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West Virginia Respiratory Therapist License

West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care

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

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcript or Diploma — Proof of graduation from an approved respiratory care educational program.
  • NBRC Credential Certificate — Original certificate or official 'Statement of Credentials' from the NBRC. Request NBRC Credentials
  • Government-Issued Photo ID — A copy of your driver's license, passport, or other official photo identification.
  • Continuing Education Units (CEUs) — New applicants (not new graduates) must provide proof of 5 CEUs earned within the last 24 months.

How to Apply

  1. Earn NBRC Credentials
    Graduate from a CoARC-accredited respiratory care program and pass the NBRC examination to obtain your CRT or RRT credential.
    Visit NBRC
  2. Create a Portal Account
    Visit the West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care (WVBORC) website and create an account in the online portal to begin your application.
    Access Portal
  3. Complete Online Application
    Log in and select 'Apply Online' from the home page. Fill out all required fields, including personal information and professional history.
    Apply Online
  4. Upload Required Documents
    Upload your conferred transcript, NBRC certificate, and a government-issued photo ID. Ensure files are in PDF or DOCX format (HEIC is not supported).
  5. Pay Application Fee
    Pay the $200 initial licensure fee online via credit card or mail a money order/check to the Board office.
  6. Criminal Background Check
    Effective June 12, 2026, all new applicants must submit to a state and national criminal history record check via IdentoGO.
    Schedule Fingerprinting
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.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License
    Request a 'Letter of Good Standing' or official verification from every state where you hold or have held a license.
  2. Submit NBRC Verification
    Ensure your NBRC credentials are sent directly to the West Virginia Board.
    NBRC Verification
  3. Apply via Universal License
    Apply through the portal under the reciprocity provisions of W. Va. Code §30-1-27 if you hold an equivalent license in another state.
    Apply for Reciprocity
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care

Keeping Your License Active

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

Renew on the board site

Fees

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

Slow Downs

Unsupported File Formats
Uploading documents in HEIC format (common on iPhones) will cause errors; use PDF or DOCX instead.
Missing NBRC Verification
The Board requires official verification of credentials; failure to have NBRC send these directly can stall approval.
Incomplete CEU Reporting
For non-new graduates, failing to upload the initial 5 CEUs with the application will delay processing.

Questions

When do I need to renew my license?
All licenses expire annually on December 31. The renewal portal opens on November 1.
How many CEUs are required for renewal?
20 contact hours are required every two years (reporting occurs in even-numbered years).
What is the cost of renewal?
The fee is $55 if paid in November and $65 if paid in December.
How do I upgrade from CRT to RRT status?
Log in to the portal, go to the 'Request' tab, select 'Upgrade,' upload your RRT credential, and pay a $10 fee.

Board Info

West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care
Sources
State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25