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NBRC Respiratory Therapy (RT) Exam (formerly TMC) guides

2 source-backed guides for the NBRC RT Exam (TMC), from registration and scoring to what to study, exam day and retakes.

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New to the NBRC RT Exam (TMC)? These answer the first questions most candidates have.

1What to study
What's on the TMC Exam? Content Areas, Format, and the RT Exam That Replaces It in 2027
The NBRC TMC exam tests three content areas in 160 items. From January 4, 2027, the Respiratory Therapy (RT) Exam takes its place, keeping those areas in a Breadth of Knowledge portion and adding 60 clinical judgment items. Here is what each part covers.
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2Exam changes & updates
TMC Cut Scores: The Low and High Cut, the CRT, the RRT, and What Changes in 2027
The TMC has two cut scores on one raw score: the low cut earns the CRT, and the high cut, 92 or above on NBRC's FAQ page, opens CSE eligibility on the way to the RRT. Here is what each cut opens, how the CSE window runs through 2027, and how the RT Exam's two cuts work.
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What to study1 guide

The content areas, skills and topics the exam actually tests.

What's on the TMC Exam? Content Areas, Format, and the RT Exam That Replaces It in 2027
The NBRC TMC exam tests three content areas in 160 items. From January 4, 2027, the Respiratory Therapy (RT) Exam takes its place, keeping those areas in a Breadth of Knowledge portion and adding 60 clinical judgment items. Here is what each part covers.
Read guide

Exam changes & updates1 guide

Upcoming exam versions, new outlines and what changes for you.

TMC Cut Scores: The Low and High Cut, the CRT, the RRT, and What Changes in 2027
The TMC has two cut scores on one raw score: the low cut earns the CRT, and the high cut, 92 or above on NBRC's FAQ page, opens CSE eligibility on the way to the RRT. Here is what each cut opens, how the CSE window runs through 2027, and how the RT Exam's two cuts work.
Read guide

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