Missouri Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

Missouri RCP licenses expire on July 31 of every even-numbered year — a statewide fixed date shared by all Missouri respiratory care practitioners. The biennial renewal fee is $30. Late renewal carries a $100 penalty in addition to the renewal fee ($130 total). Renewal is available online through MOPRO or by mail.

Missouri requires 24 hours of continuing education per two-year renewal period. Newly licensed practitioners are exempt from CE during their first renewal cycle. The CE reporting period runs from August 1 of the year following initial licensure through July 31 of the renewal year. CE is self-certified at renewal — you do not submit proof of CE unless selected for an audit.

Missouri RCP Continuing Education Requirements

24 Hours Per Biennium

Missouri requires 24 hours of approved CE per renewal cycle, earned during the CE reporting period (August 1 through July 31 of even-numbered years). Newly licensed practitioners are exempt from CE during their first renewal cycle. All CE must relate directly to the practice of respiratory care. Source: 20 CSR 2255-4.010

Auto-Approved CE Sources

Programs directly sponsored or approved by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) or its affiliates are automatically accepted. Programs approved by the Missouri Society for Respiratory Care are also automatically accepted. The Board may approve additional respiratory-care-related programs on request. Source: 20 CSR 2255-4.010(4)(B)

CE Category Rules

Missouri permits CE from home-study courses with testing, in-service training, and academic coursework. ACLS, NRP/NALS, and PALS courses may provide up to 12 hours combined during a renewal period. CPR/BCLS courses receive no CE credit. Source: 20 CSR 2255-4.010

CE Attestation and Audit

Missouri uses self-certification at renewal — licensees attest to CE completion but do not submit proof of CE hours with their renewal. Documentation must be retained and provided to the Board if selected for a random audit. Source: 20 CSR 2255-4.010(2)

How to Renew Your Missouri RCP License

1. Complete 24 hours of approved CE during the reporting period (or confirm you are exempt as a first-cycle new licensee)
2. Log in to MOPRO (mopro.mo.gov/license/s/) and complete renewal online before July 31
3. Attest to CE completion on the renewal form
4. Pay the $30 renewal fee; late renewal after July 31 requires an additional $100 late penalty
5. Retain CE documentation in case of a Board audit

Lapsed License Reinstatement

If a Missouri RCP license has been lapsed for more than 2 years, the license cannot be renewed through the standard late renewal process. The practitioner must submit a formal application for license reinstatement under 20 CSR 2255-2.060. Contact the Board at 573-522-5864 or rcp@pr.mo.gov for current reinstatement requirements. Source: Missouri Board for Respiratory Care

Practical Notes for Missouri RCP Renewal

• July 31 even years — same for everyone. All Missouri RCPs share the same expiration date. If you’re on a travel assignment in late July of an even year, your Missouri license is expiring. Renew before the assignment, not during it.
• First renewal is CE-free. If you were newly licensed since the last renewal cycle, you don’t owe 24 hours for this renewal. Confirm your licensure date against the August 1–July 31 CE period to be sure.
• ACLS/PALS cap is 12 hours combined — not unlimited. These courses count but are capped at 12 combined hours per biennium. CPR and BCLS don’t count at all.
• No proof submitted unless audited. You attest at renewal and keep your documentation. If selected for audit, you produce it. Keep CE certificates for the full biennium plus one renewal cycle.
• $100 late penalty is steep relative to the $30 renewal fee. Set a calendar reminder for late May or early June — the renewal notice goes out ~90 days before July 31.
• 2-year lapse = reinstatement, not late renewal. If you’ve let the license lapse more than two years, standard late renewal is not available. You’ll need to go through the full reinstatement process.

Related Pages

• Missouri Respiratory Care Practitioner Initial Licensing — Requirements and Application
• Respiratory Care Practitioner Licensing by State — Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to renew my Missouri RCP license?

Missouri RCP licenses renew every two years and expire on July 31 of every even-numbered year. The renewal fee is $30. Source: 20 CSR 2255-1.040

How many CE hours are required for Missouri RCP renewal?

24 hours of approved CE per biennial renewal period. Newly licensed practitioners are exempt from CE during their first renewal cycle. The CE reporting period runs August 1 through July 31 of even-numbered years. Source: 20 CSR 2255-4.010

Does AARC CE count for Missouri RCP renewal?

Yes. Programs sponsored or approved by the AARC or its affiliates are automatically accepted toward Missouri CE requirements. Missouri Society for Respiratory Care programs are also automatically accepted. Source: 20 CSR 2255-4.010(4)(B)

What is the late renewal fee for a Missouri RCP license?

A $100 late penalty applies in addition to the $30 renewal fee ($130 total) for renewal after July 31. If a license has been lapsed more than 2 years, reinstatement is required rather than late renewal. Source: 20 CSR 2255-1.040

Do I need to submit CE proof with my Missouri renewal?

No. Missouri uses self-certification — you attest to CE completion at renewal but do not submit documentation with the renewal. If selected for a random Board audit you must provide proof. Retain all CE certificates. Source: 20 CSR 2255-4.010(2)