RRT Registered Respiratory Therapist Exam Study Guide 2026–2027
RRT Registered Respiratory Therapist Exam Study Guide 2026–2027
Comprehensive Review, Practice Questions, and Detailed Answer Explanations Aligned with NBRC Credentialing
By Capra Academy · Published July 22, 2026 · 305 pages
About This Book
Prepare for the NBRC RRT credentialing exams (TMC and CSE) with a comprehensive study guide covering cardiopulmonary physiology, mechanical ventilation, pharmacology, neonatal and pediatric care, clinical simulation scenarios, and test-taking strategies. Includes 300 practice questions with detailed answer explanations.
What’s Inside
- 300 Practice Questions
- Detailed Answer Explanations
- Mechanical Ventilation
- Clinical Simulation Prep
- Pharmacology Review
- Test-Taking Strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RRT exam?
The RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) credential requires passing two NBRC exams: the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination at the high cut score, and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). The RRT is recognized as the ‘standard of excellence’ for respiratory therapy.
How many questions are on the RRT exams?
The TMC has 160 questions (140 scored + 20 pretest) with a 3-hour time limit. The CSE has 22 problems (20 scored + 2 pretest) with a 4-hour time limit. A new single RT exam (185 questions, 4 hours) will replace both in January 2027.
How much does the RRT exam cost?
The TMC costs $190 for new applicants and $150 for repeat applicants. The CSE costs $200 for both new and repeat applicants. AARC members receive a $40 discount on the CSE.
What are the eligibility requirements for the RRT?
Candidates must be 18+ and have an associate degree from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program. CRT-to-Registry pathways are also available for CRTs with additional education or experience.
Related Resources
RRT Resource Hub
Planning Your RRT Preparation
Who this exam information is for
This page is for candidates considering or actively preparing for the RRT Registered Respiratory Therapist. Use the linked exam resources to understand the credential, organize preparation, and identify the official requirements that must be confirmed before applying.
What to verify before scheduling
- Current eligibility and application documentation
- Current examination blueprint and domain weights
- Fees, testing windows, identification, and accommodation rules
- Question format, time limit, scoring, and score-report process
- Retake, renewal, and continuing-education policies
A practical study strategy
Begin with the current official content outline. Rank every domain by both blueprint weight and personal confidence, then spend the most time where high weight and low confidence overlap. Use practice questions diagnostically: record the tested domain, why the correct answer is best, why each distractor is weaker, and what source resolves any uncertainty.
Strengths and limitations of this study guide
The Capra Academy guide is designed to combine structured review with practice and answer explanations, making it useful for identifying weak areas and rehearsing exam-style decisions. It is a study aid—not the certifying organization’s candidate handbook, not a guarantee of a passing result, and not a substitute for current official eligibility or policy information. Requirements can change, so follow the official sources linked throughout this resource cluster.