Chart — RT Career & Professional Practice
CRT vs RRT
The two core respiratory therapy credentials compared — how each is earned, what it signals to employers, and why the RRT has become the practical standard.
Written by Apex Respiratory Editorial Team
Educational use only. This material supports respiratory therapy education and exam review. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional protocols, or physician orders. Always follow facility policies and current provider orders, and verify calculations independently before clinical use.
CRT vs RRT
| Feature | CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) | RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam path | TMC Examination, low cut score | TMC high cut score plus passing the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) |
| Level | Entry-level credential | Advanced (registered) credential |
| Eligibility | Graduate of a CoARC-accredited program | CRT eligibility plus the TMC high cut score, then the CSE |
| Granting board | NBRC | NBRC |
| Specialty credentials | SDS open to the CRT (and PFT credentials) | ACCS and NPS require the RRT; all specialties open |
| Employer expectation | Accepted for many roles | Increasingly the standard, especially for ICU and specialty roles |
| Career impact | Qualifies for licensure and many positions | Broader roles, advancement, and higher acuity |
How to Use This Chart
The CRT and RRT are both awarded by the NBRC based on performance on the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination. Understanding the distinction helps candidates plan their exam strategy and helps employers set appropriate hiring criteria.
- Same exam, different cut scores. Both credentials come from the same TMC exam — the difference is the cut score reached and whether the CSE is passed.
- RRT as the practical standard. The RRT is increasingly the practical standard; many employers and the adult-critical-care specialty credential expect or require it.
- Credential vs. license. A national credential is separate from the state license — you need both to practice.
Related Resources
Sources
- National Board for Respiratory Care. Candidate credentialing information (TMC and Clinical Simulation Examinations). NBRC.
- Kacmarek RM, Stoller JK, Heuer AJ. Egan's Fundamentals of Respiratory Care. 12th ed. Elsevier; 2021. The respiratory care profession.