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FAQs

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Respiratory Care: FAQs

Q: What do I need to get a NM Respiratory Care Practitioner’s license?

Submit a completed application with the required fee and copies of all items listed in the checklist of the application.

The board accepts two of the NBRC’s exams as a qualification standard for licensure in New Mexico:

  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
  • Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) only if licensed in New Mexico or another U.S. jurisdiction prior to January 1, 2018
Q: How long does it take to get a license?

Applications with all required information are processed within 3 to 5 business days.

Q: How do I renew my license?

All licensed Respiratory Care Practitioners MUST renew their license by September 30,2025. License renewals will be online and open on August 15, 2025. Renew on our online licensing platform, NM-PLUS.

Q: What if I missed the renewal deadline (September 30, 2025)?

Licenses not renewed by the end of the renewal year will be expired and invalid. Applicants may reactivate a license before September 30th of the next odd-numbered year, by completing the following procedure: (1) complete and submit the reactivation application; and (2) pay the applicable fee for reactivation, as set forth in 16.23.2.8 NMAC.

Q: How do I reactivate my expired or lapsed license?

An expired license that has not been reactivated before the next scheduled license expiration date of September 30th of the next odd-numbered year, will lapse and become null and void. If your license LAPSES, you cannot reactivate it. You must reapply and be approved for licensure before you can practice in New Mexico again.

Q: Do you have Temporary Permits?
  • A student extern permit is issued to a student extern engaged by a supervisory facility to provide respiratory care for remuneration while enrolled in an approved respiratory care training and education program.
  • A graduate permit is issued to an unlicensed person who has completed an approved respiratory care training program and is employed by a supervisory facility to provide respiratory care for remuneration and who can submit proof of scheduling to take the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) exam.
Jurisprudence Exam

Q: WHAT IS THE JURISPRUDENCE EXAM, WHO IS REQUIRED TO TAKE THE EXAM, HOW DO I GET THE EXAM, AND WHAT SCORE DO I NEED TO PASS?

The Jurisprudence Exam is a self-administered, open-book exam that is aimed at testing an applicant’s familiarity with the laws and rules that govern the practice of Respiratory Care in New Mexico.  A Jurisprudence Exam is NOT required if Subsections A and B of 16.23.3.9 NMAC are satisfied. A paper (PDF) exam will be sent, via email, to those applicants that require one to be completed. Applicants must review the rules and regulations prior to taking the examination.  A passing score is 75% or higher is required.

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