The Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) is a national board examination for respiratory therapists aspiring to achieve the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
Administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), the CSE assesses candidates’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills in simulated clinical scenarios.
Understanding the nuances of this exam is crucial for effective preparation and success.
This comprehensive guide answers the most common questions regarding the CSE, providing insights into its structure, requirements, and strategies for passing the exam.
FAQs About the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE)
What is the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE)?
The Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) is a credentialing examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) designed to assess a candidate’s clinical competency and ability to apply knowledge, skills, and judgment in simulated clinical scenarios.
It’s the final step for respiratory therapy students to earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
The exam consists of 22 problems that simulate real-life scenarios in the clinical practice of respiratory care, challenging the candidates to demonstrate their patient management skills and decision-making abilities in a controlled environment.
Is the Clinical Simulation Exam Hard?
The CSE is considered one of the most challenging exams in the medical field due to its complex structure and the depth of clinical judgment and decision-making skills it tests.
The exam requires not only a thorough understanding of respiratory care principles but also the ability to apply this knowledge effectively in diverse and dynamic patient care scenarios.
What is the Pass Rate for the CSE?
The pass rate for the CSE varies, but historically, it has been around 63% for new candidates. This rate reflects the exam’s difficulty and the level of preparation required.
The pass rate can vary from year to year and is influenced by the cohort’s overall preparedness and familiarity with the exam format.
What is the Passing Score for the CSE?
The passing score for the CSE is not a fixed number; it varies for each version of the exam based on the difficulty of the problems included.
The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) uses a criterion-referenced scoring system, which means the passing score is determined by the level of knowledge and skill the NBRC deems necessary to practice safely and competently as a respiratory therapist.
Candidates must exceed the minimum passing score for their specific exam version to pass. Historically, the average passing score has been around 72%.
How Many Questions Are on the CSE?
The CSE consists of 22 problems, of which 20 are scored items, and 2 are pretest items that do not count toward the candidate’s score.
Each problem represents a clinical scenario designed to simulate real-life situations in respiratory care practice.
The exam assesses the candidate’s ability to manage these scenarios effectively, demonstrating their knowledge and skills in patient care.
How is the CSE Different from the TMC Exam?
The Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) and the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam serve different purposes and assess different levels of competency in the field of respiratory care.
The TMC Exam evaluates the candidate’s foundational knowledge and understanding of respiratory care principles necessary for practice. It consists of multiple-choice questions that test recall, application, and information analysis.
In contrast, the CSE assesses a candidate’s ability to apply clinical knowledge in simulated patient care scenarios, focusing on critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. It simulates real-life situations where candidates must make clinical decisions based on the information presented.
How to Prepare for the CSE?
Preparing for the CSE involves a comprehensive study plan that covers both the foundational knowledge of respiratory care and the application of this knowledge in clinical scenarios.
Some effective strategies include:
- Reviewing the Detailed Content Outline: Start with the NBRC’s detailed content outline for the CSE to understand the exam structure and the topics covered.
- Mastering Clinical Knowledge: Ensure a strong grasp of respiratory care principles, including patient assessment, disease management, and therapeutic procedures.
- Practicing Simulation Problems: Use simulation software or study guides that offer practice problems to familiarize yourself with the format and types of scenarios you will encounter.
- Understanding the Decision-Making Process: Focus on developing critical thinking and decision-making skills by analyzing clinical scenarios and making justified decisions.
- Time Management: Practice managing your time effectively to ensure you can complete all scenarios within the exam’s time limit.
- Utilizing Resources: Leverage textbooks, online courses, and review classes specifically designed for CSE preparation. Many candidates find value in comprehensive review programs that offer guided study plans and practice simulations.
How to Pass the CSE?
Passing the CSE requires a focused and strategic approach:
- Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure of the CSE, including the types of scenarios and the decision-making process required.
- Solidify Your Knowledge Base: Ensure a deep understanding of cardiopulmonary disorders, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to clinical scenarios.
- Practice with Simulations: Engage with as many practice simulations as possible to become comfortable with the format and to improve your decision-making skills under pressure.
- Study Strategically: Focus on areas of weakness identified in your TMC Exam performance or through practice simulations.
- Manage Your Time: Develop a strategy for efficiently allocating time to each scenario, ensuring you have enough time to read, analyze, and make decisions.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Confidence and a calm mindset can significantly impact your ability to process information and make decisions during the exam.
- Boost Your Score: Students are using our comprehensive CSE Boost Course and video lessons to earn a passing score on the exam
Is There a Free Practice Exam for the CSE?
Yes, the NBRC offers a free CSE practice examination on their website. This practice exam is designed to familiarize candidates with the content and types of questions included in the actual CSE.
It’s a valuable resource for understanding the exam format and assessing readiness.
While the free practice exam may not cover every scenario or topic you will encounter, it provides a solid foundation for what to expect and how to approach the real exam.
How Long Should I Study for the CSE?
The amount of time required to study for the CSE varies depending on individual background, knowledge level, and familiarity with the exam content.
Most candidates find it beneficial to dedicate several weeks to a few months of consistent study.
A general guideline is to spend at least 1-2 hours daily over 2-3 months preparing, but this can be adjusted based on personal needs and areas of weakness.
It’s crucial to begin studying well before your scheduled exam date to allow ample time for in-depth review and practice. Tailoring your study plan to focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths is key to efficient and effective preparation.
What is the Passing Score for the Clinical Simulation Exam?
The passing score for the CSE varies for each version of the exam, as it is based on the difficulty of the problems presented. The NBRC uses a criterion-referenced scoring system to determine the passing standard for each exam form.
This means that the passing score is determined by the level of performance deemed necessary to demonstrate competency in respiratory care practice.
While the specific passing score is not publicly disclosed for each exam form, candidates must achieve a score that exceeds the minimum standard set by the NBRC for that version of the exam.
Historically, an approximate average passing score has been around 72%, but this can vary.
What is the Best Study Guide for the CSE?
The best study guide for the CSE is one that comprehensively covers the detailed content outline provided by the NBRC.
It should cover information gathering and decision-making for clinical simulation scenarios on various cardiopulmonary disorders.
One widely recommended resource is our CSE Boost Course, which provides a comprehensive review along with “Exam Hacks” to navigate the unique format of the CSE.
What Diseases Will Be on the CSE?
The CSE covers a wide range of respiratory disorders, focusing on both adult and pediatric/neonatal care. Diseases and conditions commonly tested on the CSE include, but are not limited to:
- Adult Chronic Airway Diseases: Such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis.
- Adult Acute Conditions: Including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary embolism, and ventilator-associated pneumonia.
- Cardiovascular Issues: Such as congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary edema.
- Neurological or Neuromuscular Disorders: Including Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and conditions leading to ventilatory support.
- Trauma and Emergency Situations: Such as chest trauma, pneumothorax, and hemothorax.
- Pediatric and Neonatal Conditions: Including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), bronchiolitis, croup, and congenital heart defects.
Note: This list is not exhaustive, and candidates are advised to review the NBRC’s detailed content outline for a comprehensive overview of the topics covered.
How Many Times Can You Retake the CSE?
Candidates may attempt the CSE up to three times without waiting between attempts. After three attempts, they must wait a minimum of 120 days before they can attempt the exam again.
This policy allows candidates to take time for additional study and preparation to improve their chances of passing on subsequent attempts.
It’s important for candidates to use this time effectively to address areas of weakness and to further develop their clinical decision-making skills.
When is the Application Deadline for the CSE?
There are no application deadlines for the CSE. Candidates can apply to take the exam anytime once they meet the eligibility requirements.
The NBRC offers year-round testing for the CSE at hundreds of testing centers across the United States.
Candidates are encouraged to schedule their exam date well in advance to secure their preferred testing location and date.
Allowing sufficient time for preparation before taking the exam is also beneficial. To apply, candidates must submit their application and fee through the NBRC website or by mail.
What is the Scenario on the CSE?
The “Scenario” on the CSE represents a detailed clinical situation or patient case that candidates must manage. Each scenario is designed to simulate real-life clinical settings and challenges that respiratory therapists might encounter.
It provides the context for the simulation, including the setting (e.g., hospital, emergency room, home care), patient information (e.g., age, medical history, current condition), and specific clinical challenges that need to be addressed.
The scenario sets the stage for the subsequent “Information Gathering” and “Decision Making” sections, where candidates apply their knowledge and skills to manage the patient’s care effectively.
What is Information Gathering on the CSE?
“Information Gathering” is a critical component of the CSE, where candidates select the most appropriate actions to collect further data about the patient’s condition.
This step involves choosing diagnostic tests, monitoring techniques, and other methods to gather essential clinical information needed to make informed decisions.
The options may include ordering blood gases, selecting imaging studies, assessing vital signs, and reviewing patient history.
The purpose of this section is to simulate the process of collecting relevant clinical information in real-world scenarios, enabling candidates to demonstrate their ability to identify what additional data are needed to manage the patient’s care effectively.
What is Decision Making on the CSE?
“Decision Making” is the phase of the CSE where candidates must choose the best course of action based on the information gathered in the previous steps.
This involves making clinical judgments and implementing interventions, treatments, or management strategies that are most appropriate for the patient’s condition.
The decisions could range from selecting a specific therapeutic procedure, adjusting ventilator settings, recommending pharmacological treatments, or deciding on patient discharge plans.
This section tests the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge and skills in practical, often complex, clinical scenarios, requiring critical thinking and problem-solving to ensure safe and effective patient care.
How to Apply for the CSE?
To apply for the CSE, candidates must first ensure they meet the eligibility requirements set by the NBRC. The application process involves the following steps:
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the criteria for taking the CSE, which typically includes passing the TMC Exam at the high cut score, among other possible prerequisites.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the CSE application form, which can be found on the NBRC website. You must provide personal information, educational background, and any required documentation.
- Pay the Examination Fee: Submit the required fee for the CSE. Payment can usually be made online via credit card through the NBRC’s secure payment portal.
- Schedule Your Exam: Once your application and payment are processed, you’ll receive authorization to test. You can then schedule your exam at one of the many testing centers offering the CSE. Choose a date and location that are convenient for you.
Note: It’s recommended to apply and schedule your exam well in advance of your desired test date to ensure availability.
Where Can I Take the CSE?
The CSE, like all NBRC examinations, is available at over 300 assessment centers throughout the United States.
These centers operate from Monday through Saturday, excluding nationally recognized holidays, offering candidates flexible scheduling options for their examination.
To find a convenient testing location and schedule your exam, you can visit the official website of the NBRC or the designated testing service provider, ensuring you select a date that best fits your preparation schedule and personal commitments.
What are the Admission Requirements for the CSE?
To be eligible for the CSE, candidates must meet specific requirements:
- Hold the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential and have either passed the Therapist Written Examination (WRRT) by December 31, 2014, or achieved the high cut score on the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination after January 2015.
- Possess a minimum of an associate degree from a respiratory therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
- Alternatively, candidates can qualify if they have been a CRT for at least four years and completed at least 62 semester hours of college credit, including courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and mathematics, from an accredited institution.
- A minimum of two years as a CRT and an associate degree from a CoARC-supported or accredited respiratory therapy education program also meets the criteria.
- Candidates with at least two years as a CRT and a baccalaureate degree in a field other than respiratory care, along with the required 62 semester hours in specified science courses from an accredited college or university, are eligible.
- Holding the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) RRT credential is another pathway to eligibility.
Note: These prerequisites ensure that candidates have the necessary educational background and professional experience to undertake the CSE.
How Much Does it Cost to Take the CSE?
The cost to take the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) is $200. This fee applies to both new and repeat applicants.
Payment is required at the time of application and can be made through the NBRC’s online portal or by other accepted payment methods as specified by the NBRC.
It’s important to note that fees are subject to change, and candidates should verify the current cost on the NBRC website or by contacting the NBRC directly.
What is the Time Limit for the CSE?
The CSE has a total testing time limit of four hours. Within this time frame, candidates must complete all 22 problems (20 scored items and 2 pretest items) presented in the exam.
This time limit is designed to challenge candidates to manage their time effectively, making quick yet informed decisions as needed in real clinical situations.
Candidates should practice time management strategies during their preparation to ensure they can navigate through all sections of the exam efficiently.
What Topics are Covered on the CSE?
The CSE covers a broad range of topics relevant to respiratory care, designed to assess a candidate’s ability to apply clinical knowledge in simulated scenarios.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Patient Assessment: Evaluating patient data and history to make informed clinical decisions.
- Disease Management: Understanding various respiratory conditions and their management, including COPD, asthma, pneumonia, ARDS, and more.
- Airway Management: Techniques and strategies for managing the airway, including intubation and use of ventilatory support.
- Therapeutic Procedures: Selection and application of respiratory care treatments, such as oxygen therapy, aerosol medication delivery, and mechanical ventilation.
- Emergency Care: Responding to acute emergencies and life-support techniques.
- Neonatal and Pediatric Care: Specialized care for infants and children with respiratory conditions.
- Ethics and Professionalism: Ethical considerations in patient care and professional conduct.
When Will You Receive Your Exam Score After Taking the CSE?
Candidates will receive their CSE score and a detailed report immediately upon exam completion at the testing center.
To obtain this information, you are required to submit any scratch paper used during the exam.
Once you’ve turned in your scratch paper, the testing center will provide you with your score report, allowing you to immediately know your performance outcomes
Do You Have to Wait Between Attempts of the CSE?
Yes, candidates must wait a specific period between attempts if they do not pass the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) on their first try.
After three unsuccessful attempts, a candidate is required to wait a minimum of 120 days before they can reapply for the exam.
This waiting period is intended to give candidates ample time to review and improve their knowledge and skills before retaking the exam.
What is the Difference Between a CRT and RRT?
The distinction between a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) primarily lies in the level of credentialing provided by the NBRC.
The CRT designation serves as the foundational credential in respiratory therapy, obtained by achieving a passing score on the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Exam.
Following this, individuals who score at the high cut on the TMC Exam are then qualified to pursue the RRT credential by successfully completing the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE).
The RRT credential represents the pinnacle of professional achievement in respiratory therapy, denoting a higher degree of expertise and proficiency. It is recognized as the premier standard for practice in the field, often opening doors to broader career opportunities and advancement.
In essence, securing the RRT credential signifies a therapist’s elevated knowledge base and competency, setting a benchmark for excellence in respiratory care.
What if I Fail the CSE?
If you fail the CSE, it’s important to view it as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback. Here are steps you can take following an unsuccessful attempt:
- Review Your Score Report: Analyze your performance to understand your strengths and areas that need improvement. The NBRC provides a detailed score report that can help identify specific topics or types of questions where you struggled.
- Identify Knowledge Gaps: Focus on the areas identified in your score report as weaknesses. Review relevant study materials, textbooks, and practice questions to improve your understanding of these topics.
- Practice Clinical Scenarios: Spend more time working through clinical simulation practice problems. This will help you become more familiar with the exam format and improve your decision-making skills.
- Seek Guidance: Consider joining a study group or seeking advice from peers, instructors, or mentors who have successfully passed the CSE. They can offer valuable insights and tips.
- Utilize Additional Resources: Look for additional study materials, review courses, or workshops specifically designed to prepare candidates for the CSE.
- Reapply When Ready: Once you’ve taken the time to address your areas of weakness and feel confident in your preparation, reapply for the CSE. Remember, you can attempt the exam up to three times under one eligibility, and after three unsuccessful attempts, you must wait 120 days before trying again.
Note: Failure on the CSE is not the end of your journey to becoming an RRT. With dedicated study and preparation, you can improve your knowledge and skills and successfully pass the exam on your next attempt.
Final Thoughts
The Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE) is a challenging but crucial step for respiratory therapists, testing their ability to integrate knowledge and skills in a clinical setting.
This guide has provided essential insights into the CSE’s structure, requirements, and preparation strategies.
With the right approach and understanding, candidates can confidently navigate the exam, paving the way for advanced career opportunities and demonstrating their dedication to the highest standards of respiratory care.
Written by:
John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.
References
- The National Board for Respiratory Care. Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). Published: January 1, 2020.