Hawaii Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
3-4 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$340
Renewal: $270
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
CE Required
See details
Every 3 years
Overview
Hawaii does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Hawaii license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Hawaii uses an online portal endorsement process for respiratory therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $340 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Hawaii board portal
- 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 NBRC or direct board verification. Hawaii 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 Hawaii Board of Respiratory Care. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your 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 Hawaii Board of Respiratory Care website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $340 |
| Renewal | $270 (every 3 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
Hawaii 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
Hawaii respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 3-4 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 18-21 days (if application is complete, NBRC verification is expedited, and background check clears immediately).
Common sources of delay:
- Board processes applications on a rolling basis with no published expedite track; applications submitted mid-month may wait for next review cycle
- NBRC verification requests can take 1-2 weeks if applicant's current state board is slow to respond; direct verification adds variability
- State-specific background check requirements (Hawaii-specific fingerprinting) can delay processing if not completed before board review begins
Hawaii 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
Contact the Hawaii Board of Respiratory Care for current continuing education requirements.
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 3 years — $270 via Hawaii Board of Respiratory Care portal
- Renewal timing: Triennial renewal by June 30 of 2026, 2029, 2032, and every 3 years thereafter (current triennium: July 1, 2026 — June 30, 2029); all licenses expire on June 30 of the renewal year regardless of issue date.
- Renewal window: Opens renewals accepted approximately May 4 through June 30 of the renewal year (most recently May 4, 2026 — June 30, 2026 for the 2026 triennial renewal)
- Late penalty: Forfeited licenses may be restored within 1 year of expiration upon payment of renewal + restoration (REAC) + CRF fees ($120 Renewal + $150 CRF + $12 REAC = $282 for inactive reactivation), and failure to restore within 1 year terminates the license and requires reapplication as a new applicant
- Traveler tip: Track your Hawaii license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Hawaii Board of Respiratory Care
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (808) 586-3000
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 Hawaii Board of Respiratory Care'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.
