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Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination
Find the current format, timing, scoring, fees, eligibility, and testing options for TMC, with direct links to official sources.
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Questions160 multiple-choice items: 140 scored + 20 pretest (unscored)
Testing time3 hours
ScoringTwo cut scores on the TMC Examination: achieving the low cut score earns the CRT credential; achieving the high cut score earns the CRT credential AND eligibility for the Clinical Simulation Examination (RRT pathway); below the low cut score requires reapplying; cut scores set via standard-setting study by subject-matter experts and are not numerically published
Exam feeUSD 190 for new applicants; USD 150 for repeat applicants (TMC Examination application fee)
Prep options
Study resources for TMC
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Exam overview
What to know before choosing your prep
- Who runs it
- NBRC
- Category
- Respiratory Care
- Current version
- TMC Detailed Content Outline — effective January 2020 through December 31, 2026; superseded by the new Respiratory Therapy Examination (RT Detailed Content Outline, effective January 2027)
- Where it applies
- United States — national
- Exam languages
- English
- Score scale
- Raw score: each of the 140 scored items is worth one point; the sum of correct responses is compared with the cut score (no numeric passing score or scaled range is published)
- Testing provider
- PSI (NBRC's testing agency: administration, scoring, and analysis; scheduling through test-takers.psiexams.com/nbrc)
- Format
- Computer-based multiple-choice examination at PSI secure testing locations (nearly 300 across the United States and internationally), by appointment only
- Availability
- Year-round by appointment, Monday through Saturday (excluding listed holidays) at 300+ assessment centers; no application deadlines
- Results
- Score information provided at the test center immediately after completing the examination; official score report emailed by PSI (expected within 24 hours)
- Credential validity
- Credential issued for a five-year term (from the end of the calendar month of issuance); renewal through the Credential Maintenance Program (continuing education, retaking the examination, or passing a new NBRC examination)
- Remote testing
- Not available
Exam structure
One 160-item (140 scored + 20 pretest) multiple-choice exam across three content sections per the Detailed Content Outline: Patient Data (50 items), Troubleshooting and Quality Control of Devices, and Infection Control (20 items), Initiation and Modification of Interventions (70 items); 3 items are ethics-tagged; patient-type mix includes a minimum of 3 pediatric and 2 neonatal items (targets 4 and 3, adult/general balance)
Where rules vary
US national credentialing exam: 'all 49 states that regulate the practice of respiratory care use the CRT or RRT credential as the basis for state licensure'; administered by computer at nearly 300 secure testing locations across the United States and internationally; the NBRC also permits the TMC to be administered on behalf of state agencies for legal credentialing; foreign respiratory therapy education does not qualify for TMC admission
Eligibility
At least 18 years old AND a graduate with a minimum of an associate degree from an entry-into-practice respiratory therapy education program supported or accredited by CoARC; OR a CRT of at least 4 years with 62 semester hours of specified college credit; OR a CRT of at least 2 years with an associate degree from a CoARC-supported/accredited program; OR a CRT of at least 2 years with a baccalaureate degree outside respiratory care plus 62 specified semester hours; OR hold the CSRT (Canada) RRT credential; foreign respiratory therapy education does not qualify
Retake policy
Three initial attempts with no waiting period; a minimum of 120 days between any subsequent attempt thereafter; failing candidates may reapply online two business days after completion (repeat fee USD 150); no-shows forfeit the fee and must reapply