100+ Free AE-C Practice Questions

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Which of the following best describes the underlying pathophysiology of asthma?

Permanent destruction of alveolar walls with loss of elastic recoil

Chronic airway inflammation with bronchial hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow obstruction

Excess mucus production caused by ciliary dysfunction in large airways only

Fixed alveolar fibrosis caused by inhaled toxin exposure

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AE-C Exam

150

Scored Questions

NBRC (175 total with 25 pretest)

Passing Scaled Score

NBRC

$350

Exam Fee (new applicants)

NBRC

5 years

Credential Validity

NBRC

1,000 hrs

Practice Hours Eligibility

NAECB/NBRC (alternative to license route)

47%

Largest Domain (Asthma Management)

AE-C Detailed Content Outline

The AE-C (Certified Asthma Educator) exam is 175 multiple-choice items (150 scored, 25 pretest) over 3.5 hours, administered by NBRC at PSI testing centers since 2022. Asthma Management is the largest content area at ~47% of the exam, followed by Assessment (~23%), The Asthma Condition (~20%), and Organizational Issues (~10%). The credential is valid for 5 years and is open to clinicians with a US healthcare license OR 1,000+ hours of direct asthma education experience.

Sample AE-C Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AE-C exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which of the following best describes the underlying pathophysiology of asthma?

A.Permanent destruction of alveolar walls with loss of elastic recoil

B.Chronic airway inflammation with bronchial hyperresponsiveness and reversible airflow obstruction

C.Excess mucus production caused by ciliary dysfunction in large airways only

D.Fixed alveolar fibrosis caused by inhaled toxin exposure

Explanation: Asthma is defined as a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by bronchial hyperresponsiveness, variable and largely reversible airflow obstruction, and recurring symptoms such as wheezing, dyspnea, and cough. Inflammation, smooth muscle constriction, mucus hypersecretion, and bronchial wall edema all contribute.

2Which structural change is a hallmark of long-standing, poorly controlled asthma and may lead to fixed airflow limitation?

A.Alveolar ductal dilation

B.Airway remodeling with subepithelial fibrosis and smooth muscle hypertrophy

C.Pleural thickening with calcification

D.Diffuse interstitial granuloma formation

Explanation: Airway remodeling — including subepithelial collagen deposition, smooth muscle hypertrophy/hyperplasia, goblet cell metaplasia, and angiogenesis — is the long-term sequela of persistent airway inflammation and can produce partly irreversible airflow obstruction.

3An asthma educator is explaining lung anatomy to a newly diagnosed adult. Which structure is the primary site of bronchoconstriction during an asthma exacerbation?

A.Trachea

B.Bronchi and bronchioles (small and medium airways)

C.Alveoli

D.Pleural space

Explanation: Asthma is a disease of the conducting airways. Smooth muscle constriction, mucosal edema, and mucus plugging primarily affect the medium and small bronchi and bronchioles, producing the audible wheeze and the FEV1 reduction seen on spirometry.

4Which of the following best distinguishes asthma severity from asthma control?

A.They are interchangeable terms

B.Severity describes intrinsic disease intensity before treatment; control describes how well current symptoms and risk are managed on therapy

C.Severity is patient-reported; control is provider-reported

D.Severity reflects FEV1 only; control reflects peak flow only

Explanation: Per NHLBI/EPR-3 and the 2020 Focused Updates, severity is the intrinsic intensity of disease and is most accurately assessed before long-term controller therapy is started. Control is the degree to which manifestations of asthma (impairment and risk) are minimized on current treatment.

5When discussing impairment versus risk with a patient, which is best categorized as a measure of risk?

A.Frequency of daytime symptoms

B.Nighttime awakenings

C.Annual rate of asthma exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids

D.SABA use for symptom relief

Explanation: Risk refers to the likelihood of future adverse events — exacerbations, progressive loss of lung function, or treatment side effects. Impairment captures current burden (symptoms, nighttime awakenings, activity limitation, SABA use, FEV1).

6Which feature is MOST characteristic of asthma in infants and young children compared with adults?

A.Bronchodilator response is unhelpful for diagnosis

B.Symptoms are often triggered by viral respiratory infections, and spirometry is usually not feasible before age 5

C.Allergic sensitization is uncommon

D.Inhaled corticosteroids are contraindicated

Explanation: In infants and young children, viral respiratory infections (notably RSV and rhinovirus) are the most common asthma triggers. Reliable spirometry usually cannot be obtained before about age 5, so diagnosis relies on pattern recognition, symptom history, and trial of therapy.

7A patient asks the difference between an allergen and an irritant. The BEST teaching response is:

A.There is no real difference; both cause the same immune reaction

B.Allergens trigger an IgE-mediated immune response in sensitized individuals; irritants directly provoke airway responses without an immune sensitization step

C.Allergens are always indoor; irritants are always outdoor

D.Irritants cause anaphylaxis; allergens do not

Explanation: An allergen produces sensitization and an IgE-mediated response in susceptible people (e.g., dust mite, cat dander, pollen, mold). An irritant (e.g., tobacco smoke, strong fumes, cold air) provokes airway inflammation or bronchospasm by direct, non-immune mechanisms.

8Which of the following is the MOST common indoor allergen trigger associated with persistent childhood asthma in U.S. urban environments?

A.Ragweed pollen

B.Cockroach allergen

C.Mountain cedar

D.Bermuda grass

Explanation: The NIEHS National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study and follow-on research identified cockroach allergen as a leading indoor sensitizer linked to severe asthma morbidity in urban U.S. children. Dust mite and mouse allergen are also major indoor contributors.

9A patient with mild persistent asthma reports new dyspnea after starting medications for hypertension. Which medication class is MOST likely to exacerbate asthma?

A.ACE inhibitors

B.Non-selective beta-blockers

C.Calcium-channel blockers

D.Thiazide diuretics

Explanation: Non-selective beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) block beta-2 receptors in the bronchi and can precipitate bronchospasm. Cardioselective beta-1 blockers are generally safer at low doses. ACE inhibitors cause cough but rarely true bronchospasm.

10Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is characterized by which classic triad?

A.Asthma, nasal polyps, and aspirin/NSAID sensitivity

B.Asthma, eczema, and food allergy

C.Asthma, GERD, and obesity

D.Asthma, exercise intolerance, and seasonal allergies

Explanation: AERD (Samter triad) is the combination of asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and respiratory reactions to COX-1 inhibitors (aspirin and most NSAIDs). It typically presents in adulthood and is mediated by leukotriene overproduction.

About the AE-C Exam

Multidisciplinary credential for clinicians (RTs, RNs, NPs, PAs, MDs, RPhs, social workers, health educators, and others) who deliver asthma self-management education. The AE-C exam covers 150 scored items across asthma pathophysiology, assessment, management, and program/organizational issues.

Questions

175 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours 30 minutes

Passing Score

Scaled score of 75

Exam Fee

$350 new / $250 reapplicant (NAECB / NBRC)

AE-C Exam Content Outline

20%

The Asthma Condition

Pathophysiology, factors contributing to acute and chronic asthma, comorbidities, and triggers

23%

Assessment of an Individual with Asthma and Family

History, physical signs, objective measures (spirometry, PEF, FeNO, ACT), and educational-needs assessment

47%

Asthma Management

Medications and delivery devices, behavioral and environmental modifications, self-management education, written asthma action plan, and periodic reevaluation

10%

Organizational Issues

Needs assessment, program development, program implementation, program evaluation, and professional partnerships

How to Pass the AE-C Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled score of 75
Exam length: 175 questions
Time limit: 3 hours 30 minutes
Exam fee: $350 new / $250 reapplicant

Keys to Passing

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

AE-C Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master Asthma Management (47% of exam) — medications, MDI/DPI/spacer technique, MART/SMART, action plans, and step-up/step-down logic

2Memorize action-plan zones: green ≥80%, yellow 50-79%, red <50% of personal best

3Know NAEPP 2020 Focused Updates and current GINA strategy reports thoroughly

4Practice teach-back and motivational interviewing scenarios — many items test educator skills, not pure clinical recall

5Use a question bank covering all 4 sections; aim for 80%+ on practice tests before scheduling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AE-C exam and who can take it?

The AE-C (Certified Asthma Educator) exam is a multidisciplinary credentialing exam for clinicians who provide asthma education and self-management support. Eligible candidates hold a current, active, unrestricted US license or credential (RN, NP, PA, MD/DO, RT, RPh, MSW, RD, OT, PT, EMT/Paramedic, SLP, health educator, pulmonary function technologist) OR have at least 1,000 hours of direct patient asthma education, counseling, or coordinating services.

How many questions are on the AE-C exam and how long is it?

The AE-C exam contains 175 multiple-choice items: 150 scored questions and 25 unscored pretest questions. You have 3 hours and 30 minutes (3.5 hours) to complete it. The exam is administered through PSI at over 300 assessment centers across the United States.

What is the passing score for the AE-C exam?

Per the NBRC, candidates must achieve a final scaled cut score of at least 75 to pass the AE-C examination. The passing standard is set using a criterion-referenced process based on minimal competency rather than a percentage of correct answers.

How much does the AE-C exam cost?

The AE-C examination fee is $350 for new applicants and $250 for reapplicants. AARC members receive a $40 discount on the first-time application fee. Re-credentialing options include continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

How is the AE-C exam content distributed?

The 150 scored questions are distributed across four major sections: The Asthma Condition (~20%, 30 items), Assessment of an Individual with Asthma and Family (~23%, 34 items), Asthma Management (~47%, 71 items), and Organizational Issues (~10%, 15 items). Asthma Management is the largest section, with subsections on medications/devices, behavioral and environmental modifications, self-management education, written asthma action plans, and periodic reevaluation.

How long is the AE-C credential valid and how do I recertify?

The AE-C credential is valid for 5 years. Recertification options include: (1) completing approved continuing education contact hours that align with the AE-C content domains over the 5-year cycle, or (2) retaking the AE-C examination during the final year of your credential period. NBRC tracks both pathways.

Who administers the AE-C exam now?

Effective September 1, 2022, the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) acquired the Certified Asthma Educator examination and all assets of the National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB). The credential designation (AE-C) and content outline remained the same. The exam is delivered through PSI testing centers.

How should I study for the AE-C exam?

Plan 60-100 hours over 8-12 weeks. Anchor your study to the 2020 NAEPP Focused Updates and current GINA report — the exam emphasizes practical asthma education, including ICS-LABA pharmacology, MART/SMART regimens, action-plan zones, peak flow technique, trigger avoidance, and culturally responsive teaching. Complete at least 300-500 practice questions with a focus on Asthma Management (47% of the exam).