Guide — RT Career & Professional Practice
Continuing Education & Credential Maintenance
Earning the credential is the start; keeping it is ongoing. This guide explains the credential maintenance cycle, how continuing education credits work, and how license renewal fits alongside national credential maintenance.
7 min read · RT Career & Professional Practice
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.
Overview
Credentials and licenses must be maintained over time to ensure continued competence. For respiratory therapists, there are two parallel — and distinct — obligations: national credential maintenance through the NBRC, and state license renewal through the relevant state licensing board.
These two tracks run alongside each other but are governed by different bodies, different timelines, and different requirements. Understanding how they fit together helps you plan ahead and avoid letting either obligation slip.
Key Concepts
NBRC credentials earned in recent years are maintained on a recurring cycle — commonly described as a five-year cycle. To keep a credential active, the credential holder must satisfy the maintenance requirement within the cycle by completing continuing education or, alternatively, by retaking the credentialing examination. Successful completion keeps the credential in active, good-standing status.
- Credential maintenance cycle. The NBRC sets the cycle length and the continuing-education requirement. Consult the NBRC directly for the exact requirements that apply to each credential type.
- Continuing education or reexamination. Most practitioners satisfy maintenance through continuing education. Retaking the examination is the alternative path if continuing-education requirements are not met.
- Active vs. inactive status. A credential that is not maintained on schedule can become inactive. Reinstatement is possible but requires additional steps — maintaining continuously is strongly preferable.
Continuing Education
The AARC administers the Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) credit system, which awards continuing-education credit for approved activities. Eligible activities include courses, conferences, online learning modules, and journal CE programs that meet AARC approval criteria.
- CRCE credits. Credits earned through AARC-approved activities are documented in the CRCE system and can be applied toward NBRC credential maintenance requirements and, in many states, toward state license renewal — though state-specific rules vary.
- Approved activity types. Conferences, workshops, self-study modules, and journal CE are common approved formats. Each activity specifies how many credits it awards upon successful completion.
- Record keeping. Keep documentation of all completed activities and credits earned. Both the NBRC and state boards may require proof of completion if records are audited.
Note on state variability. State boards set their own CE requirements independently. Credits accepted by the NBRC may or may not satisfy every state’s renewal requirements. Always verify with your specific state licensing board.
License Renewal
State respiratory therapy licenses renew on the state’s own schedule — often annually or biennially — and typically require a specified number of continuing-education hours as a condition of renewal. Because each state board sets its own rules, the exact credit requirements, accepted activity types, and renewal fees differ from state to state.
- Renewal schedule. Check your state board’s website to confirm your license expiration date and renewal window. Missing a renewal deadline can result in practicing on an expired license.
- State CE requirements. States specify the number of CE hours required per renewal period and may designate topic requirements (e.g., infection control, pharmacology). These requirements are set by state law or regulation, not by the NBRC or AARC.
- Multi-state practice. Practitioners licensed in more than one state must track renewal requirements for each state separately, as deadlines and requirements will differ.
Common Pitfalls
- Conflating the two obligations. Credential maintenance (NBRC) and license renewal (state board) are separate processes with different governing bodies, timelines, and requirements. Completing one does not automatically satisfy the other.
- Letting CE lapse. Waiting until the end of a cycle to accumulate all required credits creates risk. If life intervenes, the credential or license can become inactive.
- Not tracking credits. Failing to log and retain documentation for completed CE activities can create problems during an audit or when submitting for renewal.
- Missing state-specific deadlines. State license renewal dates vary and may not align with the NBRC credential maintenance cycle. Calendar reminders set well in advance of each deadline help avoid lapses.
Key Takeaways
- National credential maintenance (NBRC) and state license renewal are separate, parallel obligations — completing one does not satisfy the other.
- NBRC credentials are maintained on a recurring cycle (commonly five years) through continuing education or reexamination.
- CRCE credits through the AARC document continuing education and can count toward both NBRC maintenance and, often, state license renewal — verify state-specific rules.
- State license renewal timelines and CE requirements vary — always check your state board directly.
- Maintaining credentials continuously is far easier than reinstating a lapsed credential or license.
FAQ
How do I keep an NBRC credential active?
NBRC credentials are maintained on a recurring cycle — commonly described as a five-year cycle. You can satisfy the requirement by completing the required continuing education or, alternatively, by retaking the credentialing examination. Keeping up with the cycle keeps the credential in active, good-standing status.
Is credential maintenance the same as license renewal?
No. They are separate, parallel obligations. Credential maintenance is administered by the NBRC and keeps your national credential active on its own cycle. License renewal is administered by your state licensing board on the state’s own schedule. Both must be maintained independently.
What are CRCE credits?
CRCE stands for Continuing Respiratory Care Education — the credit system administered by the AARC for approved continuing-education activities such as courses, conferences, and journal CE. CRCE credits document continuing education and can help satisfy both NBRC credential maintenance requirements and, in many cases, state license renewal requirements, though state rules vary.
What happens if a credential or license lapses?
If continuing education requirements are not met on time, a credential or license can become inactive or lapse. Reinstatement procedures and timelines differ depending on whether it is the NBRC credential or a state license, and how long it has been inactive. It is far easier to maintain credentials continuously than to reinstate a lapsed one.
Put it to work
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Sources
- National Board for Respiratory Care. Credential Maintenance Program information. NBRC.
- American Association for Respiratory Care. Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) system. AARC.