Kentucky Respiratory Therapist License
Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Application for Mandatory Certification — The official fillable PDF application form, signed by hand. Download Form
- Proof of NBRC Credential — A copy of your NBRC certificate, wallet card, or official verification showing CRT or RRT status.
- Verification of Out-of-State Licenses — If applicable, provide a copy or printout of every respiratory care license you have ever held in other states.
- Payment Receipt — Proof of the $150 application fee payment from the KBRC portal.
How to Apply
-
Complete an Accredited Respiratory Care Program ▾Graduate from a respiratory therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Find Accredited Programs -
Pass the NBRC Examination ▾Successfully pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination to earn the CRT or RRT credential required for Kentucky licensure.
NBRC Exam Info -
Download and Complete Application ▾Download the 'Application for Mandatory Certification' from the KBRC website. Ensure the application is signed by hand; computer-generated signatures are not accepted.
Download Application -
Pay the Application Fee ▾Pay the $150 mandatory certification fee through the official KBRC online payment portal.
-
Submit Application and Documents ▾Submit your completed application, proof of NBRC credentials, and payment receipt via email (as a PDF), fax, or mail to the Board office.
Submission Instructions -
Verify Licensure Status ▾Once processed, you can verify your active license status on the KBRC Primary Source Verification page.
Verify License
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
-
Verify Current Licensure ▾Ensure you hold an active, valid license in another state and an active NBRC credential.
-
Complete Mandatory Certification Application ▾Use the standard Mandatory Certification application form for reciprocity/endorsement.
Download Application -
Provide License Verifications ▾Submit printouts or official verifications for all licenses held in other jurisdictions.
Verification Info -
Submit Fee and Documents ▾Pay the $150 fee and submit the application package via email (PDF only) or mail.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care
Keeping Your License Active
Kentucky Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Invalid Signatures
▾
Applications with computer-generated or typed signatures are rejected. Signatures must be handwritten.
Incorrect File Formats
▾
Emailed applications must be in PDF format. Photographs (JPEGs) of documents are not accepted and will delay processing.
Missing License Verifications
▾
Failure to provide verification for every state where a license was previously held can stall the reciprocity process.
Unpaid Fees
▾
Applications submitted without a corresponding payment in the portal or a check will not be processed.
Questions
When does my Kentucky respiratory therapist license expire?
▾
Licenses expire on January 30th of every even-numbered year (e.g., 2024, 2026).
How many CEUs are required for renewal?
▾
A minimum of 24 approved contact hours are required every two years, including at least 1 hour of ethics.
Can I complete all my continuing education online?
▾
Yes, Kentucky does not limit the number of hours that can be obtained through online or home-study courses, provided they are AARC or KBRC approved.
Is there a temporary permit for new graduates?
▾
A temporary permit may be issued for up to 6 months to graduates waiting to sit for the NBRC exam. It expires upon passing or failing the exam.
Board Info
Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care
Phone(859) 246-2747