NBRC ACCS Certification Exam Syllabus
Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the NBRC Adult Critical Care Specialty certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the NBRC ACCS exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The NBRC Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Specialty Examination, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as Respiratory critical care, general critical care management, medical ethics and interdisciplinary practice within real-world settings like Inpatient hospitals, adult intensive care units, specialized long-term mechanical ventilation facilities.
The syllabus outline below reflects the core domains and expectations defined by the official NBRC certification framework and aligns with the cognitive and professional standards assessed in the NBRC ACCS exam. Candidates can use this guide alongside official vendor resources and structured practice to align their preparation with current exam standards and professional expectations for Registered respiratory therapists, adult critical care specialists, critical care respiratory care practitioners
NBRC ACCS Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | NBRC Adult Critical Care Specialty |
| Credential | NBRC Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) |
| Vendor | National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) |
| Exam Code | ACCS » NBRC ACCS Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | Computer-based, in-person testing at PSI assessment centers |
| Exam Duration | 240 mins |
| Number of Questions | 170 items (150 scored and 20 unscored pretest items) |
| Passing Score | Pass / Fail |
| Exam Price | $300 first attempt, $250 repeat attempt |
| Scheduling Window | Usually 90 calendar days after application acceptance; appointments are offered Monday through Saturday on a first-come, first-served basis |
| Schedule Exam | NBRC |
| Trainings/Resources | ACCS Practice Exam |
| Sample Questions | NBRC ACCS Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | NBRC ACCS Certification Practice Exam |
NBRC ACCS Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| RESPIRATORY CRITICAL CARE |
- Manage Airways - Administer Specialty Inhalants – Nitric Oxide, Helium-Oxygen, Nitrous Oxide - Apply Techniques to Enhance Ventilation, Oxygenation, or Synchrony - Deliver Pharmacologic Agents |
80 |
| GENERAL CRITICAL CARE |
- Evaluate Non-Pulmonary Systems to Manage Patient Care - Manage Contributors to Respiratory Failure - Anticipate Care Based on Laboratory Results - Anticipate Care Based on Imaging and / or Reports of Imaging - Anticipate Effects of Pharmacologic Agents - Anticipate Care Based on Nutritional Status - Manage Patients with Infections and / or Sepsis - Manage End-of-Life Care - Plan for Disaster, Pandemic, and Mass Casualty Events - Advise an Interdisciplinary Team on Management of Challenging Cases - Perform Procedures - Troubleshoot Systems - Support Continuous Improvement |
70 |
The NBRC ACCS certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Specialty Examination. The exam evaluates competencies such as Respiratory critical care, general critical care management, medical ethics and interdisciplinary practice, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as Registered respiratory therapists, adult critical care specialists, critical care respiratory care practitioners working in settings such as Inpatient hospitals, adult intensive care units, specialized long-term mechanical ventilation facilities.
To prepare effectively for the NBRC Adult Critical Care Specialty exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
