Pulmonary function technologists test a patient’s lungs for conditions and disorders. They also collaborate with other medical staff to diagnose patients and administer treatment. They work in hospitals, clinics, and health centers.
They follow physicians’ orders and prepare patients for tests, such as spirometry testing, lung volume testing, arterial blood gas sampling, and cardiopulmonary stress testing. They also clean, sterilize, and check equipment.
Interactive RPFT - Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
The RPFT has 115 questions, takes about 2 hours and costs $200[1] (National Board for Respiratory Care, verified Oct 27, 2026).
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 115 multiple-choice items (100 scored, 15 pretest)[1] | National Board for Respiratory Care · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Time limit | 2 hours[1] | National Board for Respiratory Care · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Passing score | High cut score for RPFT (low cut score for CPFT)[1] | National Board for Respiratory Care · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Exam fee | $200 (new applicants)[1] | National Board for Respiratory Care · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Retake fee | $170 (repeat applicants)[1] | National Board for Respiratory Care · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Retake policy | 2 attempts without waiting, then 180-day wait between subsequent attempts[1] | National Board for Respiratory Care · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Validity | 5 years[2] | National Board for Respiratory Care · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Renewal | Credential Maintenance Program every 5 years; CE route costs $30/year from 2027[2] | National Board for Respiratory Care · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Delivery | Computer-based testing at PSI assessment centers[3] | test-takers.psiexams.com · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Score release | Score report emailed after the exam (contact PSI if not received within 24 hours)[4] | National Board for Respiratory Care · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Registration deadline | No application deadlines; apply any time[1] | National Board for Respiratory Care · Oct 27, 2026 |
| Testing window | Year-round, Monday–Saturday (except national holidays)[1] | National Board for Respiratory Care · Oct 27, 2026 |
A pulmonary function technologist assesses a patient’s respiratory problems in a hospital or clinical setting. They also administer pulmonary diagnostic procedures. These tests may include spirometry lung volumes, maximum voluntary ventilations, diffusion of carbon monoxide studies and bronchial provocation tests. They also perform home oxygen assessments, indirect calorimetry and provide bronchoscopy assists. Practice with the free RPFT - Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
Other duties of a pulmonary function technologist involve reading and interpreting physician orders and patients’ charts. They also clean, sterilize and check equipment for accuracy and safety. They are also responsible for establishing, maintaining and monitoring quality control systems.
Some pulmonary function technologists work in hospitals or clinics while others are employed by larger physicians’ offices. Some specialize in a certain area of respiratory care, such as neonatal-pediatrics or sleep. These professionals must have good organizational skills and be able to work with a variety of people. They also need to be able to make decisions quickly and work under pressure.
According to National Board for Respiratory Care, “The PFT Examination contains 115 multiple-choice items (100 scored and 15 pretest).”[1]
The content areas below are copied from the official RPFT content outline published by National Board for Respiratory Care. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.
| Official content area | Practice on this site |
|---|---|
| I. INSTRUMENTATION / EQUIPMENT[5] | RPFT Equipment Calibration & Quality Control Practise how and when equipment is calibrated and checked, and what a failed quality-control check means for the results you report. |
| II. Procedures[5] | RPFT Spirometry Technique & Maneuver Accep... Practise coaching the maneuver, judging whether a spirometry effort is acceptable and repeatable, and recognising common technique errors. |
| III. Data Management[5] | RPFT Documentation & Health Records Practise recording results accurately, keeping patient records complete and confidential, and spotting entries that need correction. |
Prepare for the RPFT - Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Question: When facing an unfamiliar challenge in emergency response & critical care within Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist, what is the BEST approach?
Answer: A. Research established best practices, consult colleagues, and document the approach
Explanation:
The best answer is to research established best practices, consult colleagues and document the approach. This combines published knowledge with practical experience, and the written record helps the next person who meets the same problem.
Resolving it alone without consultation is wrong because it skips available guidance and raises the risk of an avoidable error. Avoiding the challenge is wrong because it leaves the patient's need unmet and teaches nothing. Applying the most familiar technique regardless of suitability is wrong because comfort with a method does not make it right for the case.
The rule to remember: when a situation is unfamiliar, use established evidence and your team, then record what you did. Questions like this reward answers that are collaborative, evidence-based and documented.
Question: In Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist, what is the MOST effective approach to patient education & health promotion?
Answer: A. Active listening combined with clear, empathetic communication
Explanation:
The best answer is active listening combined with clear, empathetic communication. It builds trust and lets you check that the patient has understood, which is what makes education useful.
Providing information without seeking feedback is wrong because you cannot tell whether anything was understood. Using technical terminology exclusively is wrong because many patients will not follow it, so the message is lost. Communicating only in writing is wrong because it removes the chance to answer questions, read the patient's reaction and correct misunderstandings on the spot.
The rule to remember: good patient education is two-way. Plain language, listening and confirming understanding beat one-way delivery, jargon or a single channel.
Question: Which technique measures total lung capacity (TLC) by having the patient breathe a known concentration of helium in a closed circuit until equilibration?
Answer: B. Helium dilution
Explanation:
Helium dilution is correct. The patient rebreathes a known concentration of helium in a closed circuit. Helium is poorly soluble and stays in the lungs, so its concentration falls as it mixes with the gas already there. At equilibration, the dilution factor gives the lung volume, including total lung capacity (TLC).
Body plethysmography is wrong because it uses pressure and volume changes in a sealed box, not a tracer gas. Nitrogen washout is wrong because it is an open-circuit method in which the patient breathes pure oxygen and the nitrogen exhaled is measured. Impulse oscillometry is wrong because it assesses airway mechanics and does not measure TLC.
The rule to remember: tracer gas in a closed circuit means dilution, and a washout means an open circuit.
Start with the official NBRC RPFT page and read the content outline, so you know which areas the exam covers. Then take one of our practice sets without notes to see where you stand. Treat that first result as a map of weak areas, not as a prediction.
Our questions are written by us with AI tools and are not real exam questions. Use them to practise reasoning, and rely on NBRC materials for what the exam covers.
Passing the RPFT exam requires a combination of education and training. In addition, it is important to understand the types of questions and the scoring system. The test is two hours long and has 115 multiple-choice questions. It also includes 15 pre-test questions that are used to collect statistical data and do not count toward the score.
Those who successfully complete the RPFT exam will receive a certificate from the National Board for Respiratory Care. This certification is valid for five years. To renew it, respiratory therapists must take quarterly assessments and document 30 continuing education credits.
The RPFT exam is available online and at PSI Testing Centers. Applicants who submit an application online with a credit card can choose their test center, time, and date. The exam is computer-based and includes 115 questions. It is designed to assess the ability of respiratory therapists to provide safe, effective care to patients. In order to be eligible for the RPFT exam, you must have a minimum of two years of clinical experience.
RPFT, or Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist, is an exam for respiratory care professionals. It tests the abilities of respiratory therapists to work with patients in a clinical setting. It also measures their skills in assessing a patient’s lung function. This test is designed to assess a person’s ability to perform their job in a safe and efficient manner.
The RPFT is administered online and uses multiple-choice questions to measure your knowledge of the subject matter. Each question you answer correctly earns one point toward your score. Your total score is compared to the cut score, which determines whether you pass or fail the test.
The RPFT exam is an advanced certification that requires a bachelor’s degree in pulmonary function technology and at least three years of clinical experience. To qualify, you must have a valid license and a current respiratory care practitioner registration. It is also important to have good communication skills and the ability to follow directions. RPFT certification can help you stand out in an interview, as employers are impressed by the fact that you are highly trained.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| RPFT credential is recognized by employers and industry professionals | Preparation requires significant time and study commitment |
| Higher earning potential compared to non-credentialed peers | Associated costs for exams, materials, and renewal fees |
| Expanded career opportunities and professional advancement | Continuing education needed to maintain credentials |
| Structured learning path builds comprehensive knowledge | Competition for advanced positions can be challenging |
| Professional development that stays current with industry standards | Requirements and standards may vary by state or region |
Try these questions from our free RPFT - Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
What consequence can result from failing to maintain proper professional ethics & legal standards standards in Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist?
Answer: A. Loss of certification, legal penalties, and reputational damage
Non-compliance can result in serious consequences including certification revocation, legal penalties, fines, and significant reputational damage.
Which documentation & health records practice is MOST critical for maintaining data integrity in Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist?
Answer: A. Standardized input procedures with validation checks and regular audits
Standardized procedures with validation and audits ensure data remains accurate, consistent, and trustworthy.
What role does documentation play in patient education & health promotion within Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist?
Answer: A. It ensures continuity, accountability, and serves as a reference for all parties
Proper documentation ensures continuity of care or service, establishes accountability, and provides a reliable reference for all involved parties.
Which diagnostic procedures & interpretation method provides the MOST reliable results in Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist?
Answer: A. Standardized protocols with validated measurement tools
Standardized protocols and validated tools ensure consistency, reliability, and comparability of assessment results.
Take the full RPFT - Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist practice test
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