Texas Respiratory Therapist License
Texas Medical Board — Respiratory Care
Total Fee
$138
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (FAST Pass via DPS)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the respiratory care educational program to the TMB.
- NBRC Verification — Verification of RRT or CRT credential sent directly from the NBRC to the TMB. Request NBRC Verification
- Form L (Professional Evaluation) — Required for all RCP applicants to verify professional history and competence from employers in the last 5 years.
- Proof of Lawful Presence — Copy of birth certificate or unexpired US passport to establish eligibility for public benefits.
- Form R (Criminal History) — Required only if you answered 'Yes' to any criminal history questions on the application.
How to Apply
-
Create a MyTMB Account ▾All applicants must create a MyTMB account to access the online application system and the Jurisprudence exam.
-
Submit Online Application and Pay Fees ▾Complete the online Respiratory Care Practitioner application and pay the non-refundable fee of $175 (includes JP exam fee).
-
Complete the Jurisprudence (JP) Exam ▾After submitting your application, log back into MyTMB to take the mandatory JP exam. A passing score of 75 is required.
-
Submit Fingerprints ▾Wait for the Board to issue a 6-digit ID number via email after application submission, then schedule fingerprinting through IdentoGO.
-
Submit Supplemental Documentation ▾Submit required documents such as official transcripts, NBRC verification, and Form L evaluations through the LAMAS system.
-
Monitor Application Status ▾Use the Licensure Inquiry System of Texas (LIST) or the LAMAS system within MyTMB to track the progress of your application.
Total Fee
$138
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
-
Standard Application Process ▾Texas does not have a separate endorsement application; out-of-state licensees follow the standard RCP application process.
-
License Verifications ▾Request official verification of all healthcare licenses held in other states to be sent directly to the TMB.
-
Form L Evaluations ▾Ensure Form L evaluations are completed by out-of-state employers for the past 5 years of practice.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Texas Medical Board — Respiratory Care
Keeping Your License Active
Texas Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Texas Medical Board — Respiratory Care for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $38.25 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Criminal History Reporting
▾
Failure to disclose all arrests (even if dismissed or expunged) causes significant delays and potential denial.
Missing Third-Party Documents
▾
Delays often occur while waiting for transcripts or NBRC verifications to be sent directly to the Board.
Incorrect Fingerprint Service Code
▾
Using the wrong service code for IdentoGO prevents the Board from receiving results; wait for the official TMB email instructions.
Unresponsive Evaluators
▾
Form L must be sent directly by the evaluator; follow up with previous employers to ensure timely submission.
Questions
How long does the licensing process take?
▾
The process involves two stages: Pre-Licensure/Screening and Licensing. Total time varies based on how quickly third-party documents are received.
Can I get a temporary permit?
▾
Temporary permits are valid for 6 months or until the full certificate is issued or denied.
What are the CE requirements for renewal?
▾
Requirements include at least 12 hours in traditional courses, 2 hours in ethics, and a human trafficking prevention course.
Do I need to take the JP exam if I am already licensed in another state?
▾
The exam is taken online through the MyTMB portal after the application fee is paid.