RPFT - Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist

  • Cost $160-$200
  • Renews every 5 years

COURSE FORMAT

Online
In Person

About

The Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) certification validates the knowledge and skills of pulmonary function technologists. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers the RPFT exam, accredited by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (NCCA).

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the RPFT exam, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

  • Have an associate’s degree or higher from a respiratory care education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

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

  • Be a Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT)

  • Completed 62 semester hours of college credit, including courses in biology, chemistry and mathematics, and 6 months of experience with pulmonary function technology

Completion Time: Candidates have 2 hours to complete the RPFT exam

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

Course Format

Exam Format

The RPFT exam includes 115 questions. Exam topics include:

  • Instrumentation/Equipment (33 questions)

    • Set Up, Maintain, Calibrate (10 questions)

    • Troubleshoot (13 questions)

    • Perform Quality Control (10 questions)

  • Procedures (44 questions)

    • Select Test Protocols and Equipment (13 questions)

    • Perform the Procedure (17 questions)

    • Evaluate Validity of Result (14 questions)

  • Data Management (23 questions)

    • Calculate Results, Select Reference Ranges and Data (8 questions)

    • Evaluate Reliability of Results (7 questions)

    • Evaluate Clinical Implications (8 questions)

Test Dates

Applicants can register to take the in-person exam anytime based on availability at their selected PSI Testing Center. Examinees may also take the exam at home via PSI’s Live Remote Proctoring service.

Test Results

NBRC emails test results within 24 hours after exam completion.

In Person

Applicants have 90 days to register for the exam after receiving notice from NBRC. Their email contains a candidate ID and online scheduling instructions. Candidates must use the online link provided in their electronic examination permit to schedule their test date. They receive a confirmation email with the date, time and location of their exam. Candidates should verify the accuracy of this information.

View PSI Test Center locations page to find the nearest testing center.

Exam Day Instructions

  • Arrive at the testing center 30 minutes before exam time

  • Bring 2 forms of identification

  • Don’t bring any items besides identification as the testing site doesn’t provide lockers

  • Food and drinks aren’t allowed in the testing room

Online

When scheduling the exam, PSI provides applicants information for logging into the PSI online system on testing day. 

  • Log in to the PSI testing platform up to 15 minutes before the appointment time

  • Complete the check-in process performed by a PSI test administrator, including a webcam, microphone and environment check

    • Examinees must be alone, in a quiet, well-lit space, with the computer on a table or desk

    • No food, drinks, headphones, electronics or notes are permitted

  • Complete an identification check performed by the PSI test administrator

    • The live proctor remains present throughout the test for questions

Certification

Online Application

  • Create an account or log in to the NBRC Portal

  • Complete personal information

  • Complete eligibility information

  • Include payment information

After application submission, an immediate response is sent with a request for further information or information for scheduling the exam.

Paper Application

  • Print the RPFT application

  • Check “Pulmonary Function Technologist (PFT)” under Exam Information

  • Check “PFT” under Exam Fees

  • Complete payment information

  • Complete personal information

  • Check the appropriate box for eligibility

  • Sign and date

Fax to: 913-712-9283
Mail to: NBRC 10801 Mastin Street, Suite 300, Overland Park, KS 66210-1658

Applicants receive a confirmation email 5 to 7 business days after NBRC receives their application with instructions for scheduling the exam.

Renewal

RPFT is valid for 5 years. Renewal applicants can renew by retaking the RPFT exam, taking another NBRC exam not previously taken or participating in the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP). If renewing by exam, applicants can submit applications on the NBRC portal.

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

Continuing Education

The Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) requires the certification holder to take 5-question assessments every quarter. Depending on the performance on these assessments, the system places candidates in a green, yellow or red zone. The green zone requires no CE requirements, the yellow zone requires some CE requirements and the red zone requires 30 hours of CEs.

If required, CEs must directly relate to the RPFT certification. CE categories include:

  • Lectures

  • Panels

  • Workshops

  • Seminars

  • Symposiums

  • Online Education

Certification holders complete quarterly assessments and document required CEs on the NBRC portal under “Credential Maintenance.” Refer to the Renewal Brochure for more information.

Other Resources

NBRC provides several resources to help prepare for the RPFT exam, including:

RPFT Self Assessment Exam with 100 questions. Cost: $40

Related Certifications

Other related certifications include:

  • Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

  • Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT)

  • RRT - Adult Critical Care Specialty (RRT-ACCS)

  • RRT-Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS)

  • RRT-Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS)

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Frequently asked questions

Can I reschedule my RPFT exam?

Yes, you can reschedule your RPFT exam once by contacting the PSI testing center at least 2 business days before your scheduled exam. The new exam date must still be within the 90-day eligibility period.

What if I fail the RPFT?

You can retake your RPFT exam once more with no mandatory waiting period. If you fail 2 times, you must wait 180 days between attempts.

How frequently do I have to take an assessment for the RPFT Credential Maintenance Program?

The Credential Maintenance Program for the RPFT certification requires taking a 5-question assessment 4 times a year.

How long do I have to take the quarterly assessment for the RPFT Credential Maintenance Program?

You have 60 days to take the quarterly assessment for the RPFT.

How many CEs do I have to complete if I’m in the yellow zone of the Credential Maintenance Program?

The exact number of CEs required in the yellow zone is determined based on your assessment results.

Can I still renew my RPFT certification if it’s expired?

If your RPFT certification expired less than 6 months ago, you can still renew it by paying a $250 reinstatement fee. If it expired more than 6 months ago, you must retake the exam.

Can I earn a Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) online?

Yes you can earn a Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) online.