RRT-ACCS - RRT - Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS)

The Registered Respiratory Therapist - Adult Critical Care Specialty (RRT-ACCS) certification validates the knowledge and skills of registered respiratory therapists in the critical care specialty for adult patients. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) offers the ACCS exam, accredited by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (NCCA).

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the RRT-ACCS exam, applicants must have been a registered respiratory therapist (RRT) for at least 1 year.

Completion Time: Candidates have 4 hours to complete the RRT-ACCS exam

Cost

• Initial Testing Fee: $300

• AARC MEMBERS are eligible for a $40 discount when applying for the first time

• Retest Fee: $250

• International Applicants Additional Fee: $150

Exam Format

The RRT-ACCS exam includes 150 scored and 20 unscored questions. Candidates have 4 hours to complete the exam. RRT-ACCS exam topics include:

• Respiratory Critical Care (59 questions) 

  • Manage Airway (10 questions

  • Administer Specialty Gases (3 questions)

  • Manage Ventilation/Oxygenation (36 questions)

  • Deliver Pharmacologic Agents (10 questions)

• General Critical Care (91 questions)

  • Assess Patient Status and Change in Status (31 questions)

  • Anticipate Care Based on Laboratory Results (8 questions)

  • Anticipate Care Based on Imaging or Reports of Imaging (8 questions)

  • Anticipate Effects of Pharmacologic Agents (12 questions)

  • Anticipate Care Based on Nutritional Status (4 questions)

  • Prevent Ventilator-Associated Events (6 questions)

  • Recognize and Manage Patients with Infections or Sepsis (6 questions)

  • Manage End-of-Life Care (4 questions)

  • Prepare for Disaster and Mass Casualty Events (3 questions)

  • Interact with Members of an Interdisciplinary Team (2 questions)

  • Perform Procedures (3 questions) 

  • Troubleshoot Systems (4 questions)

Test Dates

Applicants can register to take the in-person exam anytime based on availability at their selected PSI Testing Center. Examinees may also take the exam at home via PSI’s Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) service.

Test Results

NBRC emails test results within 24 hours after exam completion.

Online Application

• Create an account or log in to the NBRC Portal

• Complete personal information

• Complete eligibility information

• Include payment information

After application submission, an immediate response is sent with a request for further information or information for scheduling the exam.

Paper Application

• Print the ACCS application

• Check “Adult Critical Care Specialty” under Exam Information

• Check “Adult Critical Care” under Exam Fees

• Complete payment information

• Complete personal information

• Check the appropriate box for eligibility

• Sign and date

Fax to: 913-712-9283
Mail to: NBRC 10801 Mastin Street, Suite 300, Overland Park, KS 66210-1658

Applicants receive a confirmation email 5 to 7 business days after NBRC receives their application with instructions for scheduling the exam.

ACCS is valid for 5 years. Renewal applicants can renew by retaking the ACCS exam, taking another NBRC exam not previously taken or participating in the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP). If renewing by exam, applicants can submit applications on the NBRC portal.

Renewal Fees

• Credential Maintenance Program: $25 a year ($125 total) 

• Renewal by ACCS Retest: $250

• Renewal by RPFT Exam: $170

• Renewal by NPS Exam: $220

• Renewal by SDS Exam: $250

The Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) requires the certification holder to take 5-question assessments every quarter. Depending on the performance on these assessments, the system places candidates in a green, yellow, or red zone. The green zone requires no CE requirements, the yellow zone requires some CE requirements, and the red zone requires 30 hours of CEs.

If required, CEs must directly relate to the ACCS certification. CE categories include:

• Lectures

• Panels

• Workshops

• Seminars

• Symposiums

• Online Education

Certification holders complete quarterly assessments and document required CEs on the NBRC portal under “Credential Maintenance.” Refer to the Renewal Brochure for more information.

AMT provides several resources to help prepare for the ACCS exam, including:

• Candidate Handbook

• ACCS Content Outline

• Practice Exam

• ACCS Self Assessment Exam with 170 questions. Cost: $60

Other related certifications include:

• Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

• Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

• Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT)

• Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT)

• RRT-Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist (NPS)

• RRT-Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS)