New Jersey Respiratory Care Practitioner License Requirements

ByAllied License Guide Editorial Team

Editorial Note: This page is editorially reviewed by an ARDMS-credentialed sonographer as part of AlliedLicenseGuide.com’s allied health licensing database. Primary source: New Jersey State Board of Respiratory Care — Division of Consumer Affairs.

Who This Guide Is For

  • New graduates and NBRC credential holders (CRT or RRT) applying for initial licensure in New Jersey, including those who completed a CoARC-accredited program more than three years ago and may need a refresher course.
  • Out-of-state and travel respiratory therapists seeking licensure by endorsement, or considering a temporary visiting license for short-term project or emergency assignments.
  • Applicants who want to understand New Jersey’s inclusive approach to licensure — no citizenship requirement, no SSN required — and the state’s recent expansion of licensure eligibility to CRT holders.

New Jersey Respiratory Care Practitioner — At a Glance

License Required Yes
Credential Name Respiratory Care Practitioner
Governing Body NJ State Board of Respiratory Care, under the Division of Consumer Affairs
Licensing Pathways Examination; Endorsement (out-of-state license holders); Temporary licenses (see below)
NBRC Credential Required CRT or RRT (both accepted since November 2023 statutory amendment; regulation text not yet updated — statute governs)
NJ State Exam None
Education Requirement High school diploma (or equivalent) PLUS a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapist training program
Application Fee $125 (non-refundable) + $160 initial license fee = $285 total (first year of biennial period); $205 total if applying in the second year
Application Method Online via MyLicense portal, or by paper packet
Processing Time ~4-6 weeks per Board FAQ
Background Check Yes — digital fingerprinting required; instructions provided after application submission
Jurisprudence Exam None identified for respiratory care
Interstate Compact (RCIC) Not currently a member, as of this page’s verification date
Governing Law N.J.S.A. 45:14E-1 et seq. (Respiratory Care Practitioner Licensing Act); N.J.A.C. 13:44F

New Jersey licenses respiratory therapists through the State Board of Respiratory Care, a profession-specific board established by the Respiratory Care Practitioner Act of 1991 (P.L. 1991, c.31) and administered within the Division of Consumer Affairs. The Board has been active since then, licensing and regulating respiratory care practice under the direction of licensed physicians, physician assistants, or advanced practice nurses.

Licenses are issued on a biennial cycle. Multiple official renewal sources consistently identify March 31 of odd-numbered years as the statewide expiration date for New Jersey respiratory care licenses (e.g., March 31, 2025; March 31, 2027), though the underlying regulation at N.J.A.C. 13:44F-7.1 describes a two-year renewal period without specifying a fixed calendar date — confirm your exact expiration date on your license or with the Board. Both initial applications and renewals are processed through the Division’s MyLicense online portal, though paper applications remain available.

What Makes New Jersey Different

Three things stand out about New Jersey’s regulatory approach compared to most other states in this series.

First, New Jersey expanded its NBRC credential eligibility in November 2023. Before that statutory change, the administrative regulation (N.J.A.C. 13:44F-4.2) specifically named the Registered Respiratory Therapist examination as the required credential. The November 20, 2023 amendment to P.L. 1991, c.31 now allows applicants who pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) examination to apply for a plenary license, recognizing both CRT and RRT as qualifying credentials. The regulation text has not yet been updated to reflect this change, but the official Division of Consumer Affairs notice of December 23, 2023 confirms both credentials are now accepted. This is a meaningful expansion for entry-level practitioners who hold the CRT.

Second, New Jersey’s formal education floor is a high school diploma, not an associate’s degree. The regulation at N.J.A.C. 13:44F-4.1 requires a high school diploma or its equivalent, plus completion of a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapist training program. An associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution can substitute as evidence of the high school diploma if the diploma itself isn’t available — but the associate’s degree is not independently required as a primary educational standard. This differs from states like Michigan, which codifies an associate’s degree as a separate statutory requirement.

Third, New Jersey’s licensure framework does not require citizenship, lawful immigration status, or an SSN. Applicants who cannot provide a Social Security Number may obtain a Division-Issued Identification Number to proceed through the licensing process. This is confirmed in the Division’s official immigrant licensing guidance.

Applying With a CRT Credential?

Since November 20, 2023, New Jersey accepts both the CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) and RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) credentials for full plenary licensure. Some older forms, checklists, or third-party sources may still reference the RRT examination because the underlying administrative regulation (N.J.A.C. 13:44F-4.2) has not yet been updated to reflect the statutory change. The 2023 statute and the official Division of Consumer Affairs guidance of December 23, 2023 govern — CRT holders may apply.

Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC)

New Jersey is not currently a member of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC), as of this page’s verification date. Because compact membership is expanding across states, verify current status at respiratorycarecompact.org or directly with the NJ State Board of Respiratory Care.

Licensing Requirements

To be licensed in New Jersey by examination, an applicant must hold a high school diploma (or its equivalent), have completed a respiratory therapist training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), and have passed the NBRC credentialing examination — either the CRT or the RRT — within the five years preceding the date of application. An applicant who completed their CoARC training program more than three years before applying must also provide proof of either completing a Board-approved refresher course, or proof of continuous practice in another state or jurisdiction since completing the program.

All applicants must also submit a 2-inch by 2-inch passport-size photograph and a completed Certification and Authorization Form to initiate a criminal history background check through digital fingerprinting. Fingerprinting instructions are provided after the application is submitted. An SSN is requested but not required; applicants without one may obtain a Division-Issued Identification Number as an alternative.

Based on renewal materials and CE provider guidance that consistently tracks NJ licensure cycles, respiratory care licenses appear to expire on March 31 of odd-numbered years. The initial license fee is prorated depending on when in the biennial cycle an application is submitted: $160 if during the first year of the current biennial period, or $80 if during the second year. The $125 non-refundable application fee applies regardless of the cycle year. Verify your specific expiration date on your license or directly with the Board.

For Endorsement applicants — those currently licensed in another state, Canadian province, or other jurisdiction — the pathway is available with documentation including verification of licensure from all prior jurisdictions and education transcripts. The Board reviews these applications against New Jersey’s own eligibility standards.

Temporary Licenses

New Jersey provides two distinct temporary license pathways. A six-month temporary license ($40) is available to applicants who have applied for the NBRC examination and need to practice while completing the examination process — per the Board’s FAQ, the license expires six months from issuance, is not renewable, and the applicant may take the examination as many times as needed during that six-month period. Separately, a temporary visiting license ($80 per year, renewable for one additional year) is available under N.J.A.C. 13:44F-5.1 for out-of-state respiratory care practitioners visiting New Jersey temporarily to assist in a medical emergency, participate in a special project, or engage in a teaching assignment. Both pathway fees are set in N.J.A.C. 13:44F-8.1. Source for the six-month license: NJ Board of Respiratory Care FAQ.

How to Apply

  1. Obtain your NBRC credential. Either CRT or RRT now satisfies New Jersey’s examination requirement following the 2023 statutory amendment. Pass the exam within 5 years of your intended application date; arrange for NBRC score verification to be submitted.
  2. Confirm your CoARC program completion and gather transcripts. If your program was completed more than 3 years ago and you haven’t been practicing in another state or jurisdiction since, contact the Board about a refresher course requirement before applying.
  3. Apply online via the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs MyLicense portal, or request a paper packet by calling (973) 504-6485. Online is the primary supported method.
  4. Include your passport-size photo and the Certification and Authorization Form for the criminal history background check. Fingerprinting will be completed after application submission, using instructions the Board provides.
  5. Pay the fees: $125 non-refundable application fee plus the initial license fee of $160.00 (first year of the biennial period) or $80.00 (second year). Paper submissions: personal check, certified check, or money order payable to “New Jersey State Board of Respiratory Care.” Online: credit/debit via MyLicense.
  6. Allow approximately 4-6 weeks for processing per the Board’s FAQ. Missing documents will delay this timeline.
  7. For Endorsement applicants: also arrange for Verification of Licensure from every jurisdiction where you have previously held a license.

Practical Notes

  • CRT is now a plenary credential in NJ — but the regulation text hasn’t caught up. If you apply with a CRT and encounter a form or checklist that still references RRT only, it likely reflects the pre-2023 language. The statute was amended November 2023; both credentials are valid. The official DCA notice from December 23, 2023 confirms this.
  • No SSN? No problem. Unlike many states, New Jersey explicitly provides an alternative — a Division-Issued Identification Number — for applicants who can’t provide a Social Security Number. Citizenship and immigration status are also not a bar to licensure under NJ law.
  • Mind the biennial cycle when calculating your fee. The initial license fee is prorated. Apply in the first year of the biennial period and you’ll pay $160 for the license component; apply in the second year and it’s $80. The $125 application fee is always due regardless.
  • Three-year CoARC rule. If you completed your training more than 3 years ago and haven’t been working as an RT in any state since, you’ll likely need a Board-approved refresher course before applying. Continuous practice in another jurisdiction is the documented exemption.

Relevant Statutes and Rules

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Jersey require the RRT credential, or is CRT sufficient?

Both CRT and RRT are now accepted. New Jersey amended its licensing statute (P.L. 1991, c.31) on November 20, 2023, formally expanding eligibility to CRT holders. The official Division of Consumer Affairs notice of December 23, 2023 confirms applicants who pass the CRT examination may apply for a plenary license. Note that the administrative regulation text at N.J.A.C. 13:44F-4.2 still references the “Registered Respiratory Therapist examination” — this language predates the 2023 statutory change and has not yet been updated; the statute and official Board notice govern. Source: NJ Board of Respiratory Care Regulations.

How much does it cost to get a New Jersey respiratory care practitioner license?

The total cost depends on when in the biennial cycle you apply. The non-refundable application fee of $125 applies in all cases. The initial license fee is $160 if you apply during the first year of the biennial renewal period, or $80 if applying during the second year — making the total either $285 or $205 respectively. Paper applications may be paid by personal check, certified check, or money order payable to “New Jersey State Board of Respiratory Care.” Online applications use credit/debit via the MyLicense portal. Source: N.J.A.C. 13:44F-8.1 fee schedule.

What education is required to get a New Jersey respiratory care license?

New Jersey requires a high school diploma (or its equivalent) and completion of a respiratory therapist training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Unlike some states, an associate’s degree is not independently required as a primary education floor — the associate’s degree or higher is accepted as substitute evidence for the high school diploma if the diploma itself is unavailable. The NBRC exam must have been passed within five years of the application date. Source: N.J.A.C. 13:44F-4.1.

Does New Jersey require citizenship or a Social Security Number to get a respiratory care license?

No. New Jersey state law allows all individuals, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, to obtain professional licensure if all other requirements are met. An SSN is not mandatory — applicants who cannot provide one may obtain a Division-Issued Identification Number through the Division of Consumer Affairs as an alternative. Source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Immigrant Licensing Guidance (ImmigrantLicense2022.pdf).

How long does it take to get a New Jersey respiratory care license?

The Board’s FAQ states processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks, absent complicating factors. Missing or incomplete documentation — including the fingerprinting and background check step — will delay the timeline. Source: NJ Board of Respiratory Care FAQ.

Is New Jersey part of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact?

No, not as of this page’s verification date. New Jersey is not currently a member of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC). Because compact membership is expanding across states, verify current status at respiratorycarecompact.org or directly with the NJ Board of Respiratory Care.

Is a temporary respiratory care license available in New Jersey?

Yes — New Jersey provides two types. A six-month temporary license ($40) is available to applicants who have applied for the NBRC exam and are awaiting results, permitting practice during that window. A temporary visiting license ($80/year, renewable once) is available under N.J.A.C. 13:44F-5.1 for out-of-state practitioners visiting temporarily for medical emergencies, special projects, or teaching assignments. Contact the Board directly to confirm current procedures for either pathway.

Fees and requirements listed on this page are based on the New Jersey State Board of Respiratory Care’s official regulations (N.J.A.C. 13:44F), statutory authority (N.J.S.A. 45:14E), and Board guidance verified on the date shown in the change log below. Requirements are subject to change — confirm current details with the NJ State Board of Respiratory Care before submitting an application.

Change Log
2026-06-15 — Editorial corrections applied per ChatGPT Projects review: (1) removed editorial claim “one of the more inclusive licensure policies in the country” — facts stand on their own; (2) removed RCIC Commission creation date from RCIC section — kept evergreen “not currently a member” framing only; (3) added CRT applicant callout box highlighting the statute-vs-regulation discrepancy to make it actionable for applicants; (4) updated temporary license section with confirmed official FAQ language (“not renewable,” exam may be taken multiple times during the 6-month period) — this resolves the ambiguity between “awaiting results” and “sitting the exam” framing; (5) updated March 31 expiration date language from “every alternate year” to “odd-numbered years” with a note that the regulation text doesn’t specify a calendar date — multiple CE provider and renewal material sources consistently corroborate March 31 of odd-numbered years, but source is secondary rather than the regulation itself; (6) 4-6 week processing time retained — confirmed directly in official Board FAQ language: “Absent any complicating factors, the average application process takes approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks to complete.”

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