Disclaimer: Any and all statements herein should not be construed as official policy or positions of the New Jersey State Board of Respiratory Care ( Board). The information is merely provided on our web page by Board staff for general guidance to the citizens of New Jersey and users of our website. No individual staff member is authorized to provide a binding opinion or statement for the full Board. Nothing herein should be construed as legal advice or as a legal opinion for any particular situation. Refer to the Rules and Laws of the New Jersey State Board of Respiratory Care and consult an attorney of your choice for clarification.

It is recommended that YOU DO NOT ACCEPT an offer to practice respiratory care in New Jersey UNTIL you have met all the necessary requirements for licensure, and have been advised by the Board that you are eligible to receive a respiratory care license.

1. How do I obtain an application for a Respiratory Care license?
2. How long does it take to get my New Jersey Respiratory Care license?
3. If some of my documents have not received by the Board office, what should I do?
4. I have a job offer and need a Respiratory Care certificate immediately. What should I do?
5. I am scheduled to complete my training program in June of next year. When should I apply for my New Jersey RCP license?
6. Does an application for a New Jersey Respiratory Care license have an expiration date?
7. I have decided not to move to New Jersey and I want to withdraw my application. What should I do? Is my application fee refundable?
8. What does “primary source verification” mean?
9. Are there Continuing Education Requirements for re-certification of my permanent respiratory care license?
10. How do personal data questions affect my application?
11. Should I apply for a temporary license?
12. I am nationally certified, do I need to be licensed in New Jersey to practice?

1. How do I obtain an application for a Respiratory Care license?  

The quickest and easiest way to obtain an application for a respiratory care is by downloading the forms from our website at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov Click on A-Z, Click on R - Click on Respiratory Care Practitioners, and then click on Application. A request for an application for respiratory care may also be requested in writing by submitting the following information: your name and mailing address, or by contacting the Board directly at (973) 504-6485 and requesting an application by phone.

2. How long does it take to get my New Jersey Respiratory Care license?  

Absent any complicating factors, the average application process takes approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks to complete. Once your application is complete, your file will be reviewed and an initial determination will be made. You will be notified in writing when your application is approved.

3. If some of my documents have not received by the Board office, what should I do?

In most cases, the only thing to do is to follow-up with your primary source verifiers to find out if missing documentation has been sent to the Board. An application is considered complete when all the application pages, primary source documentation, and criminal screenings have been conducted.

4. I have a job offer and need a Respiratory Care certificate immediately. What should I do?

The application process takes approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks to complete. In the application instructions, applicants are informed NOT TO ACCEPT EMPLOYMENT until they receive their New Jersey Respiratory Care License. The Board must stress to you that it is highly recommended that YOU DO NOT ACCEPT an offer of employment in New Jersey UNTIL you have met all the necessary requirements for licensure and have been notified in writing of your approval for a respiratory care license.  

5. I am scheduled to complete my training program in June of next year. When should I apply for my New Jersey RCP license?  

Applications for a New Jersey Respiratory Care Professional license remain active for one- year only. Therefore, you should not apply for licensure with the New Jersey State Board until sixty (60) days prior to completing an accredited respiratory program.

6. Does an application for a New Jersey Respiratory Care license have an expiration date?

YES. Applications for a New Jersey Respiratory Care License remain active for a biennial period on even year. If you applied for a respiratory care license and were not issued a permanent license within 12 months from the date of receipt, you must reapply by submitting a new application, with your most current information, in addition to an licensure fee. We will not simply “reactivate” your old application.

7. I have decided not to move to New Jersey and I want to withdraw my application. What should I do? Is my application fee refundable?

No. The application fee of $125.00, is non-refundable. If you decide during the application process that you would like to withdraw your application, it is necessary for you to put this request in writing, sign and date the request and give a brief explanation as to why you would like to withdraw your application. Also, submit copies of the front and back of the cancelled check/money order.

8. What does “primary source verification” mean?

The Board of Respiratory Care verifies all applicant information as “primary source” verification. This means that the information must be received DIRECTLY from the issuing source. Please refer to the application instructions for additional information on what primary source documentation is acceptable by the applicant.

9. Are there Continuing Education Requirements for re-certification of my permanent respiratory care license?

YES. On or before the expiration date for the biennial renewal of licenses, all license holders, if audited, must furnish certificates of successful completion of programs, courses or seminars offered or approved by the New Jersey Society for Respiratory Care or the American Association for Respiratory Care; One continuing education credit for each course credit awarded. Each license holder must complete thirty (30) continuing education credits, in programs permitted under N.J.A.C.13:44F-10.2, as follows: (1)At least one continuing education credit in infection control; (2) At least one continuing education credit in patient safety/medical errors; (3) At least one continuing education credit in ethics; (4) At least 20 continuing education credits in other respiratory care clinical practices; and (5) any remaining credits in any health care related field.

10. How do personal data questions affect my application?

A (“yes’ answer) affirmative response to a personal data question or the existence of a criminal conviction does not automatically prohibit the Board from issuing a license. If you answer “yes” on any of the personal data questions or if criminal history appears on a criminal background check, your file will be evaluated on an individual basis.

11. Should I apply for a temporary license?

If you are a new graduate and are only waiting to take the examination administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) or its successor, you may apply for a temporary license. The temporary license is valid for six months unless the temporary license holder can demonstrate undue hardship to the Board. You may take the examination as many times as needed during the six month period. The temporary license shall expire six months from the date of issuance and is not renewable. The cost of a temporary license is $40.00.

12. I am nationally certified, do I need to be licensed in New Jersey to practice?

Yes. Certification by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) does not constitute licensure by the State of New Jersey. You must contact the Board to complete the licensure process for permanent licensure.