100+ Free NBRC SDS Practice Questions
Pass your NBRC Sleep Disorders Specialist (RRT-SDS / CRT-SDS) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
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Key Facts: NBRC SDS Exam
180
Total Questions
NBRC
160
Scored Items
NBRC
4 hours
Time Limit
NBRC
$300
Exam Fee (new applicant)
NBRC 2026
5
Content Domains
NBRC SDS DCO Sept 2023
65.4%
New-Candidate Pass Rate
NBRC 2023 Exams in Review
PSI
Testing Centers
NBRC
The NBRC SDS exam contains 180 multiple-choice items (160 scored + 20 pretest) administered over 4 hours at PSI testing centers. The exam follows the NBRC SDS Detailed Content Outline effective September 2023 across 5 domains: Pre-Testing (29 items), Sleep Disorders Testing (37 items), Study Analysis (53 items), Administrative Functions (8 items), and Treatment Plan (33 items). Candidates must hold a CRT for 6+ months or an RRT for 3+ months. The 2023 new-candidate pass rate was 65.4%.
Sample NBRC SDS Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your NBRC SDS exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A 52-year-old man with witnessed apneas, BMI 38, hypertension, and a STOP-Bang score of 6 is referred for evaluation of suspected obstructive sleep apnea. He has no significant cardiopulmonary comorbidities and no insomnia. Which diagnostic study is most appropriate as the first test?
2Which of the following patient profiles is a contraindication to home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) per AASM guidance?
3Which of the following STOP-Bang components is NOT one of the eight items?
4A patient is scheduled for a split-night polysomnogram. Which AASM-recommended condition should be met during the diagnostic portion before transitioning to PAP titration?
5According to AASM-recommended electrode placement, which of the following derivations is the recommended frontal EEG channel for sleep staging?
6When applying scalp EEG electrodes per the International 10-20 system, what is the approximate measurement of the C3 and C4 positions from the midline (Cz)?
7A patient is being prepared for PSG. The chin EMG electrodes should be placed at what location to optimally detect submentalis activity?
8What is the AASM-recommended high-frequency filter setting for EEG channels in adult polysomnography?
9What is the AASM-recommended low-frequency (high-pass) filter setting for chin and leg EMG channels?
10What is the maximum acceptable electrode impedance for scalp EEG and EOG electrodes per AASM standards?
About the NBRC SDS Exam
The NBRC Sleep Disorders Specialty (SDS) examination credentials respiratory therapists as Sleep Disorders Specialists (RRT-SDS or CRT-SDS). It validates competency in pre-testing assessment, polysomnography and home sleep apnea testing, study scoring per AASM rules, PAP/ASV/AVAPS/oxygen titration, and longitudinal treatment planning for adult and pediatric sleep-disordered breathing.
Questions
180 scored questions
Time Limit
4 hours
Passing Score
Determined by NBRC standard-setting (cut score not publicly listed)
Exam Fee
$300 ($250 repeat; $40 AARC member discount on first attempt) (NBRC)
NBRC SDS Exam Content Outline
Pre-Testing
Identification and care of at-risk individuals (history, comorbidities, modality selection: PSG, HSAT, MSLT, MWT, actigraphy, oximetry) plus study preparation: chart review, montage selection, equipment setup, calibration, electrode and sensor application (airflow, snoring, position, ECG, effort, EEG, EMG, EOG, SpO2, exhaled/transcutaneous CO2).
Sleep Disorders Testing
Signal maintenance and artifact correction during testing; therapeutic interventions including CPAP/auto-CPAP/bilevel, ASV, AVAPS, oxygen, and mandibular advancement devices; recognition of sleep, cardiac, neurological, pulmonary, and GI disorders; emergency response in in-hospital and freestanding sleep centers; and study conclusion.
Study Analysis
Sleep staging for adult and pediatric patients; sleep event identification including sleep-disordered breathing, limb movements, cardiac arrhythmias, EEG abnormalities, parasomnias, arousals, and hypoventilation; verification of indices (AHI, RDI, arousal index, PLMI, RERAs, Cheyne-Stokes, desaturations); MSLT/MWT statistics; and report generation.
Administrative Functions
Data and equipment maintenance, biomedical QC, inventory, secure data archiving, patient confidentiality, safety policies, and quality-improvement programs including patient satisfaction and inter-scorer reliability.
Treatment Plan
Development and implementation of individualized treatment plans (assessment of needs/barriers, equipment and interface selection, prescription generation, patient education); evaluation via PAP downloads, mask fit, follow-up oximetry, repeat HSAT, actigraphy; and communication of outcomes to providers.
How to Pass the NBRC SDS Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Determined by NBRC standard-setting (cut score not publicly listed)
- Exam length: 180 questions
- Time limit: 4 hours
- Exam fee: $300 ($250 repeat; $40 AARC member discount on first attempt)
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
NBRC SDS Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NBRC SDS exam format?
The NBRC Sleep Disorders Specialty exam is 180 multiple-choice questions (160 scored + 20 unscored pretest items) delivered over 4 hours at PSI testing centers. Both CRT-SDS and RRT-SDS candidates take the same exam; the resulting credential reflects the underlying respiratory therapist credential held.
What are the NBRC SDS exam domains and weights?
Per the NBRC SDS Detailed Content Outline effective September 2023, the 160 scored items are distributed across five domains: Pre-Testing (29 items, 18%), Sleep Disorders Testing (37 items, 23%), Study Analysis (53 items, 33%), Administrative Functions (8 items, 5%), and Treatment Plan (33 items, 21%).
How much does the NBRC SDS exam cost?
The SDS exam fee is $300 for new applicants and $250 for reapplicants. AARC members receive a $40 discount on the first attempt. Fees are paid to the NBRC at the time of application.
What are the eligibility requirements for the SDS exam?
Candidates must hold the CRT credential for at least 6 months or the RRT credential for at least 3 months before applying. Alternatively, candidates can qualify by completing a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy program with an integrated sleep add-on track.
What is the SDS pass rate?
Per the NBRC 2023 Examinations in Review, the new-candidate SDS pass rate was 65.4% and the repeat-candidate pass rate was 45.6%. Pass rates have ranged 65-66% for new candidates from 2021 through 2023.
How should I study for the NBRC SDS exam?
Spend the most time on Study Analysis (33% of the exam) including AASM sleep staging and respiratory/limb-movement event scoring rules, then Sleep Disorders Testing (23%) and Treatment Plan (21%) covering PAP titration and follow-up. Use the AASM Scoring Manual, AASM Clinical Practice Guidelines, and AAST technical guidelines as primary references.