NBRC RPFT Exam Overview:
| Certification Vendor: | National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) |
| Exam Name: | Registry Examination for Advanced Pulmonary Function Technologists (RPFT) |
| Exam Number: | RPFT |
| Available Languages: | English |
| Certificate Validity Period: | 5 years (maintenance/renewal required per NBRC credentialing policy) |
| Passing Score: | NBRC scaled score system; passing is determined by a cut score (exact value not publicly standardized in raw form) |
| Real Exam Qty: | Approximately 115 multiple-choice questions |
| Exam Format: | Multiple-choice questions, Computer-based testing |
| Related Certifications: | Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist (NPS) |
| Exam Duration: | Approximately 210 minutes |
| Exam Price: | Approximately USD $200 (varies by location and NBRC updates) |
| Recommended Training: | NBRC Official Candidate Resources |
| Exam Registration: | NBRC Exam Application and Registration |
| Sample Questions: | NBRC RPFT Sample Questions |
| Exam Way: | Computer-based exam at authorized testing centers (NBRC partner testing facilities) |
| Pre Condition: | Eligibility typically requires relevant respiratory care education or prior NBRC credential (e.g., CPFT) depending on pathway. |
| Official Syllabus URL: | https://www.nbrc.org |
NBRC RPFT Exam Syllabus Topics:
| Section | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Cardiopulmonary Physiology and Interpretation | - Gas exchange and acid-base fundamentals - Interpretation of pulmonary function patterns (obstructive, restrictive, mixed) |
| Safety, Infection Control, and Patient Care | - Infection prevention in pulmonary testing environments - Emergency procedures and patient safety monitoring |
| Spirometry and Lung Volume Testing | - Forced vital capacity (FVC) and flow-volume loops - Lung volume measurement techniques |
| Pulmonary Function Equipment and Quality Control | - Quality assurance and infection control procedures - Calibration and maintenance of spirometry systems |
| Patient Assessment and Testing Principles | - Pulmonary function test indications and contraindications - Patient preparation and coaching techniques |
| Diffusion and Gas Exchange Testing | - DLCO testing principles and interpretation |
NBRC Registry Examination for Advanced Pulmonary Function Technologists Sample Questions:
1. A subject has the following values reported:
What is the SGAW?
A) 0.40
B) 0.20
C) 1.25
D) 0.80
2. The following values are reported at maximum effort for a 50-year-old, 70-kg (154-lb) male with significant coronary artery disease during ergometer stress testing. Which of the following is most likely an error?
A) HR145/min
B) VE65L/min
C) RER1.2
D) workload 200 watts
3. Prior to an exercise study, a pulmonary function technologist finds that the patient's RER is 1.13. Which of the following best explains this finding?
A) Carbohydrate metabolism
B) Hypoventilation
C) Protein metabolism
D) Hyperventilation
4. When using a variable pressure plethysmograph, a leak in the door seal that develops subsequent to calibration will cause underestimation of
A) Alveolar pressure
B) vital capacity
C) VTG
D) Raw
5. A treadmill belt stops for a fraction of a second each time the patient takes a step. A pulmonary function technologist should
A) Decrease the treadmill grade.
B) Instruct the patient to use the hand rails.
C) Tighten the belt.
D) Increase the speed of the belt.
Solutions:
| Question # 1 Answer: C | Question # 2 Answer: D | Question # 3 Answer: D | Question # 4 Answer: A | Question # 5 Answer: C |

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