 31, 2026 |
Facts last verified Nov 11, 2026. Source: www.nbrc.org/examinations/rt/. Always confirm details with NBRC before your exam.
When can you take the NBRC RT?
Apply through the NBRC Practitioner Portal (applications opened October 1, 2026). After acceptance you have 90 days to test at a PSI assessment center, Monday–Saturday.
Plan backwards from your exam date
What the NBRC RT covers
Every PrepBanq NBRC RT test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Patient DataBreadth of Knowledge: 25 items — evaluate the patient record, perform clinical assessment, perform and evaluate procedures, recommend diagnostic procedures. | 15.6% | ~22 | 24 questions → |
Management of Devices and Patient Safety ProceduresBreadth of Knowledge: 25 items — troubleshoot devices; infection prevention and control, safety and quality assurance. | 15.6% | ~22 | 23 questions → |
Initiation and Modification of InterventionsBreadth of Knowledge: 50 items — airway care, airway clearance, oxygenation and ventilation, medications and specialty gases, care-plan changes, evidence-based practice, high-risk situations, assisting providers, team and patient interaction. | 31.3% | ~44 | 47 questions → |
Depth of Clinical Judgment60 items at the application or analysis level, organized by patient condition (adults 50, children 10), clinical judgment type (information gathering 20, decision making 40) and setting (in a hospital 46, outside a hospital 14). | 37.5% | ~53 | 56 questions → |
How to register for the NBRC RT
Retake policy
Three attempts without waiting, then at least 120 days between subsequent attempts. Previous TMC and CSE attempts do not count toward RT Examination attempts.
Score release
Your score report is emailed by PSI after you finish; contact PSI if it has not arrived within 24 hours.
Credential renewal
Each NBRC credential is awarded for a five-year term and maintained through the Credential Maintenance Program.
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NBRC RT FAQ
How many questions are on the NBRC RT?
The NBRC RT has 185 questions (140 of them scored) and you have 4 hours to finish. Question types: Multiple choice only: independent single-best-answer items with four options (A–D). The Breadth of Knowledge portion has 100 scored items and the Depth of Clinical Judgment portion has 60 scored items; 25 pretest items are unscored..
How long is the NBRC RT exam?
Testing time for the NBRC RT is 4 hours.
What is the passing score for the NBRC RT?
NBRC RT passing standard: Two cut scores on the raw score: the low cut score earns the CRT credential and the high cut score earns the RRT credential. Score range: Raw score (one point per correct scored item, 160 scored items).
How much does the NBRC RT cost?
The NBRC RT registration fee is $360 first attempt; $300 repeat attempt. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the NBRC RT?
The NBRC RT covers Patient Data (about 15.6%), Management of Devices and Patient Safety Procedures (about 15.6%), Initiation and Modification of Interventions (about 31.3%), Depth of Clinical Judgment (about 37.5%).
Who administers the NBRC RT?
The NBRC Respiratory Therapy (RT) Examination (CRT/RRT) is administered by NBRC. Delivery: NBRC Respiratory Therapy (RT) Examination, effective January 2027 (first offered January 4, 2027), replacing the TMC, whose last testing day is December 31, 2026. Computer-based at PSI assessment centers, by appointment Monday–Saturday. Forms are assembled linear-on-the-fly (not adaptive). A virtual on-screen calculator is built into the exam software; personal calculators are not permitted..
Can you retake the NBRC RT?
Three attempts without waiting, then at least 120 days between subsequent attempts. Previous TMC and CSE attempts do not count toward RT Examination attempts.
Is there a free NBRC RT practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free NBRC RT practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real NBRC RT formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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