Iowa — golden cornfields at sunset

Iowa Respiratory Therapist License

Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography

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

What You'll Need

  • NBRC Certification — Official proof of CRT or RRT credential from the National Board for Respiratory Care. NBRC Website
  • Fingerprint Cards — Two completed sets of fingerprint cards (FD-258) provided by the Board after application.
  • Background Check Waiver — A signed release form authorizing the criminal history background check.
  • Official Transcripts — Proof of graduation from a board-approved respiratory care education program.

How to Apply

  1. Create an Account ▾
    Register for a new user account on the Iowa Bureau of Professional Licensure (IBPL) portal.
  2. Submit Online Application ▾
    Complete the online application for Respiratory Care Practitioner and pay the non-refundable $75 fee.
  3. Provide NBRC Proof ▾
    Submit proof of achieving CRT or RRT certification. This can be scores sent directly from NBRC or a notarized copy of your certificate.
    Request NBRC Scores
  4. Complete Fingerprinting ▾
    After applying, the Board will mail you a fingerprint packet. Take the cards to a local law enforcement agency to be printed and mail them back to the Board.
  5. Submit Background Check Waiver ▾
    Sign and return the background check waiver form included in your mailed fingerprint packet.
  6. Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾
    If you have ever been licensed in another state, request official verification to be sent directly from that state board to the Iowa 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. Online Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply via the IBPL portal and select the 'Endorsement' application type.
  2. License Verification ▾
    Request official verification from every jurisdiction where you have held a license. Online verification is acceptable if it includes disciplinary history.
  3. NBRC Credential Verification ▾
    Ensure your RRT/CRT status is verified and sent to the Iowa Board.
    Verify NBRC Status
  4. Criminal Background Check ▾
    Complete the fingerprinting process using the packet mailed by the Board after your application is submitted.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography

Keeping Your License Active

Iowa Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography 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

Fingerprint Packet Transit ▾
The Board only mails the fingerprint packet after the application fee is paid; delays in mail or returning the cards will stall the background check.
Incomplete Out-of-State Verifications ▾
Waiting for other state boards to send official verifications is a frequent cause of delay. Ensure you follow each state's specific request process.
NBRC Score Reporting ▾
Failure to request that NBRC send scores directly to the Iowa Board can prevent application approval.

Questions

How many CE hours are required for renewal? ▾
24 contact hours are required every two years. At least 12 hours must be from traditional/live interaction (in-person or real-time webinars).
When does my Iowa respiratory therapist license expire? ▾
Licenses expire on March 31 of even-numbered years (e.g., 2024, 2026).
Am I exempt from CE for my first renewal? ▾
Yes, licensees are exempt from continuing education requirements for their first renewal after initial licensure.
What is the fee for an initial license? ▾
The initial license fee is $75, which includes the cost of the background check.
How long does the application process take? ▾
Processing typically takes approximately 30 days once all required materials, including background check results, are received.

Board Info

Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography
Phone(515) 281-0254
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25