NBRC SDS Certification Exam Syllabus
Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the NBRC Sleep Disorders Specialty certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the NBRC SDS exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The NBRC Sleep Disorders Specialty (SDS) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Specialty Examination, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as Sleep disorders testing, sleep study analysis and reporting, therapeutic intervention and treatment planning within real-world settings like Inpatient hospitals, freestanding sleep centers, home and laboratory sleep-testing services.
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 SDS 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 Certified respiratory therapists, registered respiratory therapists, respiratory care professionals in sleep medicine
NBRC SDS Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | NBRC Sleep Disorders Specialty |
| Credential | NBRC Sleep Disorders Specialty (SDS) |
| Vendor | National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) |
| Exam Code | SDS » NBRC SDS Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | Computer-based testing at PSI assessment centers in the United States and internationally |
| Exam Duration | 240 mins |
| Number of Questions | 180 items (160 scored and 20 unscored pretest items) |
| Passing Score | Pass / Fail |
| Exam Price | $300 first attempt, $250 repeat attempt (USD) |
| Scheduling Window | 90 calendar days after application acceptance, in most cases |
| Schedule Exam | NBRC |
| Trainings/Resources | SDS Practice Exam |
| Sample Questions | NBRC SDS Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | NBRC SDS Certification Practice Exam |
NBRC SDS Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books | No. Of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| PRE-TESTING |
- Identification and Care of At-Risk Individuals - Study Preparations |
29 |
| SLEEP DISORDERS TESTING |
- Signal Maintenance During Testing - Therapeutic Interventions During Testing - Study Conclusion |
37 |
| STUDY ANALYSIS |
- Record Review - Sleep Staging - Sleep Event Identification - Sleep Event Reporting |
53 |
| ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS |
- Data and Equipment Maintenance - Management |
8 |
| TREATMENT PLAN |
- Development - Implementation - Evaluation |
33 |
The NBRC SDS certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Specialty Examination. The exam evaluates competencies such as Sleep disorders testing, sleep study analysis and reporting, therapeutic intervention and treatment planning, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as Certified respiratory therapists, registered respiratory therapists, respiratory care professionals in sleep medicine working in settings such as Inpatient hospitals, freestanding sleep centers, home and laboratory sleep-testing services.
To prepare effectively for the NBRC Sleep Disorders Specialty exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
