map Healthcare license portability

Respiratory Therapist license reciprocity by state

Respiratory Therapist licenses are broadly portable across the US — 42 of the 50 states and DC offer direct recognition or licensure by endorsement, though endorsement often still requires a state-specific law or business exam. Each row below links to the state's official licensing board and lists the specific reciprocal states where we have them.

check_circle 5 states recognize assignment_turned_in 37 via endorsement edit_note 2 require exam remove_circle_outline 1 no license required

Reciprocity tier legend

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Recognized

Existing license or national cert accepted directly.

assignment_turned_in

Endorsement

Apply for a new license — paperwork, fees, no re-exam.

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Exam required

Must retake the state exam or complete state-specific training.

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Not recognized

No reciprocity pathway. Satisfy state requirements from scratch.

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No license required

State does not license this profession.

help_outline

Unclear

State policy ambiguous or silent. Contact licensing board.

All 50 states + DC

Each row links to the full respiratory therapist profile for that state — exam costs, application fees, licensing board contact, and the source language behind the tier classification.

State	Reciprocity tier	Summary	Detail
Alabama	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Alabama offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensed therapists if requirements are substantially similar. Reciprocal states: Alabama offers licensure by reciprocity for applicants who hold a valid respiratory therapist license from another state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory, provided the requirements for licensure are substantially similar to Alabama's and the applicant meets the Board's reciprocity requirements. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Alaska	remove_circle_outline No license	Alaska does not require state licensure for respiratory therapists; NBRC certification is nationally recognized. Reciprocal states: Alaska does not have state licensure, so reciprocity is not applicable. NBRC certification is nationally recognized. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Arizona	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Arizona offers endorsement for out-of-state licensed therapists with NBRC credentials, requiring a jurisprudence exam. Reciprocal states: Arizona offers licensure by endorsement for applicants who hold a current, unrestricted credential in another state, have valid NBRC credentials, are in good standing, and whose qualifications are deemed equivalent to Arizona's requirements. A state-specific jurisprudence exam and background check are required. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Arkansas	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Arkansas offers reciprocity to out-of-state licensed practitioners if qualifications meet or exceed state requirements. Reciprocal states: Arkansas offers reciprocity to licensed respiratory care practitioners from other states or territories whose qualifications meet or exceed Arkansas's requirements, provided that state or territory offers a similar privilege to Arkansas licensees. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
California	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	California does not have reciprocity, but out-of-state licensees with RRT/CRT do not retake exams. Reciprocal states: California does not have reciprocity with any other states. Out-of-state licensees must apply for a California RCP license, but do not need to retake initial licensing exams if they have an RRT credential (or a CRT credential earned before January 1, 2015). Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Colorado	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Colorado offers endorsement for out-of-state licensed therapists with NBRC credentials and equivalent qualifications. Reciprocal states: Colorado offers reciprocity (endorsement) for applicants who hold a current, unrestricted license in good standing from another state, territory, or foreign country, provided their qualifications are substantially equivalent to Colorado's requirements and they are credentialed by a national respiratory therapy credentialing body (NBRC CRT or RRT). Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Connecticut	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Connecticut may license individuals with a current, good-standing license from another U.S. jurisdiction and four years practice. Reciprocal states: Connecticut may issue a license to individuals who hold a current, good-standing license in another U.S. jurisdiction and have practiced for at least four years. Additionally, individuals registered as a respiratory therapist by the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists and who have passed the NBRC clinical simulation examination and are currently credentialed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist by the NBRC may be eligible. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Delaware	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Delaware does not list reciprocal states, but requires letters of good standing from other licensed states. Reciprocal states: Delaware does not have a list of reciprocal states. Applicants are required to provide letters of good standing from other states where they hold a license. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
District of Columbia	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	DC offers endorsement for out-of-state licensed therapists with NBRC credentials and equivalent standards. Reciprocal states: The District of Columbia offers licensure by endorsement for applicants who are currently licensed in another state with substantially equivalent standards, have continually remained in good standing, and possess a valid and current NBRC CRT or RRT credential. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Florida	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Florida offers endorsement for NBRC credentialed individuals or those licensed in states with comparable requirements. Reciprocal states: Florida offers licensure by endorsement for individuals holding an equivalent credential from the NBRC or an equivalent license from another state with comparable or more stringent requirements. There is no compact license agreement for Respiratory Therapists currently. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Georgia	help_outline Unclear	Reciprocity is not specified; Georgia offers a non-renewable temporary permit for out-of-state licensees. Reciprocal states: Not specified, but Georgia offers a temporary permit for individuals licensed in another state or graduates of an approved program pending completion of all other requirements for certification for a period of 12 months. This temporary permit cannot be renewed. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Hawaii	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Hawaii may grant endorsement to out-of-state licensees if initial requirements were equivalent or higher. Reciprocal states: Hawaii may grant a license by endorsement to applicants who hold current licenses in another state or jurisdiction, provided the requirements at the time of initial licensure were equivalent to or higher than Hawaii's. Verification of licensure from other states is required. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Idaho	help_outline Unclear	No reciprocity language published; contact the state licensing board directly. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Illinois	help_outline Unclear	Reciprocity is not specified; a temporary permit may be available for out-of-state licensees. Reciprocal states: Not specified, but a temporary permit may be available for those licensed in another state or recent graduates awaiting examination. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Indiana	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Indiana offers endorsement for out-of-state licensed applicants, requiring licensure verification or NBRC credentials. Reciprocal states: Indiana offers endorsement for applicants licensed in other states. Verification of licensure from the other state(s) is required. If coming from a state that does not require licensure, applicants must submit a statement to that effect and provide NBRC credentials. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Iowa	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Iowa offers reciprocity; out-of-state licensees must provide official verification for qualification evaluation. Reciprocal states: Iowa offers reciprocity; applicants licensed in another state must provide official verification of licensure, including issue date, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions. The Iowa Board of Respiratory Care and Polysomnography evaluates qualifications for licensure. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Kansas	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Kansas accepts NBRC-credentialed applicants from other states via endorsement. Reciprocal states: Kansas accepts NBRC-credentialed applicants from other states through endorsement. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Kentucky	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Kentucky offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensed therapists with NBRC credentials and equivalent qualifications. Reciprocal states: Kentucky offers reciprocity to applicants who hold a current license in another state with equivalent or greater qualifications and possess an NBRC CRT or RRT credential. Applicants must provide proof of their current license and NBRC credential. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Louisiana	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Louisiana offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensed therapists if their requirements are equivalent or exceed Louisiana's. Reciprocal states: Louisiana offers licensure by reciprocity to applicants who hold a current, unrestricted license in another state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory, provided their licensure requirements are equivalent to or exceed Louisiana's. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Maine	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Maine does not have a compact, but requires verification of licensure from all previous states. Reciprocal states: Maine does not have a compact license agreement for Respiratory Therapists. Applicants licensed in other states must provide official verification of licensure from each state where they have held a license. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Maryland	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Maryland may issue reciprocity if licensed in another state with equivalent requirements and reciprocal privilege. Reciprocal states: Maryland may issue a license by reciprocity if the applicant is licensed in another state with substantially equivalent requirements and the other state offers similar reciprocity to Maryland licensees. Verification of other state licenses is required. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Massachusetts	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Massachusetts offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensed therapists with NBRC credentials and equivalent requirements. Reciprocal states: Massachusetts offers licensure by reciprocity for applicants who are licensed in another state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, provided the requirements for licensure in that jurisdiction are substantially the same as Massachusetts and the license is in good standing. Applicants must also hold a CRT or RRT credential from the NBRC. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Michigan	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Michigan does not have reciprocity agreements, but licensure by endorsement is possible for out-of-state licensees. Reciprocal states: Michigan does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, but licensure by endorsement is possible for those licensed in other states or Canadian provinces. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Minnesota	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Minnesota offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensed therapists with recent work experience. Reciprocal states: Minnesota offers reciprocity for applicants with a current, unrestricted license in another state who have worked at least 8 weeks in the previous 5 years as a respiratory therapist. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Mississippi	help_outline Unclear	Reciprocity information for respiratory therapists is not specified. Reciprocal states: Not specified Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Missouri	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Missouri offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensed therapists with NBRC credentials and equivalent qualifications. Reciprocal states: Missouri offers reciprocity to applicants who hold a valid, current license from another state, a U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia, and have been licensed for at least one year in that jurisdiction, provided the qualifications are equivalent to Missouri's requirements. Verification of NBRC credentials (CRT or RRT) is required, and the applicant must be in good standing. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Montana	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Montana requires license verification; retesting is needed only if away from practice over three years. Reciprocal states: Montana requires official license verification from all current and previous states of licensure. Previously licensed Respiratory Therapists applying to Montana who have been away from practice for more than three years must provide evidence of competency by retesting or passing a new NBRC credentialing exam. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Nebraska	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Nebraska offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees meeting education/exam requirements, with CE if not practicing. Reciprocal states: Nebraska offers reciprocity for applicants with an active license in another jurisdiction, provided they meet education and examination requirements. If not practicing at the time of application, 20 hours of continuing education completed within the last three years are required. Specific details on which states have direct reciprocity agreements are not specified, but the process involves verification of the out-of-state license. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Nevada	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Nevada accepts out-of-state applicants with NBRC credentials via an endorsement process. Reciprocal states: Nevada accepts out-of-state applicants with NBRC credentials through an endorsement process. Verification of licensure from other states is required. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
New Hampshire	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	New Hampshire offers reciprocity for active licenses from jurisdictions with substantially similar requirements. Reciprocal states: New Hampshire offers reciprocity to applicants with an active license in good standing from another jurisdiction, provided that the jurisdiction's licensing requirements are substantially similar to New Hampshire's. A criminal background check is required for reciprocity applicants. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
New Jersey	help_outline Unclear	New Jersey offers reciprocity, but specific states are not listed and Board discretion applies. Reciprocal states: New Jersey offers reciprocity, but specific states are not listed. Out-of-state applicants with a CRT credential may be subject to Board discretion for licensure. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
New Mexico	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	New Mexico accepts out-of-state applicants with NBRC credentials via endorsement, plus other requirements. Reciprocal states: New Mexico accepts out-of-state applicants with NBRC credentials through endorsement. Additional requirements include a state application, background check, and NBRC credential verification. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
New York	help_outline Unclear	New York's reciprocity prose mentions NREMT for EMTs, making it unclear for respiratory therapists. Reciprocal states: New York does not grant reciprocity to individuals with certifications from other countries or U.S. territories without National Registry certification. Reciprocity is possible for individuals holding current certification from one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the military, and/or from the National Registry of EMT's (NREMT) for specific provider levels (Emergency Medical Responder/Certified First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic). Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
North Carolina	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	North Carolina may grant reciprocity if other state's requirements are substantially similar. Reciprocal states: North Carolina may grant a license by reciprocity if the requirements for licensure in the other state are substantially the same as North Carolina's. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
North Dakota	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	North Dakota offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees with similar requirements and NBRC credentials. Reciprocal states: North Dakota offers licensure by endorsement for applicants licensed in other states with substantially similar requirements and who hold current NBRC credentials (CRT or RRT). Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Ohio	check_circle Recognized	Ohio participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact and offers licensure by endorsement. Reciprocal states: Ohio participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed respiratory therapists from other compact states to practice in Ohio without obtaining a new license. The board may also waive requirements for applicants with current licensure in another state with substantially equivalent standards. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Oklahoma	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Oklahoma offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees with equivalent qualifications and valid NBRC credentials. Reciprocal states: Oklahoma offers licensure by endorsement for those currently licensed in another state, territory, or country if their qualifications are deemed equivalent and their NBRC credentials (CRT or RRT) have not been suspended or revoked. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Oregon	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Oregon offers endorsement or reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with equivalent qualifications or NBRC credentials. Reciprocal states: Oregon may issue a license by endorsement or reciprocity to applicants currently licensed in another state, territory, or country if their qualifications are equivalent to Oregon's requirements, or to applicants holding an active NBRC CRT or RRT credential. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Pennsylvania	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Pennsylvania offers endorsement (Act 41) for out-of-state licensees meeting specific practice and good standing criteria. Reciprocal states: Pennsylvania offers licensure by endorsement (Act 41) for out-of-state professionals with substantially equivalent licensing requirements, an active license in good standing, no disciplinary action or criminal convictions, and who have been actively engaged in practice for at least two of the last five years. Respiratory therapists holding CRT or RRT credentials from the NBRC and licensed in another state may apply. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Rhode Island	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Rhode Island accepts out-of-state applicants with NBRC credentials via endorsement, plus other requirements. Reciprocal states: Rhode Island accepts out-of-state applicants with NBRC credentials through endorsement. Additional requirements include a state application, background check, and NBRC credential verification. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
South Carolina	check_circle Recognized	South Carolina participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact and offers licensure by endorsement. Reciprocal states: South Carolina participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed respiratory therapists from other compact member states to practice. Licensure by endorsement is also available for those licensed outside of compact states. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
South Dakota	check_circle Recognized	South Dakota adopted the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact for practice via compact privilege. Reciprocal states: South Dakota has adopted the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed respiratory therapists from other compact member states to practice in South Dakota by obtaining a compact privilege. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Tennessee	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Tennessee may issue endorsement for out-of-state licensees with qualifications equivalent to state requirements. Reciprocal states: Tennessee may issue a license by endorsement to applicants licensed in another state, territory, or country if their qualifications are equivalent to Tennessee's requirements. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Texas	check_circle Recognized	Texas recognizes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact and offers licensure by endorsement. Reciprocal states: Texas recognizes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing licensed respiratory therapists from other compact member states to practice in Texas by obtaining a compact privilege. Additionally, licensure by endorsement is available for individuals licensed outside of a compact state. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Utah	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Utah offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees, potentially requiring specific documentation. Reciprocal states: Utah offers licensure by endorsement for those currently licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner in another U.S. state, territory, or district. Specific documentation of scope of practice, experience, and exams may be required for certain jurisdictions. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Vermont	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Vermont accepts out-of-state applicants with NBRC credentials via endorsement, plus other requirements. Reciprocal states: Vermont accepts out-of-state applicants with NBRC credentials through endorsement. Requirements include a state application, background check, and NBRC credential verification. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Virginia	edit_note Exam required	Virginia does not have reciprocity; applicants must meet state education and examination requirements. Reciprocal states: Virginia does not have reciprocity. Applicants must meet Virginia's education and examination requirements. If previously licensed in another jurisdiction, a minimum of 160 hours of professional practice within the 24-month period immediately preceding application is required. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Washington	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Washington offers endorsement for licensees from equivalent states; a compact takes effect in 2025. Reciprocal states: Washington may issue credentials to applicants licensed in substantially equivalent states who have been credentialed for at least two years and have not been subject to disciplinary action. A national compact licensure for respiratory therapists goes into effect on July 27, 2025, allowing practice across participating states. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
West Virginia	check_circle Recognized	West Virginia offers endorsement for equivalent qualifications and participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. Reciprocal states: West Virginia may issue a license by endorsement to applicants licensed in another state, territory, or country if their qualifications are equivalent or greater than West Virginia's. The state also participates in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Wisconsin	edit_note Exam required	Wisconsin offers a temporary certificate requiring a state exam; permanent licensure requires full application. Reciprocal states: Wisconsin offers a temporary certificate for individuals licensed in another state who meet the educational and examination requirements and have passed the Wisconsin statute and rules examination. This temporary certificate is valid for 90 days and is not renewable. A health care provider credentialed in good standing in another state may also apply for a temporary credential while a permanent Wisconsin application is pending. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward
Wyoming	assignment_turned_in Endorsement	Wyoming offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees with equivalent qualifications or NBRC credentials. Reciprocal states: Wyoming offers licensure by endorsement to applicants who are currently licensed in another state, territory, or country, provided their qualifications are equivalent to Wyoming's. Holding current NBRC CRT or RRT credentials can also qualify an applicant for licensure by endorsement. Official state board arrow_outward	Full page arrow_outward

verified_user How this was compiled · Last updated 2026-07-21

Reciprocity tiers and summaries are compiled from each state's licensing board and department of professional regulation — linked per row above — and reviewed against public board guidance. Licensing rules change frequently and often depend on your license class (for example journeyman vs. master) and the specific states involved. Always confirm current requirements directly with the destination state's board before making a career or relocation decision. This page is informational and is not legal or licensing advice.

Other profession reciprocity guides

Each profession has its own state-by-state reciprocity matrix.

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