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Colorado Respiratory Therapist License

Colorado DORA — Respiratory Therapy

Total Fee
$139
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / CBI
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • NBRC Credentialing Report — Official verification of your CRT or RRT credential sent directly from the NBRC to the Colorado board.
  • Official Transcripts — Transcripts showing your degree conferral date, sent directly from your educational institution to DORA.
  • Affidavit of Eligibility — A signed statement confirming your lawful presence in the United States, typically completed within the online application.
  • Proof of Identity — A copy of a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., Driver's License or Passport).

How to Apply

  1. Complete Education ▾
    Graduate from a respiratory therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
    Find Accredited Programs
  2. Pass NBRC Examination ▾
    Successfully pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination at either the CRT or RRT level through the National Board for Respiratory Care.
    NBRC Exam Info
  3. Register for Fingerprinting ▾
    Complete a fingerprint-based background check through an approved Colorado Applicant Background Services (CABS) vendor (IdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting).
  4. Submit Online Application ▾
    Create an account on the DORA eLicense portal and submit the 'Respiratory Therapist - Initial License' application.
    DORA Login
  5. Pay Application Fee ▾
    Pay the non-refundable application fee (approximately $85 for initial licensure) through the online portal.
    Pay Online
  6. Complete Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP) ▾
    Once your application is entered, you must complete the mandatory online profile required for all Colorado healthcare professionals.
    HPPP Information
Total Fee
$139
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 Out-of-State License ▾
    Ensure you hold an active, unrestricted license in another state or jurisdiction.
  2. Request License Verification ▾
    Contact your current state board to have an official verification of licensure sent directly to the Colorado Office of Respiratory Therapy Licensure.
  3. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply online via the DORA portal selecting the 'Endorsement' method.
    Apply via Endorsement
  4. Complete Background Check ▾
    Complete the required fingerprinting process if you have not previously been fingerprinted for a Colorado DORA license.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Colorado DORA — Respiratory Therapy

Keeping Your License Active

Colorado Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Colorado DORA — Respiratory Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$39.50
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Missing NBRC Verification ▾
The board cannot issue a license until they receive the official credentialing report directly from the NBRC.
Incomplete HPPP Profile ▾
Failure to complete the Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP) after submitting the application will stall the final approval.
Fingerprint Processing ▾
Background check results can take several weeks to be processed by the CBI and received by DORA.
Transcript Delivery ▾
Transcripts must be sent directly from the school; student-provided copies are not accepted.

Questions

How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal? ▾
Colorado does not currently require continuing education hours for the standard biennial renewal of a Respiratory Therapist license.
When does my Colorado Respiratory Therapist license expire? ▾
All licenses expire on August 31 of even-numbered years.
What is the fee for initial licensure? ▾
The initial application fee is approximately $85, though fees are subject to change annually by the Director.
Can I practice while my application is pending? ▾
No, you must have an active Colorado license issued and appearing in the online verification system before you can practice as a Respiratory Therapist in the state.

Board Info

Colorado DORA — Respiratory Therapy
Phone(303) 894-7800
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25