CPFT

At a glance

Detail
Issued by	National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
Starting point	Degree only (same 62-credit route as RPFT)
Exam	Same PFT Examination: 115 items, 2 hours
Cost	$200 first attempt, $170 repeat
How you earn it	Pass the PFT exam at the low cut score
Renewal	NBRC Credential Maintenance Program

Why it matters for an EP

There's one exam with two cut scores. Hit the low cut and you're a CPFT; hit the high cut and you're an RPFT. You don't need CPFT before RPFT. Many EPs aim for RPFT, and CPFT is the floor if they fall short. CPFT on its own is still a real, employer-recognized credential, and it counts toward AE-C eligibility.

Who this fits

EPs who want a recognized pulmonary credential quickly
Anyone who wants to test now and come back for RPFT later

Eligibility routes

Same as RPFT. You must be 18 or older and meet one of these: (A) 62 semester hours of college credit, including biology and math, from a regionally accredited school; (B) a CoARC respiratory therapy associate degree or higher; or (C) NBRC CRT or RRT.

Your step-by-step path

Follow RPFT steps 1–6.
If you score between the low and high cut, you earn CPFT.
Retest whenever you're ready for RPFT. NBRC says a current CPFT doesn't lose the credential by scoring below the cut on a retake.

Watch-outs

Retake fees add up, so prepare to the RPFT outline from the start.
Same scope caution as RPFT: this isn't a respiratory therapy credential.

Pairs well with

RPFT: the upgrade
AE-C: CPFT is a qualifying credential

Official sources

Requirements change. This page summarizes what the issuing organization published as of November 1, 2026. It does not decide your eligibility; only the issuer can. Always check the official sources above before you pay for anything.