National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is a certifying body for respiratory therapists in United States. NBRC was formed in 1960 by merging American Registry of Inhalation Therapists (ARIT) and Technician Certification Board of American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). It provides credentialing exams in area of respiratory therapy and pulmonary function technology. It has established educational and professional standards in respiratory care and helped accrediting agencies in promoting respiratory care education.
NBRC is a member of Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE). Its certification programs are accredited by National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). One of its certification is a licensure requirement in 49 states of USA. This organization is sponsored by American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), American Society of Anesthesiologists, American College of Chest Physicians and American Thoracic Society. Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP) develops and administers the certification exams conducted by NBRC.
Following certification exams are offered by NBRC-
Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) Exam: – This certification has been developed for credentialing of respiratory therapists possessing RRT credential and having experience in adult critical care.
Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Exam: – This certification has been developed for credentialing of entry-level pulmonary function technologists. It assesses knowledge and skills in three major areas- diagnostic procedures, instrumentation/equipment and data management.
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) Exam: – This certification has been developed for credentialing of entry-level respiratory therapists. It assesses knowledge and skills in three areas- clinical data, therapeutic procedures and equipment.
Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty Exam (NPS) Exam: – This certification has been developed for credentialing of respiratory therapists in neonatal and pediatric specialty. A candidate has to achieve CRT or RRT certification before taking this test.
Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT): – This certification exam has been developed for credentialing of advanced pulmonary function technologist. It assesses three knowledge areas- data management, instrumentation/equipment and diagnostic procedures. A candidate must be holding CPFT credential as a prerequisite of this exam.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT): – This certification exam has been developed for credentialing of advanced respiratory therapist. This assessment has two components – written test and clinical simulation test. A candidate must be holding CRT certification as a prerequisite of this exam.
Sleep Disorder Specialty (SDS): – This certification exam has been developed for credentialing of respiratory therapists in area of sleep medicine. A candidate must be holding CRT or RRT credential as a prerequisite of this exam. The certificate holders are specialized in treating patients with sleep disorders.