Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam 2026 – Your Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

As a pivotal step in your career as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), the practice exam is critical to your success. This comprehensive assessment evaluates your knowledge and aptitude in effectively managing patients with respiratory issues. Designed to mimic the actual certification process, your preparation can set you apart and build the foundation for a rewarding career in respiratory therapy.

The CRT exam is governed by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) who ensures the rigor and relevance of the examination align with the evolving standards in healthcare. Furthermore, mastering this exam demonstrates your readiness to provide quality care in various healthcare settings.

Exam Format

The CRT exam is meticulously formatted to test diverse areas of respiratory therapy knowledge. Candidates should expect:

• Multiple-choice questions: The predominant format, aimed at evaluating both theoretical understanding and practical application.
• A comprehensive 140-question structure, with 120 questions marked for scoring and 20 unscored pretest questions.
• Computer-based testing: Facilitating a streamlined process for most candidates.
• A non-disclosed scaled scoring system requiring a passing mark, usually around 70%, indicating competency in key areas.

What to Expect on the Exam

The CRT exam traverses various domains relevant to respiratory therapy. Topics include but are not limited to:

• Patient Data Evaluation and Recommendations: A focus on assessing information from history, laboratory results, and subjective patient observations.

• Therapeutic Procedures and Applications: Covering respiratory care techniques, equipment knowledge, and emergency interventions.

• Effective Care Implementation: Emphasizing the correct use of medication and care protocols in different clinical scenarios.

• Communication Skills: Testing your ability to interact wisely and empathetically with patients and healthcare teams.

A thorough grasp of these topics helps ensure that candidates maintain the necessary competency levels to function in challenging medical environments. Understanding the type and structure of questions contributes significantly to your ability to manage the allotted time effectively during the exam.

Tips for Passing the Exam

Preparation is key to conquering the CRT exam. Below are some tried-and-true strategies to set you up for success:

Study Strategically with Our Platform (Examzify)

• Custom-tailored practice questions: Engage with exam-style questions designed to enhance your critical thinking skills.

• Access detailed explanations: Each question comes with insightful rationales, ensuring you not only know the right answers but understand why those answers are correct.

• Flashcards for Vital Topics: Utilize digital flashcards to fortify your recall of essential respiratory therapy concepts.

Develop a Study Schedule

• Consistent daily study: Allocate specific times for different content areas, ensuring you cover the breadth of material.

• Balance practice and review: Mix solving practice questions with revising theoretical content to reinforce your knowledge.

Leverage Additional Resources

• Review current textbooks and online lectures that align with the CRT syllabus.

• Engage in group studies: Collaborative learning can help uncover insights and emphasize areas needing more attention.

Take Mock Exams

• Simulate exam conditions: Taking practice tests under timed conditions boosts your familiarity with the pace and stress of the actual exam.

• Analyze test results: Identify weak spots from missed questions and revisit those topics thoroughly.

Maintain Health and Wellbeing

• Rest adequately: Ensure you get enough sleep, particularly as the exam day approaches, as mental alertness is crucial.

• Balance stress with leisure: Engage in activities that relax and renew your mind, keeping anxiety at bay.

Preparing for the Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam demands dedication, focus, and structured learning. Embrace all available resources, maintain a positive mindset, and trust in your ability to excel. Your diligent preparation paves the way for a fulfilling career, positively impacting lives through expert respiratory care.