California Respiratory Therapist License
California Respiratory Care Board
Total Fee
$349
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
California DOJ LiveScan
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the college to the board, showing an associate degree in respiratory care.
- NBRC Credential Verification — Request an official credential verification letter from the NBRC to be sent directly to the California board. Request NBRC Verification
- Passport-Style Photo — A 2x2 inch passport-style photo taken within the last 60 days must be attached to the application.
- Law and Professional Ethics Certificate — Certificate of completion from an RCB-approved course (AARC or CSRC).
- Program Director Certification — Required if applying up to 90 days before graduation to verify upcoming completion of the program.
How to Apply
-
Create a BreEZe Account ▾Register for an account on the California Department of Consumer Affairs BreEZe system to start your application.
Register on BreEZe -
Submit Initial Application ▾Complete the online application for a Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license and pay the $300 application fee.
Apply Online -
Complete Fingerprinting ▾California residents must use Live Scan. Out-of-state applicants must submit two fingerprint cards and an additional $49 fee.
-
Pass NBRC Examinations ▾Successfully pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination at the RRT cut score and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE).
NBRC Website -
Complete Law and Professional Ethics Course ▾Complete a board-approved 3-hour course on California Law and Professional Ethics through the AARC or CSRC.
-
Submit Official Transcripts ▾Request your educational institution to send official transcripts directly to the board showing your awarded associate degree.
Total Fee
$349
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
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Contact every state where you hold or have held a license and request an official verification be sent directly to the RCB.
-
Submit California Application ▾Apply via BreEZe as an out-of-state applicant, paying the $300 fee plus $49 for fingerprint card processing.
BreEZe Portal -
Submit Fingerprint Cards ▾If outside California, request fingerprint cards from the board, have them rolled by law enforcement, and mail them back.
-
Complete Ethics Course ▾Even if licensed elsewhere, you must complete the California-specific Law and Professional Ethics course.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
California Respiratory Care Board
Keeping Your License Active
California Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the California Respiratory Care Board for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $300 |
| Endorsement application | $300 |
| Fingerprint check | $49.00 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Application
▾
Missing signatures, fees, or required attachments like the passport photo will cause the application to be returned.
Fingerprint Processing
▾
Manual fingerprint cards from out-of-state can take 6-8 weeks to process compared to 3-7 days for Live Scan.
Transcript Delays
▾
Transcripts not showing the 'Degree Awarded' status or not being sent directly from the registrar will not be accepted.
Criminal History Review
▾
Applications with a criminal history are referred to the Enforcement Unit, which can significantly extend the review time.
Questions
How long does the application process take?
▾
Generally, it takes between two and six weeks once all documents (transcripts, exam results, fingerprints) are received.
Can I work while my application is pending?
▾
You may be eligible for a 180-day work permit if you have graduated and passed the CRT exam, but you must wait for the board to issue it.
What are the CE requirements for renewal?
▾
30 hours every 2 years: 15 clinical, 10 leadership, and 5 other. A Law and Ethics course is required every other cycle.
Do I need the RRT credential to be licensed in California?
▾
Yes, for all new applicants, the RRT credential (passing both TMC at the high cut score and the CSE) is required.