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Respiratory Therapist License in Colorado

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Respiratory Therapist license in CO. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$225

Processing Time

4-6 Weeks

Exam Required

TMC & CSE Exams

Difficulty Level

Medium

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Respiratory Therapist license in Colorado.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Respiratory Therapist training program in Colorado.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your CO application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the TMC & CSE Exams.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Colorado licensing board and pay the $225 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 4-6 weeks in CO. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

Getting licensed as a Respiratory Therapist in Colorado starts with meeting the educational prerequisites set by the CO licensing authority. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the TMC & CSE Exams. After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the Colorado state board.

Requirements

The Colorado licensing board sets clear requirements for aspiring Respiratory Therapist professionals. These include age verification (minimum 18), completion of state-approved education, and passing the TMC & CSE Exams. CO also requires a thorough background investigation and may request additional documentation depending on your specific circumstances.

Fees & Costs

The initial application fee for a Respiratory Therapist license in Colorado is approximately $225. This fee covers the processing of your application and initial license issuance. CO also charges an examination fee which is typically paid directly to the testing provider. Late application submissions in Colorado may incur additional penalties of up to $56.

License Fee Calculator — Respiratory Therapist in Colorado

Base License Fee$225
Estimated Total$225

Renewal Process

License renewal for Respiratory Therapist professionals in Colorado occurs on a 2-year cycle. CO charges a renewal fee of $150 and mandates continuing education as part of the renewal process. It is recommended to begin the renewal process in Colorado at least 60 days before your license expires to ensure uninterrupted practice.

License Expiry Calculator — Respiratory Therapist in CO

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Colorado requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

Colorado takes professional licensing seriously, and the Respiratory Therapist field is no exception. The state board in CO regularly updates its requirements to align with industry standards and protect public safety. As a licensed Respiratory Therapist in Colorado, you will be expected to maintain high ethical standards and stay current with developments in your field. The CO licensing board provides resources and support to help professionals meet their obligations.

Document Checklist — Respiratory Therapist

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Colorado Respiratory Therapist License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) PartialAK requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.
Alabama (AL) PartialAL requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.
Arizona (AZ) PartialAZ requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts CO Respiratory Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.
Delaware (DE) PartialDE requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.
California (CA) NoneCA does not recognize CO Respiratory Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Florida (FL) NoneFL does not recognize CO Respiratory Therapist license. Full re-application required.
Iowa (IA) FullIA accepts CO Respiratory Therapist license via reciprocity agreement.

Where to File Locally in Colorado

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Denver

1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202

(303) 894-7855

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Springs

30 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

(719) 385-5175

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Aurora

15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012

(303) 739-7000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fort Collins

300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521

(970) 221-6500

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Boulder

1777 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302

(303) 441-3388

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Official Colorado Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Colorado state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.