Respiratory Therapist / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Treats patients with breathing disorders. Requires TMC exam.

What the District of Columbia data shows for Respiratory Therapists

District of Columbia's path to respiratory therapist licensure runs through 2,073 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. District of Columbia folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree".

Upfront cost is $165, with renewal running $136 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Requirements in District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree
2,073 hours
Exam Requirement
TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)
Required
Initial License Fee
$165
Renewal Fee
$136
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 District of Columbia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Respiratory Therapist in District of Columbia? ▼
In District of Columbia, the license path calls for 2073 education/training hours, a passing score on TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice), and a $165 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Respiratory Therapist in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia licenses respiratory therapists who complete its requirements (2073 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to District of Columbia from another state? ▼
Respiratory Therapist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The District of Columbia licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for Respiratory Therapist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the respiratory therapist licensing process in District of Columbia. 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 District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia ties continued respiratory therapist licensure to 24 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $136 renewal fee.

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.