Respiratory Therapy
License Requirements

California Respiratory Therapy CE Requirements

30 Hours every 2 years - Total CE requirement for license renewal

• Total Requirement: 30 contact hours of continuing education are required every renewal period.
• Live/Interactive Requirement: A minimum of 15 hours must be obtained through 'live' courses or meetings. This includes in-person conferences or real-time interactive webinars where you can communicate with the instructor during the session.
• Online/Self-Study Limit: A maximum of 15 hours can be obtained through non-interactive methods (e.g., recorded webinars, self-paced courses).
• Mandatory Topic Breakdown (The 15/10/5 Rule): Your 30 hours must be categorized as follows: - 15 Hours (Clinical): Directly related to the clinical practice of respiratory care (e.g., therapeutics, diagnostics, pathology). - 10 Hours (Leadership): Directly related to RCP leadership (e.g., management, education, supervision, law/ethics). - 5 Hours (Other): Can be clinical, leadership, or indirectly related to respiratory care.
• Law & Ethics: You must complete a 3-hour course in California Law and Professional Ethics every other renewal cycle (every 4 years). This course counts toward your Leadership requirement and must be provided by the AARC or CSRC.
• Preceptorship: You can earn Leadership and Live CEUs for precepting students (up to 15 hours depending on hours worked).
• Credentialing Exams: Passing NBRC credentialing or certification exams can count toward the Clinical Practice requirement.

California License Renewal Process

1. Expiration Date: Licenses expire every 2 years on the last day of your birth month.
2. Renewal Window: You can renew up to 90 days prior to the expiration date.
3. Online Portal: Renewal is completed through the BreEZe Online Services portal.
4. Fees: The standard renewal fee is currently $330.00. (Fees are subject to change by the Board).
5. Deficiencies: If you submit your renewal without meeting CE requirements, a hold will be placed on your license. You cannot practice with a hold.
6. Audit: The Board conducts random audits. You must retain your CE certificates for at least 4 years (two full renewal cycles).
7. First Renewal Exception: If this is your first renewal following initial licensure, you are only required to complete 15 CE hours (not 30). See faqs for details.