CRT vs. RRT: What’s the Difference?

A CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) and RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) are credentials for respiratory care professionals issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). (1) Both require applicants to earn an Associate of Science or a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy. The difference between CRT and RRT lies in the level of certification, clinical responsibility, and career advancement options.

What Is a CRT?

A Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) is an entry-level credential that demonstrates a respiratory therapist’s understanding of essential respiratory care principles, including therapeutic techniques and patient assessment. A CRT means therapists can develop, administer, and re-evaluate patient care plans for people with acute and chronic lung conditions, such as asthma, COPD, and obstructive pulmonary disease. (2)

To earn a CRT, a respiratory therapist must complete a Respiratory Therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care and pass the NBRC’s Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC). (3) Therapists must then secure a state license.

How Long Does It Take to Become a CRT?

The time to become a CRT depends on the therapist’s educational path and state licensing requirements. Students who pursue an Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy complete their education faster than those earning a Bachelor of Science. Some therapists earn their associate degree first, earn their CRT, and then return to school to complete their Bachelor of Science later. Others enter the workforce with an associate degree and CRT credential, and do not pursue further education.

What Is an RRT?

A Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) distinction is a more advanced credential than the CRT. Like the CRT, the RRT requires completion of either an associate or a bachelor’s degree, but demonstrates that the therapist has acquired advanced clinical thinking, critical skills, and complex decision-making in patient care. The RRT is nationally recognized as the “standard of excellence” for respiratory care professionals. (4) Registered Respiratory Therapists have extended responsibilities and are more likely to work in high-pressure environments such as ICUs, emergency rooms, and NICUs.

To earn an RRT, a respiratory therapist must first achieve a “high cut score” on the NBRC’s Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination. Earning a high score on the TMC makes a therapist eligible to take the more advanced Clinical Simulation Exam. (4)

How Long Does It Take to Become an RRT?

Becoming an RRT takes longer than becoming a CRT, as you must first secure a high cut score on the TMC. Some CRTs return to school to earn their Bachelor of Science degree before taking the TMC again and progressing to the Clinical Simulation Exam.

CRT vs. RRT: Key Differences

Here’s a quick overview of the differences between CRT and RRT credentials:

Is CRT Better Than RRT?

CRT and RRT represent different stages of professional credentialing. The RRT credential is nationally recognized as the “standard of excellence” for respiratory care professionals. The examinations for the RRT credential objectively and uniformly measure essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of advanced respiratory therapists. (3)

Start Your Respiratory Therapy Education With Carrington College

Carrington College offers two Respiratory Therapy programs: an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Science. The Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy can be completed in as few as 18 months and prepares graduates for advanced-level respiratory care. Graduates are eligible for the NBRC credentialing exams to earn their RRT credential. These exams include the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE)*.

Our Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy is a bridge program designed for Registered Respiratory Therapists who want to advance their career and who already earned an associate degree and want to build on their existing skills. If you already have an associate degree, you can complete your Bachelor of Science in as few as 16 months through online coursework.

*Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.

References

1. National Board for Respiratory Care. (2026). Home. NBRC. https://www.nbrc.org/ ^ a
2. American Association for Respiratory Care. (2016). Competencies for entry into respiratory care professional practice. https://www.aarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/respiratory-care-competencies.pdf ^ a
3. National Board for Respiratory Care. (2025, September 9). Certified respiratory therapist (CRT). NBRC. https://www.nbrc.org/examinations/crt/ ^ a b c
4. National Board for Respiratory Care. (2025, September 9). Registered respiratory therapist (RRT). NBRC. https://www.nbrc.org/examinations/rrt/ ^ a b c
5. Trusted Health. (n.d.). Respiratory therapist (RT) licensure guide. https://www.trustedhealth.com/allied-career-guide/respiratory-therapist/licensure-guide ^ a
6. American Association for Respiratory Care. (n.d.). CRT — Certified Respiratory Therapist: A practical guide for respiratory therapists. AARC Career Center. https://jobs.aarc.org/career-resources/on-the-job-3/crt-certified-respiratory-therapist-a-practical-guide-for-respiratory-therapists-134 ^ a