Delaware Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
3-6 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$153
Renewal: Varies each year
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
20 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Delaware does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Delaware license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Delaware uses an online via delpros (delpros.Delaware.gov). note: Delaware does not have a separate 'endorsement' application category for rcps — all out-of-state applicants use the same application path; the requirement is verification of every state license ever held sent directly from each state to the council office, plus NBRC credential verification for new applicants. endorsement process for respiratory therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $153 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Delaware board portal
- Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Complete any state-specific requirements (jurisprudence exam, background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through NBRC or direct board verification. Delaware requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a respiratory therapist license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
Jurisprudence Exam Required: Delaware requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Delaware-specific law. This cannot be waived regardless of your experience level or compact status. Schedule this early — no license (temporary or permanent) will issue until you've passed it.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $153 |
| Renewal | Varies each year (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
Delaware does not issue temporary respiratory therapy licenses. Your permanent license must be fully issued before you can begin working on assignment. Travelers should plan their start dates accordingly and allow the full processing window before their expected first day.
Processing Time
Delaware respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 3-6 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 3 weeks.
Common sources of delay:
- Delaware board processes applications on a rolling basis with no published cutoff dates; applications submitted mid-cycle may wait the full 6 weeks while early submissions in a cycle complete in 3 weeks
- Verification requests to NBRC can add 1-2 weeks if the current state license verification is incomplete or has disciplinary history requiring manual review
- Background checks are conducted state-specifically and may trigger additional scrutiny if the applicant has any criminal history or regulatory complaints, delaying board review by 2-3 weeks
Delaware 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
Delaware requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Delaware may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — Varies each year via Delaware Division of Professional Regulation portal
- Renewal timing: Prior to November 30th of even-numbered years.
- Late penalty: Late renewal available up to 60 days after expiration, and must pay a late fee equal to 50% of the renewal fee in addition to the renewal fee, and must certify no practice occurred while expired. After 60 days the license terminates and requires reapplication as a new applicant
- Traveler tip: Track your Delaware license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Delaware Division of Professional Regulation
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (302) 744-4500
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Delaware Division of Professional Regulation's official website.
Resources
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