Understanding NBRC CEU Requirements for RRTs

Maintaining an active Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential requires more than passing the initial exam. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) requires ongoing professional development to ensure respiratory therapists remain competent, current, and prepared to deliver safe patient care.

This guide explains what NBRC CEUs are, how CE requirements for RRTs are determined, which activities count, and how to track and submit documentation.

What Are NBRC CEUs and Why Are They Important?

NBRC CEUs are continuing education units that demonstrate ongoing professional development in respiratory therapy. They are proof that an RRT stays informed about key aspects of their work, including current standards of care, emerging research, and evolving clinical practices.

Meeting NBRC CEU requirements helps ensure that patients receive the best current care practices and helps the professional keep up with a rapidly evolving field.

How many CEUs are needed for NBRC credential maintenance?

In the past, you had to complete 30 hours of CEU credits to maintain your certifications, and the topics depended on your areas of specialty. However, it is currently based on how well you do on your quarterly assessments.

Your assessment scores will put you into one of three categories:

• Experts in the Green Zone do not require additional CEUs to maintain their certification.
• Those in the Yellow Zone need 15 CEUs in their specialty
• Those in the Red Zone need 30 CEUs in their specialty

The current Credential Maintenance Program brochure advises, “Your personal dashboard in the practitioner portal will automatically keep track of assessment progress and will display your current CE requirement. Visit nbrc.org to view required CE subject matter and credit requirements for each credential held, as well as combinations for those who hold multiple credentials.”

Types of CEUs Accepted by the NBRC

Acceptable education requires participation in an educational activity directly related to respiratory therapy, pulmonary function, or diagnostic technology; neonatal/pediatric; sleep testing and interventions; adult critical care; and asthma education, depending on your credentials. This includes any of the following:

• Lectures
• Panels
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Symposiums
• Online Training and education, if there is an independently scored test as part of the learning package

Education activities should clearly document the topic, provider, date completed, and number of CEUs earned. Programs accredited by recognized respiratory care or healthcare education organizations are strongly preferred.

How RRTs Should Track and Submit Proof of CEUs

If audited, RRTs must submit proof showing they met the NBRC CMP and timeline requirements. Missing or incomplete documentation may result in noncompliance, even if the education was completed. Here are a few ways to keep track of your CEUs:

• Submit them in your NBRC practitioner portal account in a timely manner to avoid late penalties and expired credentials.
• Keep digital and paper copies of certificates of completion in case they are requested.
• Record CEU titles, dates, providers, and credit hours. If your certificate comes with a unique ID code, make sure to record it as well.
• Store records for the full five-year cycle that they are valid, plus an additional two years as a buffer for audits.
• Use a personal spreadsheet or a CEU-tracking tool to ensure all credentials stay up to date.
• Review your NBRC account every year to ensure your contact information is up to date, so you never miss critical notifications about assessments, CEU audits, and expiring credentials.

RRTs should never assume employers or education providers report CEUs to the NBRC. The responsibility always rests with the credential holder.

Role of CEUs in Professional Credibility and Patient Care Standards

RRTs who consistently engage in continuing education are better prepared to:

• Apply updated clinical guidelines to their practices
• Protect their patients from outdated practices and newly discovered risk factors
• Adapt to new technologies and treatment protocols
• Reduce errors and improve patient safety

The NBRC continuing competency program helps maintain national consistency in respiratory care standards across practice settings.

TheCEPlace Helps RTTs Stay Compliant and Confident 

Our courses have enough RT CEUs to meet the self-study requirements for all states and Puerto Rico. We know how demanding the certified Respiratory Therapist profession can be, and we recognize that you are the true heroes saving lives every single day. 

TheCEPlace is committed to supporting your career goals by delivering industry-leading CE courses for Respiratory Therapists. Call us toll-free at 619-251-2838 or register on our site www.theceplace.com to get started.