As a respiratory therapist, you know your field continually evolves with new research, technologies, and treatment approaches. That’s why you must complete a set number of Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) units within a specified timeframe to maintain your national credential and state-issued license.

NBRC Credential

National Board for Respiratory Care credentials are valid for five years. At the end of the term, you must have completed the board’s Credential Maintenance Program or up to 30 CRCE units approved by the American Association for Respiratory Care to renew your national credential.

If your NBRC credential expires, you may be putting your state-issued license at risk as some state require you to maintain your credential to keep your license to practice.

State License Renewal

Every state has different continuing education requirements for respiratory therapists needing to renew their licenses. Find the requirements for your state of practice here.

Failure to renew your state license means you cannot practice as a respiratory therapist until you reinstate your license. Practicing with an expired or canceled license may subject you to state disciplinary action.

NBRC Credential vs. State License Renewal

Please note that the NBRC and your state licensing board are separate entities and do not share information. In other words, your NBRC credential doesn't automatically update when you renew your state license and vice-versa.

Free and Low-Cost CRCE Courses

ShiftMed Credentials

If your respiratory care credentials expire in the ShiftMed app, you won’t be able to claim shifts in this specialty area. So, remember to upload your renewal information into the app for us to verify.

Questions?

Check out these FAQs for earning and reporting CRCEs, or ping us at (800) 485-9002.