CPFT - Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist

The next level of certification for a Certified Respiratory Therapist is a credential in pulmonary function technology. The National Board offers the Pulmonary Function Technology (PFT) Exam for Respiratory Care (NRBC). The PFT Examination awards two levels of certification based on exam scores. The first option is the lower level designation, called Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT). CPFT's who achieve a high exam score is awarded the Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) certification. CPFT's must demonstrate specialized knowledge in respiratory therapy, including testing instrumentation, testing procedures, and management of testing results. CPFT's are employed in physicians' offices, labs, hospitals, and clinics.

Cost

• Initial Testing Fee: $200

• AARC Members are eligible for a $40 discount when applying for the first time

• Retest Fee: $170

• International Applicants Additional Fee: $150

Test Format

The PFT examination is a two-hour, timed, computer-based test with 115 multiple-choice questions. Only 100 items are scored, and the remaining 15 are pre-test questions used to gather statistical data for future exams. They do not affect the results.

Tests are administered through PSI Examination Services. PSI offers in-person testing appointments and virtual examinations through Live Remote Proctoring (LRP).

Results

Pass/fail results are immediately available at the testing center. Candidates who do not pass may reattempt the test two times. If they are unsuccessful on the third try, the candidate will be required to wait at least 180 days before sitting for the test again.

Respiratory therapists who want to take the CPFT certification exam must apply online or submit a paper application through the mail. Applications submitted online with credit card payments are processed immediately. Paper applications are processed in 5-7 business days.

To qualify for the PFT Examination, candidates must be 18 years of age or older and meet one of the following requirements:

• Have an associate degree or higher from an approved respiratory care education program

• Be certified as a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentialed by the NBRC

• Complete 62 college credits in biology, chemistry, and math, and have six months of clinical experience

Applicants receive an email notification if additional documentation is needed or when they are approved to schedule their testing appointment.

CPFT credentials are good for five years. The NBRC requires renewal through the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP). The CMP gives therapists three options to maintain their credentials, including:

1. Earn another NBRC credential.

2. Take quarterly assessments and document up to 30 continuing education credits.

3. Retake and pass the credentialing exam.

The CPFT's performance on CMP assessments determines how many Continuing Education (CE) credits are required for renewal.

Renewal Fees

• Credential Maintenance Program: $25 a year ($125 total) 

• Renewal by RPFT Retest: $170

• Renewal by NPS Exam: $220

• Renewal by ACCS Exam: $250

• Renewal by SDS Exam: $250

The NBRC offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Candidate Handbook

• Free Practice Exam

• Content Outline

• Self-Assessment Exam (Cost: $40)

RRTs who want to enter specialty fields have several avenues of certification they can pursue that make logical next steps in their careers.

• RRT-ACCS: After being an RRT for a year, respiratory therapists can apply for the Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) exam, which measures the knowledge and skills of RTs in the adult critical care specialty. Earning the RRT-ACCS can open new career paths in intensive care areas.

• RRT-NPS: After earning the RRT, respiratory therapists can apply for the Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialty (NPS) exam, which measures their knowledge and skills in the neonatal/pediatric respiratory care specialty. Earning the RRT-NPS can open new career paths in children’s hospitals and general hospitals with neonatal-pediatric wards.

• RRT-SDS: Respiratory therapists who’ve earned the RRT can apply for the Sleep Disorders Specialty (SDS) exam, which measures their knowledge and skills in sleep disorders testing and therapeutic intervention. Earning the RRT-SDS can open new career paths in hospitals, sleep centers, and private practice.