Respiratory Therapist / Texas
2026 data Texas board official source

Texas Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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 Texas data shows for Respiratory Therapists

Texas's path to respiratory therapist licensure runs through 2,027 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. Texas folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree".

The initial price tag is $155, and renewal costs $129 every 2 years. The license also carries an ongoing 24-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

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

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
46/100
Respiratory Therapist · Texas

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
2,027 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$155
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$65/yr
$129 every 2 years
Continuing Education C-
12.0 hrs/yr
24 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree
2,027 hours
Exam Requirement
TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)
Required
Initial License Fee
$155
Renewal Fee
$129
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
24 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Respiratory Therapist in Texas? ▼
Texas requires 2027 education/training hours, passing an exam (TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)), and an initial fee of $155. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Respiratory Therapist in Texas? ▼
To become a licensed respiratory therapist in Texas, you must meet the state's requirements including 2027 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Texas licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Texas from another state? ▼
For respiratory therapists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Respiratory Therapy Licensure Compact: adoption underway. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Texas licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Texas require a background check for Respiratory Therapist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for respiratory therapist licensing in Texas. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Respiratory Therapist in Texas? ▼
Licensed respiratory therapists in Texas must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $129.

Related Guides

What to do with this respiratory therapist license

Respiratory Therapist in Texas, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a respiratory therapist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Texas's respiratory therapist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Respiratory Therapist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state respiratory therapist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Texas's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Texas overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Texas licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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