How do I find a good study guide for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam?

Finding a good study guide for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam—formally known as the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam administered by the NBRC —comes down to matching your learning style with proven industry resources. To earn your CRT, you need to hit the "low cut score" on the TMC exam (though aiming for the high cut score lets you move straight on to the clinical simulations for your RRT).

The top-rated study guides, prep programs, and strategies used by respiratory therapy students include:

- **Why it's good:** Kettering is practically a household name in respiratory care education. They offer comprehensive review books, audio/video on-demand programs, and live/webinar seminars.
- **Best feature:** Their materials explicitly teach you *how* to take the NBRC exam, breaking down question patterns and high-yield topics. They even include pass guarantees/tutor support options. You can check out options on the [Kettering National Seminars](https://www.ketteringseminars.com/seminars/) website.[](https://www.ketteringseminars.com/seminars/crtrrt.aspx) [[1]](https://www.ketteringseminars.com/seminars/crtrrt.aspx)[[2]](https://www.ketteringseminars.com/shoppingCart/catalog.aspx?pid=108)[[3]](https://www.ketteringseminars.com/seminars/)

- **Why it's good:** Published by Elsevier, Persing's book (currently in its 5th edition) is structured specifically around the NBRC content matrix.
- **Best feature:** It offers a concise outline format, pre-tests at the start of every chapter, hundreds of practice questions, and access to online practice exams via Evolve that mimic the timed computerized testing environment. You can view details on the Elsevier Health site.[[1]](https://www.google.com/search?q=product&prds=pvt:hg,productid:1439375788207708745,catalogid:1158793290630189000,gpcid:1664324594399859738,mid:576462316507603153&ibp=oshop)

- **Why it's good:** A great option if you prefer a straightforward, broken-down book that targets core concepts without overwhelming academic filler.
- **Best feature:** It dives deep into rationales for practice questions, helping you understand *why* an answer is correct—crucial for clinical application. Available in print or digital formats via the [Mometrix Test Prep Store](https://store.mometrix.com/products/rrttmcship).[[1]](https://www.google.com/search?q=product&prds=pvt:hg,productid:9785899237313977447&ibp=oshop)[[2]](https://www.google.com/search?q=product&prds=pvt:hg,productid:5050208208182584227&ibp=oshop)

- **Why it's good:** Books are great for content, but active question-drilling is mandatory for the TMC. Platforms like BoardVapors or free targeted breakdowns on YouTube (like the *Respiratory Coach* ) help train your brain for the style of questions the NBRC asks.

Tips for Choosing and Using Your Guide

• Align with the Content Outline: Ensure whatever guide you buy maps directly to the NBRC TMC content outline, focusing heavily on the Initiation and Modification of Interventions (worth ~50% of your score) and Patient Data Evaluation and Recommendations (~35%).
• Prioritize Practice Exams: A study guide is only as good as its practice questions. Take a baseline diagnostic test first to see where your weak spots are (e.g., ventilator troubleshooting vs. blood gas interpretation), then drill those specific chapters.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Do you prefer physical books, video-based learning, or interactive question banks?
• Are you planning to stop at the CRT or push straight for the RRT high cut score?

I can give you a more tailored recommendation or a sample study timeline!

A good CRT study guide should be built around the NBRC’s official exam outline, rather than a generic respiratory-therapy textbook.

One important update: if you’re taking the exam in 2026, the CRT is currently earned through the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination. Starting January 2027, the TMC is being replaced by the new Respiratory Therapy (RT) Examination.

How to choose a good study guide

• Start with the official NBRC content outline. It tells you exactly which subject areas are tested and how much emphasis each area receives.

• Use a question-heavy resource. Look for a guide with lots of practice questions, detailed explanations, and rationales—not just pages of facts. The ability to apply knowledge to clinical situations is important on the exam.

• Prioritize cardiopulmonary physiology and clinical calculations. A useful guide should cover areas such as:

• ABGs and acid-base balance

• oxygen therapy and gas laws

• mechanical ventilation

• pulmonary function testing

• pharmacology

• airway management

• neonatal/pediatric and adult care

• patient assessment

• respiratory diseases

• calculations and clinical decision-making

• Make sure the material matches your test date. This is especially important right now because the exam changes in January 2027.

Don't skip the NBRC's own practice material

The National Board for Respiratory Care provides a free practice examination, and it also offers a paid Self-Assessment Examination for candidates who want more preparation. The official practice exam uses the same software experience as the actual examination.

My recommended approach

If I were preparing for the CRT, I'd use three things together:

1. NBRC content outline → your study checklist.
2. A reputable respiratory-therapy review book/question bank → daily learning and practice.
3. NBRC practice exam → final assessment of readiness.

Don't judge a study guide by how thick it is. A resource that explains why an answer is correct—and why the other choices are wrong—is much more valuable than one that simply gives you hundreds of questions.

If you tell me when you're taking the CRT/TMC exam (before or after January 2027), I can also find the best current study books/question banks and compare them by price, number of questions, and reviews.

To find a good study guide for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam—officially administered as the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)—look for official content outlines, reputable publisher guides, and interactive practice tests.

Steps to Find and Choose a Study Guide

1. Check the Official Content Outline
   • Visit the NBRC website to review the precise content matrix for the TMC exam. A good study guide must align with these exact domains, such as patient data evaluation, troubleshooting equipment, and initiating or modifying interventions.
2. Select Reputable Publisher Resources
   • Look for established review books written by subject-matter experts and educators in respiratory care.
   • Popular options include the Certified Respiratory Therapist Exam Review Guide by Albert J. Heuer or comprehensive systems like the Mometrix CRT & RRT Exam Secrets Study Guide.
3. Prioritize Practice Question Banks
   • Select study materials that feature realistic computer-based practice exams and diagnostic tools.
   • Ensure the guide explains why answers are correct, breaking down recall, application, and clinical analysis questions.
4. Supplement with Flashcards and Audio
   • Combine your primary textbook or digital guide with targeted Mometrix Flashcards or audio reviews to reinforce memorization of normal lab values, ventilator settings, and pharmacological agents.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Are you looking for physical books, digital e-books , or interactive online question banks?
• Do you also plan to study for the advanced RRT clinical simulation portion right now?

I can give you a more specific recommendation based on your preferences.

If you mean the NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, the best approach is to study specifically for the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination, because the TMC is the exam that awards the CRT credential at its lower cut score.

Where to start

1. Start with the official NBRC content outline. The NBRC's TMC Detailed Content Outline tells you exactly which subject areas are tested and how much emphasis each area receives. This should be the backbone of whatever study guide you choose.
2. Use the official NBRC practice exam. The NBRC provides a free TMC practice examination designed to familiarize you with the exam format and question style. There is also a paid Self-Assessment Examination if you want a more substantial readiness check.
3. Choose a study guide that has lots of practice questions—not just a textbook. Look for one that includes:

• Detailed explanations for why an answer is correct
• ABGs and acid-base interpretation
• Mechanical ventilation and ventilator settings
• Oxygen therapy and airway management
• Pharmacology
• Pulmonary function testing
• Neonatal/pediatric respiratory care
• Cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology
• Patient assessment and clinical decision-making
• Full-length practice tests

4. Make sure the book matches the exam version you'll actually take. This is particularly important right now: the current TMC is a 160-question, 3-hour exam, but the NBRC is transitioning to a new Respiratory Therapy (RT) Examination in January 2027. The new exam is 185 questions and has a different content outline.

What I'd recommend

Rather than buying several random CRT books, I'd use a three-part setup:

Official NBRC content outline → comprehensive respiratory-therapy review book → large question bank/practice exams.

The content outline tells you what to study; the review book teaches it; practice questions teach you how the NBRC asks it.

If you're taking the exam before January 2027, make sure your materials specifically say TMC/CRT and correspond to the current TMC outline. If you're taking it January 2027 or later, you should use the new RT Examination materials instead.

If you tell me when you're taking the CRT exam and whether you're in respiratory therapy school or already graduated, I can also find the 3–5 best current study guides/question banks, compare their prices and strengths, and recommend one.

If you mean the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential through the NBRC, the best approach is to choose a study guide that follows the NBRC exam blueprint, rather than relying on a generic respiratory-therapy review book.

One important timing note: through December 31, 2026, the CRT is earned through the TMC (Therapist Multiple-Choice) exam. Starting January 2027, the NBRC is transitioning to the new Respiratory Therapy (RT) Examination.

What I'd look for

1. Start with the official NBRC content outline. The TMC Detailed Content Outline tells you exactly what areas are tested and how much emphasis each area receives. Use it as your master checklist.
2. Choose a review book that has lots of practice questions. A good resource should include explanations for why an answer is correct, not just an answer key. Prioritize:

• Patient assessment
• Mechanical ventilation
• Oxygen therapy
• ABGs and acid-base balance
• Pulmonary function testing
• Pharmacology
• Airway management
• Neonatal/pediatric respiratory care
• Cardiopulmonary disease
• Clinical calculations

3. Use practice exams heavily. The NBRC provides a free TMC practice examination, and there is also a paid TMC Self-Assessment Examination. The real TMC is 160 multiple-choice questions (140 scored + 20 pretest) with three hours of testing time.
4. Don't buy a guide without checking its edition/date. This is especially important in 2026 because of the upcoming exam transition. If you're testing before January 1, 2027, make sure the resource specifically prepares you for the TMC. If you're testing in 2027, you'll want material aligned with the new RT Examination.

A simple way to find the right one

Search for something like:

"NBRC TMC CRT review book practice questions 2026" Then compare the candidates against the official NBRC content outline. I would not choose a book solely because it has the most questions or the highest Amazon rating.

If you tell me when you're taking the exam (e.g., next month, 3 months, or 2027), I can search for the best current CRT/TMC study guides, practice-question banks, and free resources, and narrow it down to 2–3 good choices.

Finding a good study guide for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam—which is earned by passing the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam administered by the NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist —involves targeting resources that precisely match the official exam matrix.

The most effective, industry-trusted review materials and strategies can be found through several avenues:

1. Top Review Books & Comprehensive Guides
   • The Comprehensive Respiratory Therapist's Exam Review by James R. Sills : Highly regarded because it maps directly to the NBRC detailed content outline, featuring robust review sections, self-assessment questions, and online practice components.
   • Respiratory Care Exam Review by Gary Persing : A classic, concise, outline-style review text that includes hundreds of practice questions and mock testing environments.
   • CRT & RRT Exam Secrets Study Guide by Mometrix : Great for straightforward strategic tips, high-yield vocabulary, and breaking down core subject categories like patient data evaluation and equipment troubleshooting.
2. Interactive Apps & Practice Test Platforms
   • Pocket Prep NBRC CRT : Excellent for mobile studying on the go, offering hundreds of practice questions with detailed rationales to target weak areas.
   • Exam Edge NBRC Practice Tests : Provides full-length online practice exams designed to simulate the time limits and pressure of the actual computerized test.
3. Intensive Home Study & Audio Programs
   • Kettering Seminars : Famous in the respiratory therapy community for providing comprehensive audio lectures, physical workbooks, and simulated exams tailored specifically to passing the TMC/CRT thresholds.
4. Official Blueprint Alignment
   • Always cross-reference your chosen study guide with the official NBRC Examinations Page to ensure you are focusing heavily on heavily weighted domains like Initiation and Modification of Interventions and Patient Data Evaluation.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Are you looking for a physical book, an app, or an audio/video course?
• Do you prefer a 30-day crash course or a longer study timeline?

I can help you narrow down the best specific resource for your study style.

Finding a good study guide for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam—administered via the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)—requires focusing on materials that match the official exam blueprint, offer robust practice questions, and build clinical reasoning.

Note: The NBRC uses the TMC exam to award the CRT credential (by meeting the lower cut score) or to qualify candidates for the RRT clinical simulation portion (by meeting the higher cut score).

Strategies and top resources to find and select the right study guide include the following:

1. Start with the Official NBRC Content Outline
   Before buying any third-party book or app, download the free Detailed Content Outline directly from the NBRC Examinations Page . A proper study guide should map directly to its core categories: Patient Data Evaluation and Recommendations, Troubleshooting/Quality Control of Equipment, and Initiation/Modification of Interventions.
2. Look for Trusted Review Books and Guides
   • Mometrix Test Preparation: The Mometrix CRT & RRT Exam Secrets Study Guide provides straightforward content reviews, test-taking strategies, and practice questions with detailed rationales.
   • Kettering National Seminars: Widely used by respiratory therapy programs nationwide, Kettering Seminars offer comprehensive review books and live/audio-guided seminars tailored specifically to passing NBRC credentials.
   • Comprehensive Review Texts: Standard reference-style guides like Gary Persing’s Respiratory Care Exam Review or specialized NBRC prep guides available via major retailers like Barnes & Noble offer extensive practice questions and concise summaries.
3. Utilize Interactive and Mobile Practice Platforms
   • Pocket Prep: The Pocket Prep NBRC CRT Exam Prep App is popular for on-the-go studying, featuring hundreds of practice questions, customized quizzes, and immediate performance tracking tied to the NBRC blueprint.
   • Exam Edge: Online simulated testing platforms like Exam Edge provide full-length practice tests that mimic the timed, computer-based testing environment.
4. Verify Alignment with the Latest Exam Updates
   Ensure any study guide you purchase reflects the current test blueprint. Pay close attention to publisher publication dates to guarantee the material covers modern ventilation waveforms, recent pharmacological guidelines, and updated clinical assessment parameters.

Are you looking for a physical review book , an app for practice questions , or a structured timeline/study plan to get started?

Yes. The key is to choose a guide that is built around the NBRC’s current TMC content outline, rather than a generic respiratory-therapy review book.

A good approach:

1. Start with the official NBRC material.
   The CRT is earned by passing the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination. For exams taken through December 31, 2026, the TMC is 160 questions (140 scored + 20 pretest) with 3 hours of testing time.

2. Download the current TMC Detailed Content Outline.
   This should be the backbone of whatever study guide you choose. The NBRC specifically recommends using the outline to identify the relative weight of different content areas and guide your studying.

3. Look for a guide with lots of practice questions.
   I'd prioritize:

   • Detailed explanations for why an answer is correct
   • ABG interpretation and calculations
   • Mechanical ventilation
   • Oxygen therapy
   • Pulmonary diseases
   • Patient assessment and clinical decision-making
   • Neonatal/pediatric concepts
   • Pharmacology
   • Multiple full-length practice exams

4. Use the official NBRC practice exam as a benchmark.
   NBRC provides a free TMC practice examination, and it also offers a paid Self-Assessment Examination (SAE) with the same number of questions as the actual TMC.

5. Consider a dedicated question bank/app as a supplement.
   For example, Pocket Prep currently offers a CRT/TMC preparation product covering areas such as patient data, equipment troubleshooting, infection control, and interventions.

One important 2026 consideration

The NBRC is changing the exam beginning January 2027. The new Respiratory Therapy Examination will replace the TMC and will have 185 questions over four hours, with two cut scores determining CRT vs. RRT.

So if you're taking your exam before January 2027, make sure your study materials specifically say they're aligned with the 2020–December 31, 2026 TMC outline. If you're testing in 2027, don't buy an older TMC-only guide as your primary resource.

If you tell me when you're taking the CRT exam (and whether you're looking for a free study guide, a book, an app, or the best overall option), I can narrow it down to 2–3 specific resources.

Finding a good study guide for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) exam comes down to matching trusted review materials with the exact exam specifications outlined by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

• Step 1: Review the Official NBRC Content Outline. Before buying any third-party book or app, go straight to the source. Review the NBRC Examinations Page to download the content blueprint (the Therapist Multiple-Choice / TMC outline). This tells you the exact percentage of questions dedicated to Patient Data, Troubleshooting/Quality Control, and Initiation/Modification of Interventions.
• Step 2: Choose a Reputable Comprehensive Review Book. Look for industry-standard text reviews that break down complex cardiopulmonary physiology, mechanical ventilation, and pharmacology. Well-regarded options include Respiratory Care Exam Review by Gary Persing or comprehensive guides from publishers like Mometrix Test Preparation. Ensure whatever book you buy maps directly to the core NBRC test domains.
• Step 3: Integrate Interactive Practice Question Apps. Reading a textbook isn’t enough; you need active recall. Platforms like the NBRC CRT Exam Prep by Pocket Prep offer hundreds of targeted practice questions with detailed rationales that help expose your weak spots on the go.
• Step 4: Take Timed Practice Exams. Simulate the actual testing environment to build stamina and manage test-day anxiety. Resources like Exam Edge Practice Tests or online question banks provide full-length practice tests modeled directly on the NBRC's multiple-choice formatting and scoring mechanics.

If you'd like, let me know:

• When you plan on taking the exam
• Whether you prefer physical books, digital e-books, or mobile apps

I can narrow down specific recommendations or help you build a study schedule.

Absolutely. If you mean the NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential, I’d start with the official exam materials rather than buying a random “CRT study guide.”

What I recommend

1. Start with the NBRC exam outline The NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist exam page has the official exam information, detailed content outline, and practice exam. The CRT is earned through the TMC (Therapist Multiple-Choice) examination, with the lower cut score resulting in the CRT credential.

2. Take the free NBRC practice exam first This is probably the best way to identify what you actually need to study. The NBRC specifically recommends taking its practice examination under simulated exam conditions, then reviewing the questions you missed.

3. Use the official Candidate Handbook The NBRC Candidate Handbook explains the exam and preparation process and points you toward the relevant study resources.

4. Consider an established prep program if you need more structure Kettering and Respiratory Coach are two resources that come up frequently among respiratory therapy students. Recent RT-student discussions particularly mention Kettering for TMC preparation and Respiratory Coach as another useful resource. That's anecdotal rather than an NBRC endorsement—the NBRC explicitly says it does not endorse or support review programs.

5. Don't rely on “actual exam questions” or answer dumps I'd avoid guides advertising “frequently tested questions,” leaked questions, or guaranteed answers. They can be outdated and are a poor substitute for understanding the underlying respiratory-care concepts.

A good study guide should cover

Look for strong coverage of:

• Patient assessment and monitoring
• ABG interpretation and acid-base balance
• Oxygen therapy
• Airway management
• Mechanical ventilation
• Pharmacology/respiratory medications
• Pulmonary function testing
• Cardiopulmonary diseases
• Neonatal and pediatric respiratory care
• Hemodynamics
• Basic calculations and clinical decision-making

My preferred approach: official NBRC outline → free practice exam → identify weak areas → targeted textbook/review material → lots of practice questions → official NBRC self-assessment near exam day.

If you tell me when you're taking the CRT/TMC and whether you're currently in respiratory therapy school or already graduated, I can point you to the best specific study guide(s) and help you build a study plan.