Key Takeaways
- The NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam has 160 questions (140 scored + 20 pretest) with a 3-hour time limit
- The TMC exam fee is $190, administered at PSI testing centers or via remote proctoring
- A score of 86/140 or higher on scored items earns the CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) credential
- A score of 92/140 or higher makes you eligible to take the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) for RRT
- The CSE has 22 problems (20 scored + 2 pretest) with a 4-hour time limit
- The overall pass rate is approximately 61%, with first-time pass rates of 65-70%
- All TMC questions are multiple-choice with 4 answer options
- Candidates must graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program (minimum Associate degree)
NBRC TMC Exam Overview
The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) administers the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) examination, which is the primary certification exam for respiratory therapists in the United States. The TMC exam serves a dual purpose: it determines eligibility for both the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
Exam Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination |
| Administering Body | National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) |
| Number of Questions | 160 total (140 scored + 20 pretest) |
| Time Limit | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Exam Fee | $190 per attempt |
| Question Format | Multiple-choice with 4 options |
| CRT Cut Score | 86 out of 140 scored items |
| RRT Eligible Cut Score | 92 out of 140 scored items |
| Testing Vendor | PSI (Psychological Services Inc.) |
| Testing Options | PSI test centers or remote proctoring |
| Overall Pass Rate | ~61% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | ~65-70% |
| Results | Available within 2-3 business days |
Understanding the Scoring System
The TMC exam contains 160 total questions, but only 140 are scored. The remaining 20 are pretest items that NBRC is evaluating for future exams. You will not know which questions are pretest items, so treat every question as if it counts.
- CRT Credential: Score 86 or higher on the 140 scored items
- RRT Eligibility: Score 92 or higher on the 140 scored items, then pass the CSE
- If you score between 86 and 91, you earn the CRT but are not eligible for the CSE
Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE)
Candidates who achieve an RRT-eligible score on the TMC must then pass the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE):
| CSE Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Format | Clinical simulation problems |
| Number of Problems | 22 total (20 scored + 2 pretest) |
| Time Limit | 4 hours (240 minutes) |
| Content | Patient management scenarios requiring clinical decisions |
| Scoring | Each problem has branching decision paths |
The CSE presents you with patient scenarios where you must make clinical decisions. Unlike multiple-choice questions, the CSE requires you to gather information, evaluate data, and select appropriate interventions in a simulated clinical environment.
Remote Proctoring Option
PSI offers remote proctoring as an alternative to testing at a physical test center:
- Take the exam from your home or a quiet, private location
- Requires a computer with webcam, microphone, and stable internet
- Same exam content and timing as in-person testing
- Government-issued photo ID required
- Your testing space must be free of notes, reference materials, and other people
How many questions on the NBRC TMC exam are actually scored toward your credential?
What minimum score on the TMC exam is required to become eligible for the RRT credential?
Which testing vendor administers the NBRC TMC exam?
The TMC exam has a total of 160 questions, but only _____ are scored toward your credential.
Type your answer below
What is the time limit for the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE)?
What is the exam fee for the NBRC TMC examination?
How many pretest (unscored) questions are included on the TMC exam?
What is the approximate overall pass rate for the NBRC TMC exam?