New Jersey Respiratory Therapist License
New Jersey 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
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the CoARC-accredited institution to the Board.
- NBRC Credential Verification — Official verification of RRT or CRT status sent directly from the NBRC. NBRC Verification
- Passport-Style Photograph — A recent 2x2 color headshot photograph.
- Proof of Identity — Copy of a government-issued photo ID (e.g., Driver's License or Passport).
- Certification and Authorization Form — Required for the criminal history background check, typically completed within the online portal.
How to Apply
-
Complete Education ▾Graduate from a respiratory therapy education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Find Accredited Programs -
Pass NBRC Examination ▾Successfully pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination at the high-cut score to earn the RRT credential, or the CRT exam as per recent legislative updates.
Register for NBRC Exam -
Submit Online Application ▾Create an account and submit the 'Application for Licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner' through the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs portal.
-
Pay Application Fees ▾Pay the non-refundable application fee ($125) and the initial license fee ($160) for a total of $285.
-
Complete Criminal History Background Check ▾After the Board reviews your application, you will receive instructions to schedule a fingerprinting appointment with IDEMIA (IdentoGO).
Schedule Fingerprinting -
Submit Supporting Documentation ▾Request official transcripts be sent directly to the Board and verify your NBRC credentials through the NBRC website.
Verify NBRC Credentials
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
-
Submit NJ Application ▾Complete the standard online application for licensure via the NJ DCA portal.
-
Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾Request official verification of licensure from every state where you currently hold or have ever held a license.
-
NBRC Verification ▾Ensure your NBRC credentials (RRT/CRT) are verified and sent to the New Jersey Board.
Request NBRC Verification -
Background Check ▾Complete the NJ-specific fingerprinting process as instructed by the Board after application submission.
IdentoGO Portal
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
New Jersey Board of Respiratory Care
Keeping Your License Active
New Jersey Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the New Jersey Board of Respiratory Care for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Background Check Processing
▾
Fingerprint results can take 2-4 weeks to reach the Board. Delays occur if the applicant does not schedule the appointment promptly after receiving instructions.
Missing Out-of-State Verifications
▾
For endorsement applicants, waiting for other state boards to send official verifications is a frequent bottleneck.
Incomplete Application Data
▾
Leaving fields blank or failing to upload the required passport photo will pause the review process until corrected.
Questions
How many continuing education (CE) credits are required for renewal?
▾
30 contact hours are required every two-year renewal period. This must include 1 hour in Infection Control, 1 hour in Patient Safety/Medical Errors, 1 hour in Ethics, and at least 20 hours in clinical respiratory care.
When does my New Jersey respiratory therapist license expire?
▾
Licenses expire biennially on March 31st of odd-numbered years (e.g., 2025, 2027).
Can I get a temporary license while waiting for my exam results?
▾
Yes, temporary licenses are available for new graduates who have applied for the NBRC exam. They are valid for one year and are non-renewable.
What are the total initial fees for a New Jersey license?
▾
The total initial cost is $285, which includes a $125 application fee and a $160 initial license fee.
Does New Jersey accept the CRT credential for licensure?
▾
Yes, as of 2023, New Jersey law was amended to allow passage of either the CRT or RRT examination for licensure.