California Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
2-6 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$300
Renewal: $330 · Temp license available
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
CE Required
30 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
California does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual California license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
California uses a no endorsement available; out-of-state applicants must submit the standard initial RCP application via BreEZe (paper application by mail also accepted on request) endorsement process for respiratory therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $300 application fee.
- Submit the standard initial California RCP license application via BreEZe (California has no endorsement/reciprocity pathway; all applicants file the same RCP application)
- Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through Direct verification from each prior state licensing agency for any health-related credential held; NBRC sends exam-score verification directly to RCB. Out-of-state license verification is via the issuing state board, not NBRC.. California requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a respiratory therapist license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
An in-state applicants: Live Scan electronic fingerprinting to CA DOJ and FBI. Out-of-state applicants: two sets of ink-rolled fingerprint cards mailed to RCB with $49 fingerprint processing fee. is required as part of the endorsement process. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Respiratory Care Board of California website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $300 |
| Renewal | $330 (every 2 years) |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Temporary License
California issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses, allowing respiratory therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
- Complete RCP license application on file with the RCB
- CRT credential issued by the NBRC
- Secured California employment / job offer (employer-specific)
- Practice under direct supervision of a licensed RCP; work permit valid up to 180 days
Processing Time
California respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 2-6 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 5-6 weeks for complete application with immediate verification and no background check delays.
Common sources of delay:
- California board processes applications in batches; applications submitted mid-month may wait until the next review cycle, adding 2-4 weeks
- Incomplete or missing verification from current state board delays processing; if NBRC verification is slow, the entire application stalls
- Background check processing can take 4-6 weeks if the board requires fingerprinting or DHS clearance; this step cannot be expedited
California does not offer an expedited processing track. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.
Continuing Education
California requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Mandatory topics: a minimum of 15 hours must be earned through live courses or meetings, first renewal only: 15 total hours (at least 7 clinical practice)
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — California may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $330 via the BreEZe system (www.breeze.ca.gov), the DCA-wide licensing portal — not the RCB website directly. Mail renewal also accepted.
- Renewal timing: License expires at midnight on the last day of the licensee's birth month every two years. Renewal window opens 90 days before expiration date.
- CE topics: a minimum of 15 hours must be earned through live courses or meetings and first renewal only: 15 total hours (at least 7 clinical practice)
- Traveler tip: Track your California license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Respiratory Care Board of California
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (916) 999-2190
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Last verified: April 15, 2026. Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Respiratory Care Board of California's official website.
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Breathe in through your nose, hold, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat at least twice a day, as needed.
