NBRC Specialty Credentials 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which NBRC credential is specifically designed for respiratory therapists who demonstrate advanced competency in neonatal and pediatric care?
- NPS (Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist) (Correct answer)
- CPFT (Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist)
- SDS (Sleep Disorders Specialist)
- ACCS (Adult Critical Care Specialist)
Correct answer: NPS (Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist)
The NPS credential is awarded by the NBRC to RTs who pass a specialty examination focused on neonatal and pediatric respiratory care.
Question 2: An RT holds the RRT credential and wants to sit for the ACCS examination. What is a primary eligibility requirement?
- Must hold an active RRT credential (Correct answer)
- Must hold only a CRT credential
- Must have 5 years of ICU experience
- Must complete an ACCS-approved fellowship
Correct answer: Must hold an active RRT credential
The NBRC requires candidates to hold an active RRT credential as a prerequisite for the ACCS examination.
Question 3: The NBRC's CPFT examination primarily assesses competency in which clinical area?
- Pulmonary function testing and spirometry interpretation (Correct answer)
- Mechanical ventilator management
- Sleep study scoring and analysis
- Neonatal resuscitation procedures
Correct answer: Pulmonary function testing and spirometry interpretation
The CPFT credential validates knowledge and skill in performing and interpreting pulmonary function studies.
Question 4: How often must NBRC specialty credential holders complete the Continuing Competency requirements to maintain their credential?
- Every 5 years (Correct answer)
- Every year
- Every 10 years
- Every 2 years
Correct answer: Every 5 years
NBRC specialty credentials follow a 5-year Continuing Competency cycle requiring recertification activities.
Question 5: A candidate who fails the RRT-ACCS examination on the first attempt may retest after:
- 90 days (Correct answer)
- 30 days
- 6 months
- 1 year
Correct answer: 90 days
NBRC policy requires a 90-day waiting period before retesting after a failed specialty examination attempt.
Question 6: Which statement best describes the Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) compared to the CPFT?
- The RPFT is the advanced-level credential requiring a higher passing score on a more comprehensive PFT examination (Correct answer)
- The RPFT and CPFT are identical credentials with different names
- The RPFT is an entry-level credential and the CPFT is advanced
- The RPFT does not require an active RRT credential
Correct answer: The RPFT is the advanced-level credential requiring a higher passing score on a more comprehensive PFT examination
The RPFT represents advanced mastery in pulmonary function testing and is distinguished from the entry-level CPFT by a more rigorous examination.
Question 7: An RT is applying for the RRT-NPS credential. Which patient care setting is most directly relevant to this specialty?
- Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (Correct answer)
- Adult medical ICU
- Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation
- Cardiac catheterization lab
Correct answer: Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
The NPS credential focuses on neonatal and pediatric care, with the NICU being the most directly relevant practice setting.
NBRC Specialty Credentials 2
Which NBRC credential is specifically designed for respiratory therapists who demonstrate advanced competency in neonatal and pediatric care?