Continuing Education for Respiratory Care Practitioners

Continuing education (CE) helps you stay current in respiratory care practice and supports safe, high-quality patient care. CE is also a required part of renewing an active Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) license in California.

Note: Updated CE framework took effect January 1, 2024.

Why did CE requirements change?
The RCB updated the CE framework to better match today’s practice needs — supporting clinical competency, meaningful live learning, and leadership readiness for the future respiratory care workforce.

These updates are intended to help licensees choose CE that strengthens real-world practice while supporting the RCB’s public protection mission.

Leadership CE prepares RCPs for supervisory and administrative responsibilities. This requirement was added in response to workforce data showing a growing need to prepare future leaders as experienced respiratory care managers approach retirement. Leadership CE focuses on areas such as case management, reimbursement, cost containment, communication, and health care operations.
Live CE emphasizes real-time interaction, discussion, and Q&A. Interactive learning environments allow for immediate clarification of complex topics, shared professional experiences, and meaningful engagement that supports critical thinking and professional judgment.
Clinical Practice CE focuses on knowledge and skills used in direct patient care, helping licensees stay current with evolving standards, technologies, and evidence-based practice.

By strengthening clinical skills, leadership readiness, and interactive learning, the updated CE framework helps promote continuity of experienced oversight, informed decision-making, and high-quality, fiscally responsible patient care.

Want the full overview?
See the CE Booklet for more information.

CE requirements for RCPs are governed by Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, Professional and Vocational Regulations, Division 13.6, Respiratory Care Board of California, Article 5, which outlines CE requirements for license renewal.

CE at a Glance

Renewals require 30 total hours of CE every two-year renewal cycle.

At least 15 hours must be directly related to Clinical Practice.
At least 10 hours must be directly related to RCP Leadership.
Up to 5 hours may be indirectly related to the clinical practice of respiratory care.
A minimum of 15 hours must be earned through live courses or meetings.
CE records and certificates must be kept for 4 years.

Tip: A course title alone doesn’t determine the category, you must look at the course objectives/agenda.

Example: “Disease Management” is usually Clinical Practice CE (clinical topic), not Leadership CE, even though it includes the word “management” in the course title.

For detailed examples of what counts in each category, visit What Qualifies for Continuing Education (CE).

First renewal: For your first renewal only, you are required to complete 15 total hours of CE.

At least 7 hours must be directly related to Clinical Practice.
At least 5 hours must be directly related to RCP Leadership.
Up to 3 hours may be indirectly related to the clinical practice of respiratory care.
A minimum of 7 hours must be earned through live courses or meetings.
CE records and certificates must be kept for 4 years.

CE hours are counted across clinical practice, leadership, and limited indirect activities. Details on what qualifies in each category, including live course requirements, certifications, and activities that do not count toward CE, are explained on the What Qualifies for Continuing Education (CE) page.