CRT certification is the standard entry point for respiratory therapists who want to practice in regulated healthcare settings. A Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential shows that a clinician meets nationally recognized knowledge and skill expectations tied to patient respiratory care. For therapists exploring entry-level roles and for facilities filling coverage gaps, CRT certification connects education, licensure, and employability.
If you are a therapist planning your next step or a facility reviewing staffing options, this guide explains CRT certification requirements, the career path that follows, and where job opportunities appear most often. It also shows how a specialized respiratory therapist staffing agency can support placement and coverage needs across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities.
CRT certification is a national credential awarded to respiratory care professionals who pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. The credential verifies foundational clinical respiratory skills used in acute care respiratory therapy, long-term care respiratory therapy, and outpatient respiratory care settings. In most states, CRT certification aligns with respiratory therapy licensure requirements and serves as the baseline credential for practice.
For employers, NBRC CRT certification provides a consistent benchmark for healthcare credentialing and hiring. For clinicians, it confirms readiness for entry-level respiratory therapist jobs that involve oxygen therapy, ventilator support, airway management, and patient assessment. CRT certification also acts as the first step toward advanced respiratory therapist certification for those who later pursue RRT status.
CRT certification fits individuals at the start of a respiratory therapy career and those moving into respiratory care from related allied health roles. Graduates from an accredited respiratory therapy program often pursue CRT certification immediately after completing their degree. Facilities also view CRT respiratory therapist credentials as appropriate for supervised roles that support patient respiratory care teams.
Clinicians changing careers within healthcare may also pursue CRT certification after completing an approved education pathway. These professionals often bring experience from nursing, emergency medical services, or other pulmonary care environments. CRT certification provides a structured entry point into respiratory care settings where standardized training and credential verification matter.
CRT certification requirements focus on education, eligibility, and examination performance. Candidates must complete a respiratory therapist certification pathway that meets national standards and prepares them for safe clinical practice. These requirements align closely with respiratory therapy licensure requirements used by state boards.
To meet CRT certification requirements, candidates must complete an accredited respiratory therapy program and satisfy age and education criteria set by the credentialing body. Programs at the associate or bachelor’s level qualify when accredited by recognized respiratory care education authorities. Meeting CRT eligibility requirements confirms that candidates have the academic and clinical preparation needed for the respiratory therapy certification exam.
Key CRT certification requirements include:
The CRT exam measures entry-level clinical knowledge and decision-making across core respiratory care topics. Known formally as the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam, it is the primary respiratory therapy certification exam used to award CRT credentials. The exam reflects real clinical tasks performed by respiratory care professionals in hospitals and long-term care settings.
The CRT exam format includes multiple-choice questions completed in a timed computer-based session. Candidates who meet the established CRT exam passing score earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist credential. Those who achieve a higher cut score also become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Exam tied to RRT certification.
Exam facts at a glance:
CRT and RRT are common comparisons for students and employers. Both credentials are issued by the same national body, but they represent different levels of practice and responsibility. CRT certification confirms entry-level competence, while RRT certification signals advanced clinical reasoning and a broader scope.
The difference between CRT and RRT affects job access, leadership roles, and long-term career planning. Many registered respiratory therapist roles require RRT certification, while CRT entry-level respiratory therapist positions remain common in facilities with layered care teams.
The table below outlines how CRT and RRT credentials differ in scope, exam requirements, and career progression to help clarify which path aligns with your goals.
| Area | CRT | RRT |
|---|---|---|
| Credential level | Entry-level | Advanced |
| Exams required | TMC exam | TMC plus Clinical Simulation |
| Scope of practice | Foundational clinical care | Expanded clinical decision making |
| Career mobility | Early career roles | Leadership and specialty roles |
| Advancement | Pathway to RRT | Supports supervisory roles |
RRT career advancement often includes neonatal, pediatric, or critical care specialties. CRT to RRT career path planning usually involves continued clinical experience and focused exam preparation.
CRT certification opens a clear respiratory therapist career path with options across multiple care environments. Entry-level respiratory therapist jobs often place CRT-certified clinicians in hospital units, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities. These roles build experience with patient respiratory care and team-based clinical workflows.
As experience grows, CRT career opportunities expand through continuing education and specialty exposure. Respiratory therapist career advancement often includes moving toward RRT status, pursuing respiratory therapist specialties, or taking on mentoring roles. Respiratory therapist continuing education supports clinical growth and credential maintenance across the career lifespan.
Common career settings for CRT-certified therapists include:
CRT jobs appear in permanent, contract, and travel formats across the country. Certified respiratory therapist jobs often reflect regional demand, seasonal coverage needs, and facility staffing models. Searches for respiratory therapist jobs near me frequently lead clinicians to contract respiratory therapist jobs or travel respiratory therapist jobs that offer schedule flexibility.
A respiratory therapist staffing agency can help clinicians access respiratory therapist contract work and respiratory therapist temp jobs that match their experience level. Staffing partners also assist with respiratory therapist placement services, credential verification, and onboarding support.
Employment models commonly available to CRT-certified therapists include:
For facilities, CRT certification supports safe staffing and compliance during respiratory therapy workforce shortages. Hiring certified respiratory therapists with verified credentials helps maintain consistent patient respiratory care while meeting healthcare credentialing standards. CRT staffing requirements often apply to supervised roles within multidisciplinary care teams.
Facilities that partner with a respiratory therapist staffing agency gain access to respiratory therapist staffing solutions that reduce administrative burden. Contract respiratory therapist staffing allows facilities to manage census changes, seasonal demand, and coverage gaps without long-term commitments. Credential verification and onboarding support streamline hiring certified respiratory therapists across settings.
This certification remains valid for a defined period and requires renewal through approved pathways. CRT certification expiration timelines follow NBRC standards and require participation in the NBRC credential maintenance program or retesting. Many clinicians meet respiratory therapist continuing education requirements to maintain an active status.
CRT certification renewal options include continuing education credits, periodic assessments, or exam retesting. Understanding CRT renewal requirements helps clinicians plan professional development and avoid lapses that affect employment eligibility.
CRT renewal basics:
CRT certification connects education, licensure, and employment for respiratory care professionals. It supports a defined respiratory therapist career path with access to entry-level roles, contract work, and long-term growth. For facilities, CRT credentials provide a reliable standard for staffing and patient care continuity.
Flagstar Rehab works with respiratory care professionals and healthcare facilities across the country to support staffing and placement needs. Therapists seeking CRT jobs and facilities managing coverage gaps can speak with the team to discuss role alignment, coverage options, and credentialed staffing support. The focus remains on reliable placement, verified credentials, and consistent coverage that supports patient care and operational stability.
CRT certification reflects entry-level respiratory therapy competence, while RRT certification reflects advanced clinical decision-making. Many clinicians start with CRT and later pursue RRT for expanded roles. Facilities often accept CRT for supervised positions and require RRT for leadership roles.
A CRT certificate confirms that a clinician passed the Therapist Multiple-Choice exam and meets national respiratory therapist certification standards. It supports licensure and employment across regulated care settings. Employers use it as proof of verified clinical readiness.
Complete an accredited respiratory therapy program and apply for the TMC exam through NBRC. Passing the exam at the required score awards CRT certification. Staffing partners can assist with credential verification and job placement after certification.
RRT offers a broader scope and advancement options, while CRT provides entry into practice. The better choice depends on career stage and job goals. Many clinicians begin with CRT and progress to RRT over time.