NBRC Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) Practice Test
This exam retires on Friday, December 31, 2027.
Explore the broader replacement path: Respiratory Therapy Examination Practice Test
Build your confidence for NBRC Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.
Try a sample questionExam overview and details
The NBRC Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) is a comprehensive, scenario-based assessment designed to evaluate the advanced clinical decision-making skills of respiratory therapists. This 45-question exam presents realistic patient care scenarios that require candidates to analyze data, prioritize interventions, and manage complex clinical situations from initiation through evaluation. It tests the application of integrated knowledge across domains including therapeutic procedures, diagnostic evaluation, patient assessment, and equipment management. The CSE is intended for credentialed respiratory therapists (typically RRTs) seeking to demonstrate mastery beyond the entry-level TMC exam, often for state licensure, career advancement, or specialized practice recognition. Successfully passing the CSE validates a therapist's ability to synthesize information and make sound judgments under conditions that mirror the unpredictability and urgency of actual clinical practice.
Sample Questions
Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.
A 43-year-old male with cystic fibrosis reports increased cough after a viral illness. SpO2 is 93% on room air, FEV1 is down 15% from baseline, and hemoptysis is streaky, not massive. The patient uses dornase alfa at home. Which plan is most appropriate now?
A 48-year-old female receiving enteral feeds is found coughing after emesis. SpO2 falls to 84%, coarse crackles are heard, and suction returns formula-like material. What immediate respiratory action is best?
A 7-year-old girl has barking cough, inspiratory stridor at rest, mild fever, and SpO2 94%. The child is anxious but not drooling. Which treatment is most appropriate?
A 29-year-old male with a stab wound has severe dyspnea, absent right breath sounds, tracheal shift left, neck vein distention, and BP 82/46. The trauma bay is crowded and the portable x-ray is delayed. What should the therapist anticipate?
A 66-year-old male with asthma received three albuterol/ipratropium treatments and IV steroids. The patient now speaks one-word answers, has a quiet chest, SpO2 90% on FiO2 0.60, and PaCO2 has risen from 33 to 48 mm Hg. What recommendation has priority?
Career Opportunities & Salary
Exam insights and study advice
Mastering the CSE directly translates to improved patient outcomes. The exam's simulation format mirrors the real-world clinical reasoning process, where therapists must rapidly interpret conflicting data, adjust to changing patient status, and select the most appropriate course of action. Proficiency here signifies more than textbook knowledge; it demonstrates the critical ability to apply that knowledge safely and effectively at the bedside. This competency is fundamental to autonomous practice, complex patient management, and leadership within the respiratory care team, ultimately impacting care quality, reducing clinical errors, and enhancing professional credibility.
Recommended
These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.
What this exam covers
01Emergency Management
This domain addresses the management of acute respiratory emergencies. It covers the rapid response and stabilization techniques required in urgent clinical scenarios, emphasizing the skills needed to maintain patient safety during life-threatening respiratory events.
02Patient Management — Gathering Information and Developing a Plan
This domain covers the collection of patient data and the creation of clinical care plans. It focuses on the initial steps of patient management, information synthesis, and the assessment techniques required for effective respiratory therapy practice.
03Patient Management — Implementing Recommendations
This domain involves the execution of clinical recommendations. It addresses the practical application of care strategies for patients requiring respiratory support, ensuring that all interventions are performed according to established safety standards and clinical best practices.