In 2023, over 23,000 respiratory care professionals took their shot at various NBRC examinations. Behind these numbers lies a fascinating story of achievement, challenge, and growth. Let’s break down what the data tells us about the state of respiratory care credentialing.
The High Achievers Club
2023 saw some impressive performances across the board, with two specialties tied for the highest first-time pass rates. Both Sleep Disorders Specialist and Neonatal/Pediatric Specialist exams boasted an impressive 81.8% first-time pass rate. What makes this particularly interesting is that these specialties require deep expertise in very different areas of respiratory care.
The Sleep Specialist Success Story
Perhaps the most remarkable improvement story comes from the Sleep Disorders Specialist exam. While first-time candidates consistently performed well, it’s the repeat candidates who showed extraordinary progress. Their pass rates soared from 44.4% in 2021 to an impressive 63.0% in 2023 – a nearly 20 percentage point improvement in just two years!
The TMC Tale: A Tale of Two Cut Scores
The Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) examination tells an interesting story when we look at its two cut scores. While the low cut score saw a solid 78.9% pass rate for first-time takers, the high cut score presented a more significant challenge at 69.4%. The gap becomes even more pronounced for repeat candidates, with rates of 50.9% and 32.0% respectively.
The Clinical Simulation Surprise
Here’s something unexpected: the Clinical Simulation Examination shows the smallest gap between first-time and repeat test-takers of any exam. First-time candidates achieved a 69.2% pass rate, while repeat candidates weren’t far behind at 67.6% – just a 1.6 percentage point difference. This suggests that experience and additional preparation time can significantly level the playing field for this particular exam.
The Performance Gap Reality
One of the most striking patterns across almost all exams is the difference between first-time and repeat candidate performance. However, this gap varies dramatically by exam type:
- Clinical Simulation: 1.6% gap (smallest)
- Sleep Disorders: 18.8% gap
- Adult Critical Care: 19.8% gap
- TMC Low Cut: 28.0% gap
- TMC High Cut: 37.4% gap (largest)
Three-Year Trends: The Bigger Picture
Looking at the trends from 2021 to 2023 reveals some interesting patterns. While some specialties have shown steady improvement, others have experienced more fluctuation. This might reflect changes in exam preparation resources, shifts in clinical practice, or even the lingering effects of the pandemic on education and training.
What Does This Mean for Future Test-Takers?
- First-Time Advantage: The data clearly shows that being well-prepared for your first attempt is crucial. The first-time pass rates are significantly higher across almost all exams.
- Specialty Success: Those pursuing specialized credentials like Sleep Disorders or Neonatal/Pediatric care can be encouraged by the high success rates in these areas.
- Practice Makes Progress: The impressive improvement in Sleep Disorders repeat candidate performance shows that with the right preparation, significant improvements are possible.
- CSE Confidence: For those preparing for the Clinical Simulation Examination, the small gap between first-time and repeat candidates suggests that thorough preparation can lead to success, regardless of previous attempts.
The Bottom Line
With over 13,000 new credentials awarded in 2023 alone, and the total number of NBRC credentials reaching nearly 550,000, the respiratory care profession continues to grow and evolve. Whether you’re preparing for your first exam or planning another attempt, remember that these statistics are just guidelines. Your success story will be written by your dedication, preparation, and determination.
Keep breathing easy (you are respiratory professionals, after all), and study hard. Your future patients are counting on you!
Data Source: 2023 NBRC Examination Review
