Respiratory Care Practitioner License in California
Quick Answer
To become a licensed respiratory care practitioner in California, apply to the Respiratory Care Board with a $300 application fee. You must complete an accredited respiratory care program. Processing takes 2-6 weeks. Biennial renewal is $330.
- Exam
- NBRC TMC
- Total Cost
- $300 (est.)
- Timeline
- 2-6 weeks processing after application
- Renewal
- Every Biennial (24 months)
Requirements
Respiratory Care Practitioner license in California
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $300
- Renewal Fee
- $330
- Total Estimated Cost
- $300
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Respiratory Care Practitioner license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.
Respiratory Care Practitioner Salary in California
Entry Level
$78,150
Median
$102,120
Experienced
$138,000
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner in California.
- 1
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$300.
- 2
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-6 weeks processing after application.
Respiratory Care Practitioner Licensing in California: What to Know
California provides detailed information through the Respiratory Care Board of California under the Department of Consumer Affairs. The application fee is $300, and the initial license period is 13-24 months depending on issuing month and birth month. Renewal is $330 biennially. Daily computerized testing is available throughout California at numerous exam locations. Students must complete clinical practice as part of their structured curriculum. California is governed by Business and Professions Code Section 3700 et seq. The average processing time is 2-6 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Respiratory Care Practitioner license cost in California?
- The estimated total cost is $300, including application fees, and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Respiratory Care Practitioner license in California?
- The process typically takes 2-6 weeks processing after application, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Respiratory Care Practitioner license in California?
- You need to pass the NBRC TMC. N/A
Considering another state?
Compare Respiratory Care Practitioner requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.