California Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide

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.

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. Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (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 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.