How to Get Your Texas Respiratory Care Practitioner License | RCP Requirements

Texas requires a certificate to practice respiratory care, issued under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 604. The credential is called the Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) certificate. Certificates are administered through the Texas Medical Board (TMB), which oversees respiratory care regulation and has delegated certificate issuance to the Texas Board of Medical Radiologic Technology — an advisory board operating within TMB’s authority. Applications are processed through Texas’s two-stage LAMAS system.

Texas is one of only a few states that also requires a jurisprudence examination as part of the application process. The jurisprudence exam covers Texas law and rules applicable to respiratory care practice and is completed online through a MyTMB account. Its fee is built into the application fee shown in the table above. Applicants also need to provide documentation of lawful U.S. presence, which is a Texas-specific requirement that applies at both initial licensure and at every renewal.

What Makes Texas Different

Three features stand out for Texas. First, the jurisprudence exam — Texas requires it, most other states do not, and it covers state-specific law rather than NBRC content. Second, Texas accepts either the CRT or RRT credential for initial licensure, so new graduates do not need to pass the registry-level examination before applying. Third, the two-stage application process through LAMAS is more document-intensive than a simple online form — applicants submit supporting materials as they become available through the portal, and the screening stage must be complete before a licensing analyst is assigned.

Interstate Compact and License Portability

Texas has not enacted the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC). No compact privileges are available for Texas-based practice. Verify current compact status with the Texas Medical Board and the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact commission before relying on any compact portability. Travel respiratory therapists planning Texas assignments need to apply through the standard initial certificate or endorsement pathway.

Texas RCP Licensure Requirements

To qualify for an RCP certificate, an applicant must satisfy the following requirements as codified in Texas Administrative Code 22 TAC § 186.4:

• Education: Complete a respiratory care educational program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or another board-approved accrediting body.
• NBRC certification: Hold a valid, current certification issued by the National Board for Respiratory Care. A verification letter must be sent directly from NBRC to the Board. CRT or RRT both satisfy this requirement.
• Jurisprudence exam: Complete the Texas Medical Board jurisprudence examination online through MyTMB. The exam is required for all new applicants and covers Texas law governing respiratory care practice.
• Criminal history check: Submit fingerprints for a background check through IdentoGo by IDEMIA. IdentoGo charges its own fee for this service.
• Lawful presence: Provide an unexpired document from TMB’s approved list establishing U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. This is required before the certificate can be issued.
• Identity documentation: Submit an official birth document (birth certificate or unexpired/expired passport). Name change documentation required if applicable.

Temporary RCP Certificate

The Temporary Respiratory Care Practitioner (TRCP) certificate allows graduates or eligible applicants to practice under the direct supervision of a licensed RCP and a licensed physician while their full RCP application is being processed. A TRCP is valid for one year and automatically terminates when the full RCP certificate is issued. There are no extensions. Applicants whose TRCP expires may reapply with a new application and fee. The TRCP application fee is shown in the summary table above.

How to Apply for a Texas RCP Certificate

Texas uses a two-stage LAMAS application process accessed through MyTMB:

1. Create a MyTMB account and submit the online RCP application with the fee shown in the table above
2. Receive email instructions for the LAMAS system and submit all required Stage 1 (Pre-Licensure/Screening) documents, including NBRC verification, official transcripts, fingerprint background check, and lawful presence documentation
3. Complete the jurisprudence exam online through MyTMB once you have access
4. Once Stage 1 is complete, your application is assigned to a licensing analyst for Stage 2 (Licensing); respond promptly to any requests for additional information
5. Certificates are issued weekly (typically Wednesdays) once all requirements are satisfied

Texas Respiratory Care Practitioner License Fees

Fees are subject to change. Verify current amounts at the Texas Medical Board application page before submitting.

Texas Respiratory Care Licensure by Endorsement

Out-of-state respiratory care practitioners may apply for a Texas RCP certificate through the endorsement pathway. Applicants must hold a current, active, unrestricted license or credential in another jurisdiction and meet Texas’s eligibility requirements, including passing an NBRC exam acceptable to the Board, completing the Texas jurisprudence examination, and submitting an NBRC verification letter sent directly from NBRC to TMB. Background check, lawful presence documentation, and official transcripts are also required. Applications use the same two-stage LAMAS process. Endorsement applicants should review the RCP Documentation Checklist on the TMB website for current endorsement-specific requirements. Source: Texas Medical Board.

Practical Notes for Texas Applicants

• The jurisprudence exam is an extra step. Unlike most states, Texas requires a jurisprudence exam in addition to the NBRC credential. It’s completed online and covers Texas law specific to respiratory care practice. Plan for this in your application timeline — it’s required before the certificate is issued.
• Use LAMAS proactively. The two-stage process means documents can arrive at different times. Check your email and LAMAS frequently; staff respond to emails in the order received, so email questions rather than calling.
• Lawful presence is required at every renewal too. Unlike states that check this only at initial licensure, Texas verifies it again at each renewal. Keep acceptable documentation current and build the 15-business-day processing buffer into your renewal timeline.
• Travel respiratory therapists: no compact shortcut. Texas has not enacted the RCIC. Full RCP certification or endorsement is required. Build the application timeline into your assignment planning.

Relevant Statutes and Rules

• Texas Occupations Code Chapter 604 — Respiratory Care Practitioners
• 22 TAC § 186.4 — Procedural Rules and Qualifications for Certificate Applicants

Related Pages

• Texas Respiratory Care Practitioner Renewal — CE Requirements and Fees
• Ohio Respiratory Care Professional Licensing — Initial Requirements
• Respiratory Care Licensing by State — Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Texas require the CRT or the RRT for licensure?

Texas requires a valid, current certification issued by the NBRC, but does not distinguish between CRT and RRT — both are accepted. The requirement is confirmed in Texas Administrative Code 22 TAC § 186.4. Source: 22 TAC § 186.4.

Is a jurisprudence exam required in Texas?

Yes. Texas requires all RCP applicants to pass the Texas Medical Board jurisprudence examination, which covers Texas law and rules applicable to respiratory care. The exam is completed online through a MyTMB account and its fee is included in the $175 application fee. Source: Texas Medical Board.

How long does it take to get a Texas RCP certificate?

Texas does not publish a fixed processing timeline. Once all requirements are satisfied, certificates are issued weekly (typically Wednesdays). Total time varies based on application complexity, background check completion, and how promptly third-party documents are submitted. Source: Texas Medical Board.

What is the Texas Temporary RCP certificate?

The Temporary Respiratory Care Practitioner (TRCP) certificate allows eligible applicants to practice under the direct supervision of a licensed RCP and physician for up to one year while completing the full licensure process. It automatically terminates when the full RCP certificate is issued, and there are no extensions. Source: Texas Medical Board.

Is Texas part of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact?

No. Texas has not enacted the RCIC. No compact privileges are available for Texas-based practice. Verify current status with the Texas Medical Board and the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact commission.

What payment methods does TMB accept for the application?

Texas Medical Board accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and Electronic Check for application fees. Source: Texas Medical Board.