Apply for Licensure

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, you will need to register for a BreEZe account. For assistance applying online, you may utilize the Online Initial Application for Licensure Step-by-Step Instructions.

All applicants must provide the following:

• Completed Application for Licensure

  For assistance completing an application for licensure online, you may utilize the Online Initial Application for Licensure Step-by-Step Instructions.

• Passport Style Photo

  You must obtain a 2” x 2” passport style photo. The photo must have been taken within the last 60 days prior to filing your application. Attach the photo to your online application. Group or cropped photos will not be accepted.

• Initial Application Fee

  The application fee is $300. If you are applying from out of California and submitting fingerprint cards in lieu of live scan (see below for details), you must submit an additional $49. You will be prompted to complete the payment at the end of the online application process.

  If you require a third party to 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. View this 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.

• Transcripts

  An official copy of your transcript(s) (from each institution if applicable) reflecting completion of your respiratory care program and the awarding of a minimum of an Associate’s Degree must be sent from the institution directly to the RCB.

• NBRC Examination Requirement

  To obtain licensure as an RCP in California, you must first obtain a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). To obtain an RRT credential, you must successfully pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC), at the cut-off level required to qualify for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE), AND the Clinical Simulation Examination.

  New Graduates

  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 TMC 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 CSE. Once you have passed both the TMC and the CSE, you will earn the RRT credential, and will satisfy the examination requirement for licensure.

  For more information about the examination process or to schedule your examination, please visit the NBRC’s website at https://www.nbrc.org/.

  The RCB will obtain your examination results directly from the NBRC as long as you have a California address.

  Credentialed Applicants

  If you have already passed the TMC and CSE and earned your RRT credential through the NBRC, you must login to your NBRC account and request an official credential verification letter be sent directly to the RCB.

  If you earned a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential prior to January 1, 2015, no additional examination requirements must be met.

• Registration/Certification/License Verification(s) (if applicable)

  If you hold a registration, a certificate, or license in any state for any health care profession, you must contact the issuing agency and request a verification of licensure or credentials be sent directly to the RCB.

• Law and Professional Ethics Course Certificate of Completion

  All applicants are required to complete an RCB-approved Law and Professional Ethics course prior to licensure. The course can be completed either through the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) or the California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC). The course can be completed online or through a live session provided by the CSRC. Only one course is required. Before deciding which course to take, you are encouraged to visit each provider’s website to review additional information pertaining to the administration of each course. you must attach a copy of the Certificate of Completion with your online application.

• Completed Live Scan Form or Fingerprint Cards

  Live Scan Process (California residents only): If you reside in California, you must use the Live Scan Service. At the Live Scan site, your fingerprints will be electronically scanned and transmitted immediately to the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for processing. You must use the RCB’s Live Scan form, as other forms are not accepted. To request a Live Scan form, you may submit a request in writing via email to rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov.

  You are encouraged to contact the Live Scan site directly to determine if an appointment is necessary and to confirm what method of payment is accepted. You can view a listing of locations at: https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations.

  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.

• Program Director Certification (if applicable)

  If you will complete your respiratory therapy program within the next 90 days, you must have your respiratory care program director complete the Program Director Certification. You must attach the completed certification with your online application.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the application process, or are having trouble with your BreEZe account, please contact the RCB toll free at (866) 375-0386 or by email at rcbinfo@dca.ca.gov.

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

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

NOTICE: The RCB expedites the licensure process for an applicant that is currently serving as an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States or has served and was honorably discharged and for spouses and domestic partners of those on active duty in the Armed Forces. Please refer to the Military Personnel and Military Spouses/Domestic Partners page for additional details.