CRT EXAM

Exam:

Certified Respiratory Therapist Exam

Industry:

Healthcare

Country:

USA

Website:

https://www.nbrc.org/examinations/crt/

CRT Exam Overview

The Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam is administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This examination is designed to objectively measure the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of entry-level respiratory therapists.

Exam Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the CRT Examination, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

Be a graduate of and have a minimum of an associate degree from a respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Be a CRT for at least four years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential.
Be a CRT for at least two years prior to applying for the examinations associated with the RRT credential AND have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

Exam Content

The CRT Examination consists of 160 multiple-choice questions (140 scored items and 20 pretest items) covering three major content areas:

Clinical Data (40 questions)
Equipment (25 questions)
Therapeutic Procedures (75 questions)

Candidates are given 4 hours to complete the examination.

Exam Fees

The examination fee for the CRT Exam is $190 for new applicants. This fee covers the cost of the examination and one score report.

Exam Scheduling

The CRT Examination is offered year-round at various testing centers across the United States. Candidates can schedule their examination appointment online through the NBRC website once their application has been approved.

Exam Preparation

The NBRC provides a variety of resources to help candidates prepare for the CRT Examination, including:

Detailed Content Outline
Sample Examination Questions
Reference Lists
Self-Assessment Examination (SAE)

These resources are available on the NBRC website.

Exam Results

Examination results are reported as a scaled score, with a minimum passing score of 75. Candidates will receive their score report immediately upon completing the examination at the testing center.

Who Should Take the CRT Exam?

The CRT exam is suitable for entry-level respiratory therapists who have graduated from a respiratory therapy education program with a minimum of an associate degree. It is also appropriate for individuals who have been working as a CRT for at least four years or those who have been a CRT for two years and hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.

Related Certifications and Credentials

The CRT credential is a prerequisite for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Candidates who wish to advance their careers and demonstrate a higher level of knowledge and expertise in the field may consider pursuing the RRT credential after obtaining the CRT.

Exam Preparation Resources

To help candidates prepare for the CRT exam, the NBRC offers several valuable resources:

Detailed Content Outline: Provides a comprehensive overview of the topics covered in the exam.
Sample Examination Questions: Allows candidates to familiarize themselves with the format and style of questions they will encounter on the actual exam.
Reference Lists: Offers a list of recommended study materials and resources to help candidates prepare for the exam.
Self-Assessment Examination (SAE): Gives candidates the opportunity to assess their knowledge and identify areas that may require additional study.

Exam Day Tips

On the day of the CRT exam, candidates should:

Arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time.
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID.
Leave personal items, such as cell phones, wallets, and watches, outside the testing room.
Manage their time wisely during the exam, as they will have 4 hours to complete 160 multiple-choice questions.

Career Opportunities for CRTs

After successfully passing the CRT exam, certified respiratory therapists can explore various career opportunities in settings such as:

Hospitals
Long-term care facilities
Home healthcare agencies
Outpatient clinics
Sleep disorder centers
Pulmonary rehabilitation centers

CRTs play a vital role in assessing, treating, and managing patients with respiratory and cardiopulmonary disorders, making it a rewarding and in-demand career choice in the healthcare industry.

More Info:

https://www.nbrc.org/examinations/crt/