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Question 1

Score: 0/0

What is the minimum acceptable correlation coefficient (r) when validating a new spirometer against a reference device?

0.95

0.97

0.99

0.90

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CPFT Exam

115

Total Questions

NBRC

100

Scored Items

NBRC

2 hours

Time Limit

NBRC

$200

Exam Fee

NBRC 2026

Content Domains

NBRC CPFT outline

PSI

Testing Centers

NBRC

The NBRC CPFT exam contains 115 multiple-choice items (100 scored + 15 pretest) administered over 2 hours. The exam covers three domains: Instrumentation/Equipment (33 items), Procedures (44 items), and Data Management (23 items). CPFTs work in hospitals, clinics, and physician offices performing pulmonary function testing.

Sample CPFT Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CPFT exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the minimum acceptable correlation coefficient (r) when validating a new spirometer against a reference device?

A.0.95

B.0.97

C.0.99

D.0.90

Explanation: According to ATS/ERS guidelines, the minimum acceptable correlation coefficient (r) when validating spirometers is 0.97. This high correlation ensures that the device provides clinically equivalent measurements to the reference standard. A correlation of 0.95 is too low for pulmonary function testing, while 0.99, though desirable, is not the minimum required standard.

2Which gas is typically used as the "zero" gas when calibrating gas analyzers for diffusing capacity measurements?

A.Room air

B.100% oxygen

C.Nitrogen or helium

D.Carbon monoxide

Explanation: Nitrogen or helium is used as the "zero" or baseline gas when calibrating gas analyzers for DLCO measurements. This inert gas establishes the baseline reading with no target gas present. Room air contains oxygen and other gases that would interfere, 100% oxygen would not provide a zero baseline, and carbon monoxide is the test gas itself, not the zero gas.

3How often should volume-type spirometers be leak-tested according to ATS/ERS standards?

A.Daily

B.Weekly

C.Monthly

D.Before each patient test

Explanation: ATS/ERS standards recommend that volume-type spirometers be leak-tested daily. This daily quality control check ensures the integrity of the system and prevents errors from air leaks that could significantly affect volume measurements. While some facilities may perform additional checks, the minimum standard is daily.

4A body plethysmograph must be capable of measuring thoracic gas volume (TGV) to within what accuracy?

A.±5%

B.±3%

C.±10%

D.±1%

Explanation: Body plethysmographs must be capable of measuring thoracic gas volume (TGV) to within ±5% or 100 mL, whichever is greater. This accuracy requirement ensures reliable measurements of functional residual capacity (FRC) and derived lung volumes. The 100 mL minimum accounts for small absolute volume measurements.

5When performing a 3-liter syringe calibration check on a spirometer, how many strokes should be performed?

A.1 stroke

B.3 strokes

C.5 strokes

D.10 strokes

Explanation: ATS/ERS guidelines recommend performing 5 strokes when checking spirometer calibration with a 3-liter syringe. Multiple strokes help identify any variability or inconsistency in measurements. The average of these strokes should be within ±3% or ±100 mL of the 3-liter target.

6A spirometer consistently reads 4.85 liters when a 5.00-liter calibration syringe is used. What should be the technologist's first action?

A.Accept the reading as within acceptable limits

B.Recalibrate the device

C.Check for leaks in the system

D.Replace the flow sensor

Explanation: The reading of 4.85 liters represents a -3% error from the 5.00-liter target, which is at the outer limit of acceptability (±3% or ±100 mL). The technologist's first action should be to recalibrate the device. If recalibration does not resolve the issue, then checking for leaks or replacing components would be appropriate next steps.

7What is the maximum acceptable barometric pressure variation between calibration and patient testing for most pulmonary function equipment?

A.No variation allowed

B.±5 mmHg

C.±10 mmHg

D.±20 mmHg

Explanation: Most pulmonary function equipment allows a maximum barometric pressure variation of ±10 mmHg between calibration and patient testing without requiring recalibration. Barometric pressure affects gas density and viscosity, which can impact flow measurements. Larger variations may require recalibration to ensure accuracy.

8During routine quality control, a pneumotachometer-based spirometer shows increasing resistance. What is the most likely cause?

A.Electrical malfunction

B.Accumulation of moisture or secretions

C.Software error

D.Damaged flow sensor

Explanation: The most likely cause of increasing resistance in a pneumotachometer is accumulation of moisture or secretions on the flow sensor. Pneumotachometers measure flow across a fixed resistance, and any blockage will increase measured resistance. Regular cleaning and drying between patients is essential. While sensor damage could cause this, progressive increase suggests accumulation rather than sudden damage.

9Which of the following is an acceptable biological control procedure for spirometry?

A.Testing the same patient daily

B.Using a 3-liter syringe before each patient

C.Testing a healthy staff member with known normal values weekly

D.Running a software diagnostic daily

Explanation: Testing a healthy staff member with known normal values weekly is an acceptable biological control procedure. This helps verify that the equipment is functioning correctly by testing a human subject with stable lung function. Syringe checks are mechanical, not biological controls. Testing the same patient daily is impractical, and software diagnostics do not test the measurement system.

10A gas analyzer for DLCO testing shows drift in the baseline reading over time. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

A.Continue testing and apply correction factors

B.Recalibrate the analyzer with zero and span gases

C.Replace the analyzer

D.Document the drift and report to manufacturer

Explanation: When a gas analyzer shows baseline drift, the most appropriate immediate action is to recalibrate using zero and span gases. This drift indicates the analyzer has shifted from its calibrated state. Recalibration should restore accurate readings. Continuing with drift would produce inaccurate DLCO results. Replacement should only be considered if recalibration fails to resolve the issue.

About the CPFT Exam

The CPFT is an entry-level NBRC certification for pulmonary function technologists. It validates competency in performing pulmonary diagnostic tests including spirometry, lung volumes, diffusing capacity, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing.

Questions

115 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

Determined by NBRC standard-setting

Exam Fee

$200 ($160 retake) (NBRC)

CPFT Exam Content Outline

33 items (29%)

Instrumentation and Equipment

Equipment setup, calibration, quality control, troubleshooting, safety standards, and infection control for spirometers, plethysmographs, gas analyzers, and other PFT equipment

44 items (38%)

Procedures

Patient preparation, test protocols, and performance of spirometry, lung volume measurements, DLCO, bronchial provocation, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and other procedures

23 items (20%)

Data Management

Calculations, reference values, test interpretation, quality assurance, artifact recognition, and clinical correlation of pulmonary function test results

How to Pass the CPFT Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Determined by NBRC standard-setting
Exam length: 115 questions
Time limit: 2 hours
Exam fee: $200 ($160 retake)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CPFT Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master ATS/ERS standards for spirometry, lung volumes, and DLCO testing - these are heavily tested

2Practice calibration calculations and quality control procedures for all equipment types

3Study normal values and how to interpret obstructive vs restrictive patterns on PFTs

4Understand the physics of gas analysis, flow measurement, and BTPS corrections

5Know patient preparation requirements and contraindications for each test procedure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NBRC CPFT exam format?

The CPFT exam consists of 115 multiple-choice questions (100 scored and 15 pretest) administered over a 2-hour time limit. The exam is computer-based and offered at PSI testing centers nationwide.

What are the CPFT exam domains?

The CPFT exam has three content domains: I) Instrumentation and Equipment (33 questions, ~29%), II) Procedures (44 questions, ~38%), and III) Data Management (23 questions, ~20%). The remaining ~13% covers cross-content areas.

How much does the CPFT exam cost?

The CPFT exam fee is $200 for first-time candidates and $160 for retakes. Fees are paid to the NBRC when submitting your application.

What are the eligibility requirements for CPFT?

To sit for the CPFT exam, candidates must: 1) be at least 18 years old, 2) have a high school diploma or equivalent, and 3) have completed a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program or equivalent. Some candidates may qualify through work experience.

How should I study for the CPFT exam?

Focus on the three domains proportionally: spend the most time on Procedures (38%), followed by Instrumentation/Equipment (29%), then Data Management (20%). Practice with actual equipment when possible, study ATS/ERS standards, and complete many practice questions to reinforce concepts.

What is the difference between CPFT and RPFT?

CPFT is the entry-level certification for pulmonary function technologists. RPFT (Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist) is the advanced-level credential requiring additional experience and a more difficult exam. Many technologists start with CPFT and progress to RPFT after gaining experience.