Arizona — Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River

Arizona Respiratory Therapist License

Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Respiratory Therapy Diploma — A photocopy of the diploma awarded upon successful completion of an accredited respiratory therapy training program.
  • Evidence of Citizenship — Documentation proving U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (e.g., Passport, Birth Certificate).
  • NBRC RRT Credential — Proof of current Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Arizona no longer licenses at the CRT level for new applicants. NBRC Website
  • Fingerprint Card (FD-258) — Required for out-of-state applicants. Must be completed and mailed following the Board's specific chain of custody instructions.

How to Apply

  1. Create an eLicense Account ▾
    Visit the Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners online portal to create a new user account for the application process.
  2. Submit Initial Application ▾
    Complete the online application for a Respiratory Care Practitioner license. You must hold an active RRT credential from the NBRC to be eligible.
  3. Pay Application Fees ▾
    Pay the total initial fee of $273.00, which includes the $100 application fee, $120 initial license fee, $50 fingerprint fee, and a $3 processing fee.
  4. Upload Required Documents ▾
    Upload a photocopy of your diploma from an accredited respiratory therapy program and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.
  5. Complete Fingerprint Background Check ▾
    After submitting your application, the Board will email instructions. Arizona residents use the Fieldprint system; out-of-state applicants must mail a blue FD-258 fingerprint card.
  6. Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾
    If you have ever been licensed in another state, you must request a verification of licensure to be sent directly from that state board to the Arizona Board.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Respiratory Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.

Steps

  1. Verify Universal Recognition Eligibility ▾
    Arizona offers licensure by Universal Recognition for residents who have held a license in another state for at least one year and are in good standing.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply via the eLicense portal, selecting the endorsement or universal recognition pathway.
  3. Request License Verifications ▾
    Contact every state where you have held a license to have them send official verification directly to the Arizona Board.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners

Keeping Your License Active

Arizona Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Incomplete Fingerprint Cards ▾
Out-of-state fingerprint cards (FD-258) are often rejected if not completed exactly as instructed or if the chain of custody is broken.
Missing Out-of-State Verifications ▾
The Board will not process applications until verifications from every state where a license was held are received directly from those boards.
Name Mismatches ▾
If the name on your diploma or citizenship documents does not match your application, you must provide legal documentation (e.g., marriage certificate) to explain the discrepancy.

Questions

Can I apply if I only have a CRT credential? ▾
No. Arizona law now requires the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential for all new license applicants.
How long does the application process take? ▾
Applications generally take 6 to 8 weeks to process once all documentation, including background checks, is received.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal? ▾
Licensees must complete 20 hours of approved CE every two years. At least 2 hours must be in ethics, and at least 5 hours must be 'live' (which can include interactive webinars).
When does my Arizona license expire? ▾
Licenses expire biennially on the licensee's birthday.

Board Info

Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners
Phone(602) 542-5995
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25