What to Expect

Submit your complete application (select link for information regarding specific application requirements) to the Board either once you have met the education requirements or up to 90 days prior to meeting the education requirements (completion of an approved respiratory care program AND the awarding of a minimum of an Associate Degree). New graduates are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible (but not earlier than the 90-day time period) to allow ample time to process the application.

After you have met the education requirements, request your college or university to send "official transcripts" directly to the Board. Be sure the transcript(s) reflect(s) the awarding of a minimum of an Associate Degree and completion of your respiratory care program. Approximate cost: free or up to $15. If your education was obtained from outside the United States, you must also have an evaluation forwarded to the Board.

If you have already taken and passed the CRT or RRT exam or hold a registration, certificate or license in any state for any health care profession, contact the issuing agency and request a "Verification" of licensure or credentialing be sent directly to the Board. Cost for credential verification $3; Cost for verification of licensure: varies greatly from state to state.

If you need to take the exam, follow the instructions on the Exam Scheduling Information form. Once you meet the education requirements, you will need to schedule your examination.

Work permits allow an applicant to work under the direct supervision of a licensed respiratory care practitioner. "Under direct supervision" means assigned to a licensed respiratory care practitioner who is on duty and immediately available in the assigned patient care area. Any person working with a work permit shall identify him/herself as a "Respiratory Care Practitioner Applicant."

A Work Permit will be issued for a period of 90 days, generally within 10 days from the time the Board receives:

1. * A complete application;
2. * A fingerprint clearance or if criminal, disciplinary or substance abuse exists, the Board's Enforcement Unit must determine that a work permit may be issued;
3. * Verification of graduation or certification of upcoming graduation by program director which is completed on the front page of the Application for Licensure form (If education was completed in a foreign country, documentation showing equivalent education must be received); and
4. * Verification of your credential if you have already taken and passed the CRT or RRT examination.

If at the time the Board receives the above documentation and the application is complete for licensure, rather than issue a work permit, the Board will process your application for licensure.

Work permits are issued for a 90 day period to allow you sufficient time to take your examination and request your official transcript(s) be sent to the Board. Work permits will not be extended except in extremely rare situations.

All applicants must successfully complete a Board-approved Law and Professional Ethics Course prior to licensure. The Board has approved two law and professional ethics courses, developed independently by the California Society for Respiratory Care (CSRC) and the American Association for Respiratory Care(AARC), which are available via the Internet (the CSRC also provides "live" sessions on designated dates). Each of the approved courses are unique, though they both are 3-hours in length and consist of the following subject areas:

1. * Obligations of licensed respiratory care practitioners to patients under their care;
2. * Responsibilities of respiratory care practitioners to report illegal activites occurring in the workplace, and
3. * Acts that jeopardize licensure and licensure status.

Only ONE law and professional ethics course is required to be completed prior to licensure (either the CSRC's or AARC's course). Before deciding which course to take, you are encouraged to visit each provider's website to review additional information pertaining to the administration of each course. You can then select the course provider that best meets your individual needs.

Prior to licensure, you must provide the Board with a copy of a Certificate of Completion, from either the AARC or CSRC, verifying successful completion of the mandatory course. Links to both courses are available via the Board's website at www.rcb.ca.gov or you may contact each provider as follows:

1. AARC
2. (972) 243-2272
3. www.aarc.org
4. CSRC
5. (888) 730-2772
6. www.csrc.org

Once the Board receives all required documentation for licensure, including passing exam scores, you will be sent a letter notifying you of your eligibility for licensure and will be requested to submit the appropriate initial licensing fee. Initial licenses are issued for a period of 6-17 months depending upon the issuing month of the license and the applicant's birth month. The fee is prorated at $8 per month and can range from $48 to $136. Upon receipt of your fee, you should receive a license number in less than 2 weeks.

After your initial license period, the license must be renewed every two years to remain current. To continue to hold an Active license you must also complete 15 hours of continuing education within the two year period prior to renewal. Your continuing education hours will be prorated the first time you renew your license. If you allow your license to expire, you will have 3 years from the expiration date to renew the license or the license becomes cancelled and cannot be renewed or reinstated.