Respiratory Therapist / Wisconsin
2026 data Wisconsin board official source

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin data shows for Respiratory Therapists

To practice as a respiratory therapist in Wisconsin, the state licensing board requires 1,824 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 Wisconsin's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate Degree".

Budget $115 to get started, plus $99 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. 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 Requirements in Wisconsin

Education / Training Hours
Associate Degree
1,824 hours
Exam Requirement
TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice)
Required
Initial License Fee
$115
Renewal Fee
$99
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 Wisconsin licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Wisconsin licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Respiratory Therapist in Wisconsin? ▼
Wisconsin's requirements cover 1824 hours of education or training, the TMC Exam (Therapist Multiple-Choice) exam, and an initial fee of $115. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Respiratory Therapist in Wisconsin? ▼
To become a licensed respiratory therapist in Wisconsin, you must meet the state's requirements including 1824 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Wisconsin licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Respiratory Therapist license to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Wisconsin require a background check for Respiratory Therapist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for respiratory therapist licensing in Wisconsin. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Respiratory Therapist in Wisconsin? ▼
To stay licensed as a respiratory therapist in Wisconsin, plan on 24 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $99.

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.