Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between the RCB and the NBRC?

  The Respiratory Care Board of California (RCB) is a state licensing agency with regulatory jurisdiction over respiratory care practitioners. The RCB’s mission is to protect and serve consumers by licensing qualified respiratory care practitioners, enforcing the provisions of the Respiratory Care Practice Act, expanding the availability of respiratory care services, increasing public awareness of the profession, and supporting the development and education of respiratory care practitioners. To work as an RCP in the State of California, you must be licensed by the RCB.

  The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is the only organization in the United States which develops certification examinations for Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) and Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRTs). The NBRC also offers additional specialization credentialing for respiratory practitioners that hold its certifications. Credentials issued by the NBRC do not constitute licensure. CRTs and RRTs are required to obtain licensure in the respective states they would like to practice in.

• How do I apply for initial licensure as a respiratory care practitioner (RCP)?

  Applicants can submit their application for licensure to the RCB up to 90 days before meeting the education requirements or once education requirements have been met. New graduates are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible (but not earlier than the 90-day time period) to allow the RCB ample time to process the application. The RCB highly encourages all applicants apply online for fastest processing times.

  To apply, see Apply for Licensure for detailed information and instructions. For assistance applying online, you may also utilize the Online Initial Application for Licensure Step-by-Step Instructions. Please contact the RCB via email at rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 999-2190 if additional assistance is needed.

  To apply by mail, please contact the RCB to obtain the Application for Licensure packet.

• How do I apply online if my school is paying for my application fee?

  If you require a third party pay for your license fees (i.e. your respiratory program), you may add an Authorized Representative (anyone who may help the applicant/licensee in their business activities) to your online BreEZe account. The Authorized Representative can make payments, apply for renewals, and maintain license information for the applicant/licensee. You may utilize the Creating an Account as an Authorized Representative Step-by-Step Instructions for assistance adding an Authorized Representative to your account or setting up an account as an Authorized Representative.

  If you choose to add an Authorized Representative only for purposes of paying your initial application fee, it is recommended you remove the Authorized Representative once you are issued your initial license.

• What examination(s) do I need to take to get licensed?

  Once you have completed your accredited respiratory care education program, you may apply for examination directly through the NBRC. The first examination you must take is the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination. The TMC Examination is designed to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of entry-level respiratory therapists, as well as determine eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination. There are two established cut scores for the TMC Examination. If you achieve the lower cut score, you will earn your CRT credential. However, if you achieve the higher cut score, you will earn your CRT credential AND become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination. Once you have passed both the TMC and the Clinical Simulation Exams, you will earn the RRT credential, and will satisfy the examination requirement for licensure.

• I've passed my examination(s), can I work?

  No, you must possess a valid work permit or license issued by the RCB to practice respiratory care in the State of California. Working without a valid work permit or license issued by the RCB is unlicensed practice and is punishable by law.

• I am currently licensed in another state. How do I apply for a license in California?

  The application process for out-of-state licensees is very similar to the application process for those residing in California. California does not have reciprocity with any other states; therefore, you will need to apply for an RCP license issued by the RCB to practice in California. However, if you have already earned your RRT credential, you will not be required to retake any initial licensing examinations. If you earned your CRT credential prior to January 1, 2015, that is sufficient for licensing purposes. You will also be required to provide proof of your credential, out-of-state license(s), and education requirements. The RCB highly encourages all applicants apply online for fastest processing times.

  To apply, see Apply for Licensure for detailed information and instructions. For assistance applying online, you may also utilize the Online Initial Application for Licensure Step-by-Step Instructions. Please contact the RCB via email at rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 999-2190 if additional assistance is needed.

  To apply by mail, please contact the RCB to obtain the Application for Licensure packet.

• If I am applying from out-of-state, can I submit Live Scan (electronic) fingerprints not rolled in California?

  No, Live Scan fingerprinting services will not transfer from state to state. If you are applying from outside California, you will need to have two sets of fingerprints rolled with ink on designated cards. Fingerprint cards should be available at a local fingerprinting service facility; otherwise, you may contact the RCB to request these cards be sent to you. Be advised, there will be an additional $49 fee to cover the state and federal background check fees. You must mail the two fingerprint cards to the RCB once you’ve completed your online application.

• Once I've filed my application, how can I get a work permit?

  A work permit is issued for a period of up to 180 days, generally within 3 days from the time the RCB receives a request from an eligible applicant. To be eligible for a work permit, the RCB must receive a complete application, background check clearance, verification of graduation or certification of upcoming graduation by a program director, and verification of your CRT credential. You will be notified via email once you become eligible for a work permit. If you believe you are eligible and you have not received notification, please contact the RCB at rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov.

• I received a deficiency notice. How do I rectify this issue?

  Please read the notice carefully to determine what is deficient from your application, and what you will need to do to rectify the problem. You must submit all required documentation to the RCB electronically through your BreEZe account or to rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov, unless otherwise directed. For assistance submitting attachments electronically, you may also utilize the Online Attachments Step-by-Step Instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the RCB via email at rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 999-2190.

• What is the Law and Professional Ethics course, and will I need to complete this course as part of my application process?

  The Law and Professional Ethics course is a course designed to inform RCP applicants of the expectations put upon them as professional practitioners in the State of California, and is required to be taken by all RCP applicants prior to initial licensure. The Law and Professional Ethics Course covers obligations of licensed respiratory care practitioners to patients under their care, responsibilities of respiratory care practitioners to report illegal activities occurring in the workplace, and acts that jeopardize licensure and licensure status.

  The course must be taken through the California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC), or the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). Before deciding which course to take, applicants are encouraged to visit each provider’s website to review additional information pertaining to the administration of each course. Each applicant can then select the course provider that best meets his/her individual needs. You can access the CSRC’s course at www.csrc.org or the AARC’s course at www.aarc.org.

• Do I need to submit verification of other health-related licenses to the RCB?

  Yes, license verifications from any agency where you have held a health related license (in California or out-of-state) must be sent directly to the RCB.

• If I have a prior criminal history, what can I expect during the application process?

  Having a prior criminal history does not preclude you from obtaining a license from the RCB. Each applicant for licensure must submit their fingerprints to the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation for a criminal history background check. Upon notification of an applicant’s criminal history, if any, the RCB will open an investigation to determine whether there is a basis to deny the application for licensure.

  Effective July 1, 2020, the RCB’s authority to deny an application based on certain criminal convictions was restricted (Business and Professions Code section 480).

  Specifically, the RCB cannot deny an application on the basis of a conviction if:

  • The conviction has been dismissed pursuant to Penal Code Sections 1203.4, 1203.4a, 1203.41, 1203.42, or 1203.425 (or another state’s equivalent). You may be asked to provide proof of this.
  • The conviction(s) occurred more than seven years from the date of the application, or if the applicant was convicted of a crime and incarcerated, more than seven years from the time the applicant was released from incarceration.

  NOTE: The preceding seven-year limitation shall not apply in either of the following situations:

  • The applicant was convicted of a serious felony, as defined in Penal Code Section 1192.7.
  • The applicant was convicted of a crime for which registration is required pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (d) of Penal Code Section 290.

  For more information, please visit Applicants With Prior Criminal History.

• How long will it take to be licensed?

  The application approval time generally takes between two and six weeks. However, the amount of time depends on how soon the RCB receives all required documentation (i.e. fingerprint responses, successful exam passage, official transcripts, license and credential verifications, etc.). To help expedite the process, you are encouraged to request and follow-up with any entities that will be submitting information needed to complete the application process (i.e. registrar, NBRC, other state licensing boards).

  You can check the progress of your application by logging onto your BreEZe account.

• How do I report a change of name and/or address?

  Pursuant to California Code of Regulations section 1399.304, each person holding a license shall give the RCB written notice of an address change within 14 days of the change. You can update your address of record with the RCB online through your BreEZe account.

  You may submit name changes to the RCB online through your BreEZe account. To process a name change, you are required to submit photocopies of:

  • Current California's Driver's License or U.S. Issued Passport, showing the current name change

  AND one of the following documents:

  • Marriage Certificate
    
  • Dissolution of Marriage
    
  • Certified Court Order

• How long do I have to complete the application process?

  Pursuant to California Code of Regulations section 1399.321, each applicant shall have one year from the time his or her initial application is received by the RCB, to meet the licensure requirements and complete the application and initial licensure process. If the application and initial licensure process is not completed within the one-year period, the application shall be deemed abandoned.