Respiratory Therapist / Colorado
2026 data Colorado board official source

Colorado Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Treats patients with breathing disorders. Requires TMC exam.

What the Colorado data shows for Respiratory Therapists

To practice as a respiratory therapist in Colorado, the state licensing board requires 2,351 documented education or training hours, a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice). A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Colorado's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree".

The initial price tag is $220, and renewal costs $178 every 2 years. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 24 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Requirements in Colorado

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree
2,351 hours
Exam Requirement
TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)
Required
Initial License Fee
$220
Renewal Fee
$178
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Respiratory Therapist All Colorado licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Colorado licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Respiratory Therapist in Colorado? ▼
In Colorado, the license path calls for 2351 education/training hours, a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice), and a $220 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Respiratory Therapist in Colorado? ▼
Certification as a respiratory therapist in Colorado means clearing the state's checklist: 2351 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Colorado licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Colorado from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for respiratory therapists: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Colorado licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Colorado require a background check for Respiratory Therapist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the respiratory therapist licensing process in Colorado. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Respiratory Therapist in Colorado? ▼
To stay licensed as a respiratory therapist in Colorado, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $178.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.