California Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

California Respiratory Therapist License Overview

We have not found an interstate compact that covers Respiratory Therapists in California. Plan on meeting California's own requirements before you practice there.

How to Get a California Respiratory Therapist License by Endorsement

How Respiratory Therapists already licensed in another state apply in California: No endorsement or reciprocity; out-of-state applicants file the standard initial RCP application online through BreEZe. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $300 application fee.

1. Submit the standard initial California RCP license application via BreEZe (California has no endorsement/reciprocity pathway; all applicants file the same RCP application)
2. Ask each agency that issued you a health-related credential to send verification directly to the RCB, and request an official NBRC credential verification through the NBRC Practitioner Portal (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through direct verification from each agency that issued you a health-related credential (including other states' RCP licenses), plus an official NBRC credential verification you request through the NBRC Practitioner Portal. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: 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. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the Respiratory Care Board of California website for status updates on your application.

California Respiratory Therapist License Fees

Renewal: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

California Temporary Respiratory Therapist License

California issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses, allowing Respiratory Therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed.

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

California Respiratory Therapist License Processing Time

California Respiratory Therapist endorsement applications typically take 2-6 weeks to process.

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 offers an expedited processing option: only for active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, honorably discharged veterans, spouses or domestic partners of active duty military personnel, refugees, asylees and Special Immigrant Visa holders, who must send documentation of eligibility with the application.

California Respiratory Therapist 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)

California Respiratory Therapist License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $330 via the BreEZe system
• 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)

California Licensing Board and Resources

Respiratory Care Board of California

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (916) 999-2190

Email: [email protected]