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Colorado Respiratory Therapist License

Colorado DORA — Respiratory Therapy

Total Fee
$139
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / CBI
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • NBRC Credentialing Report — Official verification of your CRT or RRT credential sent directly from the NBRC. NBRC Website
  • Affidavit of Eligibility — A required form confirming your legal presence in the United States, typically completed within the online application.
  • Official Transcripts — Required for applicants by 'Original' method; must show completion of an accredited respiratory therapy program.
  • Verification of Licensure — Required for endorsement applicants; verification from every state where you have held a license.
  • Fingerprint Background Check — Results from CBI and FBI background checks sent directly to DORA.

How to Apply

  1. Create DPO Online Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) Online Services portal to begin your application.
  2. Submit Application ▾
    Complete the online application for Respiratory Therapist licensure by Original or Endorsement method.
  3. Complete Fingerprinting ▾
    Schedule and complete a fingerprint-based criminal history background check through an approved vendor (IdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting). Do not submit more than 30 days before your application.
  4. Submit NBRC Credentials ▾
    Request that the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) send your official credentialing report (CRT or RRT) directly to the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations.
    Request NBRC Report
  5. Pay Application Fee ▾
    Pay the non-refundable application fee (approximately $85) through the online portal.
  6. Complete Healthcare Professions Profile (HPPP) ▾
    Once your application is in the system, you must complete your mandatory Healthcare Professions Profile to finalize the licensing process.
    Complete HPPP Profile
Total Fee
$139
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 Out-of-State License ▾
    Ensure you hold an active, valid license in another state with requirements substantially equivalent to Colorado.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Select the 'Endorsement' pathway in the DPO Online Services portal.
  3. Request License Verifications ▾
    Contact each state board where you hold or have held a license to have verification sent directly to Colorado DORA.
  4. Complete Background Check ▾
    Follow the same fingerprinting process as original applicants through IdentoGO or Colorado Fingerprinting.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Colorado DORA — Respiratory Therapy

Keeping Your License Active

Colorado Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Colorado DORA — Respiratory Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$39.50
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Fingerprint Expiration ▾
Fingerprint results are only held for 60 days. If you do not submit your application within this window, you must re-fingerprint.
Incomplete HPPP Profile ▾
The license will not be issued until the Healthcare Professions Profile is fully completed and submitted.
Missing Out-of-State Verifications ▾
Delays often occur when other state boards are slow to send official license verifications to Colorado.

Questions

What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal? ▾
Colorado does not currently require continuing education for the renewal of an active Respiratory Therapist license.
When does my Colorado Respiratory Therapist license expire? ▾
All licenses expire on August 31 of even-numbered years (e.g., 2024, 2026).
Does Colorado offer a temporary permit for new graduates? ▾
No, Colorado does not issue temporary or provisional permits for respiratory therapists.
What is the minimum credential required for licensure? ▾
The minimum requirement is the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential from the NBRC, though many practitioners hold the RRT.

Board Info

Colorado DORA — Respiratory Therapy
Phone(303) 894-7800
Sources
State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25