North Carolina — Blue Ridge Parkway mountain mist

North Carolina Respiratory Therapist License

North Carolina Respiratory Care Board

Total Fee
$138
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / SBI
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • 2x2 Passport Photograph — A recent passport-style photo of the applicant.
  • Official Transcripts — Transcripts from an accredited respiratory care program sent directly to the Board.
  • NBRC Credential Verification — Official verification of RRT or CRT credentials sent directly from the NBRC. NBRC Website
  • Fingerprint Card — A completed fingerprint card for the required criminal background check.

How to Apply

  1. Create a Licensure Account ▾
    Establish an account on the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board (NCRCB) portal to begin the application process.
    Apply for Licensure
  2. Complete Online Application ▾
    Fill out the required personal, educational, and professional information in the online application portal.
    Online Application
  3. Pay Application and License Fees ▾
    Submit the total fee of $213.00, which includes a $50 application fee, a $125 initial active license fee, and a $38 background check fee.
    Fee Information
  4. Submit Passport Photo ▾
    Upload or mail a 2x2 passport-style photograph as part of your application package.
  5. Request Official Transcripts ▾
    Have your official transcripts sent directly from your respiratory care educational institution to the Board office.
  6. Verify NBRC Credentials ▾
    Request that the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) send your official exam results (TMC/RRT) directly to the NCRCB.
    Request NBRC Verification
  7. Complete Fingerprinting ▾
    Submit a completed fingerprint card for a criminal history check. Paper cards are accepted from any state; livescan is only available within North Carolina.
    Fingerprint Instructions
Total Fee
$138
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Respiratory Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Establish Portal Account ▾
    Create an account on the NCRCB portal and select the option for licensure by reciprocity/endorsement.
    Reciprocity Application
  2. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Provide official verification of your current, active license from another state. The Board may verify this electronically if available.
  3. Submit Required Fees ▾
    Pay the application, initial license, and background check fees totaling $213.00.
  4. Complete Background Check ▾
    Submit fingerprint cards for the North Carolina criminal history record check.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
North Carolina Respiratory Care Board

Keeping Your License Active

North Carolina Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the North Carolina Respiratory Care Board for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$38.00
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Incomplete Application ▾
Missing signatures or unanswered questions on the application will halt processing until corrected.
Transcript and NBRC Delays ▾
Waiting for educational institutions or the NBRC to send official documents directly to the Board is a frequent cause of delay.
Background Check Processing ▾
Criminal history checks can take several weeks to process once the fingerprint card is received.

Questions

How many continuing education hours are required for renewal? ▾
North Carolina requires 12 hours of continuing education annually. At least 6 of these hours must be obtained through live, interactive courses.
What is the total cost for an initial license? ▾
The total initial cost is $213.00, which includes the application fee ($50), the initial active license fee ($125), and the background check fee ($38).
Can I practice while my application is pending? ▾
You may apply for a provisional license for up to 12 months if you have completed your education but have not yet passed the NBRC examination.
How often must I renew my license? ▾
Licenses must be renewed annually by the last day of the month in which the initial license was granted.

Board Info

North Carolina Respiratory Care Board
Phone(919) 878-5595
Sources
State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25