Arizona — Horseshoe Bend on the Colorado River

Arizona Respiratory Therapist License

Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • NBRC RRT Credential — Primary source verification of your Registered Respiratory Therapist credential. Request NBRC Verification
  • Proof of Citizenship — A photocopy of a passport, birth certificate, or other document proving legal presence in the US.
  • Diploma — A photocopy of your diploma from a CoARC-accredited respiratory therapy training program.
  • Fingerprint Card — Completed fingerprint background check via Fieldprint (AZ residents) or FD-258 card (out-of-state). Fieldprint Portal

How to Apply

  1. Obtain RRT Credential ▾
    Ensure you have obtained the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential from the NBRC. Arizona requires the RRT for all new licenses issued after 2017.
    NBRC Website
  2. Create eLicense Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners eLicense portal.
  3. Submit Application ▾
    Complete the online application for licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner and pay the required fees ($100 application fee + $120 initial license fee).
  4. Complete Fingerprinting ▾
    After submitting your application, the Board will send instructions. Arizona residents use Fieldprint; out-of-state applicants must request a blue FD-258 fingerprint card.
    Fieldprint Arizona
  5. Submit Required Documents ▾
    Upload or mail your diploma, proof of citizenship, and NBRC RRT credential verification.
  6. Verification of Other Licenses ▾
    If you hold or have held a license in another state, request an official verification to be sent directly to the Arizona Board.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Respiratory Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.

Steps

  1. Verify RRT Status ▾
    Confirm you hold an active RRT credential, as Arizona does not license CRTs by endorsement unless they were licensed in AZ prior to 2017.
  2. Online Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply via the eLicense portal, selecting the path for applicants currently licensed in another state.
  3. Request State Verifications ▾
    Contact every state board where you have ever held a license and request a verification be sent directly to the Arizona Board.
  4. Background Check ▾
    Complete the fingerprinting process as instructed by the Board after application submission.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners

Keeping Your License Active

Arizona Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Missing RRT Credential ▾
Applicants holding only a CRT credential will not be licensed. Ensure you have the RRT before applying.
Fingerprint Rejection ▾
Poor quality prints or failure to follow the 'chain of custody' for out-of-state cards can cause significant delays.
Incomplete State Verifications ▾
The Board requires verification from every state where you have held a license, not just your current one.
Background Question Discrepancies ▾
Answering 'Yes' to background questions without providing a full written explanation and supporting legal documents.

Questions

Is the RRT credential required for licensure in Arizona? ▾
Yes. Since 2017, the Arizona Board requires the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential for all new applicants.
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal? ▾
Licensees must complete 20 hours of CE every two years. At least 5 hours must be 'live' (traditional or interactive webinar) and 2 hours must be in ethics.
When does my Arizona respiratory license expire? ▾
Licenses expire biennially on the licensee's birthday.
What are the total initial application fees? ▾
The total is typically $270, which includes a $100 application fee, a $120 initial license fee, and a $50 fingerprint processing fee.
Can I work with a temporary license? ▾
Temporary licenses may be available for applicants with an active RRT license in another state while their full application is processed.

Board Info

Arizona Board of Respiratory Care Examiners
Phone(602) 542-5995
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25