Many respiratory therapy professionals have faced similar challenges and still achieved their goals by reevaluating their study approach, identifying weak areas, and staying determined.
In this article, we’ll walk you through actionable steps to help you regain your confidence, strengthen your preparation, and ultimately succeed in passing the NBRC exam.
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What to Do If You Failed an NBRC Exam?
Failing an NBRC exam can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean your dream of becoming a respiratory therapist is out of reach. With the right approach, you can turn this setback into a stepping stone toward success.
Watch this video and keep reading to learn how to bounce back, rebuild your confidence, and prepare for your next attempt.
Acknowledge and Reflect on Your Experience
The first step after failing the NBRC exam is to take a moment to process the outcome. It’s natural to feel disappointed, but avoiding self-criticism is crucial.
Acknowledge that this is a common hurdle—many successful respiratory therapists didn’t pass on their first attempt. Instead of dwelling on the failure, shift your focus to reflection.
What aspects of the test felt the most difficult? Did anxiety play a role? Were there specific topics or question formats that threw you off? Honest reflection helps you turn the setback into valuable insight.
Analyze Your Score Report
Your NBRC score report provides detailed feedback on your performance in each exam section. Break down your scores to identify which areas you struggled with the most.
The TMC Exam, for example, is divided into distinct content categories such as patient data evaluation, therapeutic interventions, and equipment troubleshooting.
By understanding your strengths and weaknesses, you can tailor your next study plan to focus on the areas that need the most improvement. Aim to bring up your scores in the sections where you performed below 75% while reinforcing your strong areas.
Reevaluate Your Study Methods
Sometimes, the reason for an unsuccessful exam attempt lies in how you studied rather than how much you studied. Ask yourself if your study techniques were effective.
Did you use active recall methods like practice quizzes, mock exams, or flashcards? Were you consistent in your study schedule, or did you cram closer to the exam date?
Improving your study approach may involve finding new resources such as review courses, study groups, or updated study guides that better suit your learning style.
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Create a Targeted Study Plan
Once you’ve identified your weak areas, it’s time to create a focused study plan. Start by setting realistic goals and breaking your study sessions into manageable chunks. Prioritize the sections where your scores were the lowest, such as clinical data interpretation or mechanical ventilation adjustments.
Use a calendar to schedule study sessions and include time for periodic review to reinforce previously covered material. Consistency is key—aim for steady, focused sessions rather than long, sporadic ones.
Incorporate different study tools into your plan, such as textbooks, online review platforms, and practice exams. Many NBRC candidates find that simulating the testing environment by timing practice exams improves their confidence and pacing.
Note: Be sure to analyze your answers, especially the incorrect ones, to understand the rationale behind the correct choices. This helps solidify your grasp of complex concepts and reduces the likelihood of repeating mistakes.
Address Test-Taking Anxiety
For many test-takers, anxiety can interfere with performance. If nerves impacted your ability to focus during the exam, consider incorporating stress-management techniques into your preparation.
Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and positive visualization can help you stay calm and clear-headed during the exam. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the testing format to reduce uncertainty—knowing what to expect, including the pacing of multiple-choice and simulation sections, can alleviate stress on test day.
Take Advantage of Practice Resources
One of the most effective ways to prepare for your NBRC retake is by using high-quality practice materials. Our TMC Test Bank provides over 640 exam-style questions, detailed rationales, and full-length practice tests to strengthen your knowledge.
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Know When You’re Ready to Retake the Exam
It can be tempting to reschedule the exam right away, but taking time to fully prepare is essential for success. The NBRC recommends waiting at least 3 to 4 weeks between attempts, but your personal timeline may vary based on your study progress and confidence.
Ensure that you’re consistently scoring 80% or higher on practice exams before retaking the test. Once you feel confident and have addressed your weaknesses, schedule your exam and plan a calm, organized approach to test day.
Stay Positive and Keep Moving Forward
Failing the NBRC exam can be discouraging, but it’s important to stay positive and remind yourself that this is a temporary setback, not a permanent roadblock. Many successful respiratory therapists have faced similar challenges and still built rewarding careers.
Focus on your progress, no matter how small, and celebrate each milestone in your study journey—whether it’s mastering a difficult topic or scoring higher on a practice exam.
Surround yourself with a support system of peers, mentors, and educators who can offer encouragement and guidance. Study groups or review sessions with classmates can provide fresh perspectives and make studying more engaging. Remember that persistence, not perfection, is what leads to success.
FAQs About Failing the NBRC Exam
Is It Hard to Pass the RRT Exam?
Yes, the RRT exam can be challenging due to the breadth of knowledge it covers and the critical-thinking skills it requires. The exam tests not only your understanding of respiratory care concepts but also your ability to apply that knowledge in clinical scenarios.
Success depends on thorough preparation, familiarity with the exam format, and effective time management during the test.
How Many Times Can You Fail the NBRC Exam?
The NBRC allows candidates to attempt the exam up to three times within a 12-month period. If you fail after three attempts, you must wait an additional 12 months from your first attempt before becoming eligible to retake the exam. This ensures you have adequate time to reassess and improve your preparation strategy.
Can I Reschedule My NBRC Exam?
Yes, you can reschedule your NBRC exam, but it must be done at least one full business day (24 hours) before your scheduled appointment.
Rescheduling can be completed through the Pearson VUE website or by calling their customer service. Keep in mind that rescheduling fees may apply, depending on how close you are to your original exam date.
What is the Pass Rate for the RRT Exam?
The pass rate for the RRT exam varies by year but generally ranges from 60% to 70% for first-time test-takers. The pass rate tends to be higher for the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam compared to the Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE), as the CSE requires more advanced critical-thinking and decision-making skills.
Note: These rates emphasize the importance of thorough preparation, especially for the RRT-level cut score.
Final Thoughts
Failing an NBRC exam does not define your ability to become a skilled respiratory therapist. It’s a learning experience that, when approached with the right mindset and strategy, can lead to future success.
By carefully reviewing your performance, addressing weaker areas, and utilizing effective study tools, you can rebuild your readiness and improve your performance on the next attempt. Remember, resilience and preparation are key.
Your goal of becoming a registered respiratory therapist is still within reach—stay focused, trust the process, and know that you’re capable of passing and excelling in your career.
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
- Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). The National Board for Respiratory Care. 2025.