Question 1

How many CPFT practice questions are there?

Accepted Answer

115 questions across 1 version, each with the correct answer and an explanation.

Question 2

Are there free CPFT sample questions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 12 sample questions are free; 6 are open to everyone and the rest unlock with a free account.

Question 3

What does full access include?

Accepted Answer

Every CPFT question in study, timed and flashcard modes, explanations for each answer, and progress that saves so you can resume.

Question 4

What topics does CPFT cover?

Accepted Answer

Instrumentation / Equipment (33%), Procedures (44%), Data Management (23%).

Question 5

What is the CPFT credential and who should pursue it?

Accepted Answer

The Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) is an NBRC-issued, NCCA-accredited credential for clinicians who perform pulmonary function, blood gas, exercise, and airway-responsiveness testing. It is earned by achieving the low cut score on the NBRC Pulmonary Function Technology (PFT) Examination. Respiratory therapists (CRT/RRT), graduates of CoARC-accredited respiratory programs, and candidates with 62 semester hours of college credit (including biology and math) typically pursue the…

Question 6

How much does the CPFT (PFT) exam cost in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The NBRC Pulmonary Function Technology Examination costs $200 for a first attempt and $170 for a repeat attempt. AARC members qualify for a one-time $40 first-time discount on the PFT exam when they register for the AARC Member Discount through aarc.org before submitting their NBRC application. Voucher purchases are also available for employers and educators via the NBRC Practitioner Portal.

Question 7

What are the eligibility requirements to take the CPFT exam?

Accepted Answer

You must be 18 or older and meet ONE of the following NBRC admission routes: (1) have at least an associate degree from a CoARC-supported or accredited entry-into-practice respiratory therapy program; OR (2) be a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credentialed by the NBRC; OR (3) complete 62 semester hours of college credit from a regionally accredited college or university, including college-credit courses in biology and mathematics; OR (4) hold…

Question 8

How long is the CPFT exam and how many questions does it have?

Accepted Answer

The PFT Examination is 2 hours long and contains 115 multiple-choice items: 100 scored items plus 15 unscored pretest items. The 100 scored items are distributed across 90 general and 10 pediatric patient items, with cognitive-level targeting of 17 Recall, 44 Application, and 39 Analysis questions. Topic caps apply: a maximum of 3 blood gas analysis items and 2 CO-oximetry/hemoximetry items.

Question 9

What is the passing score for the CPFT, and how does the two-cut-score model work?

Accepted Answer

The PFT Examination uses two cut scores established by an NBRC standard-setting study. Achieving the low cut score earns the Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) credential. Achieving the high cut score earns both the CPFT and the Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) credentials on the same sitting. Raw scores are reported at the test center after the exam, and results also arrive by email from PSI within 24 hours.

Question 10

What content domains are on the CPFT exam?

Accepted Answer

Per the NBRC PFT Detailed Content Outline effective October 2022, the 100 scored items are distributed as: Domain I. Instrumentation / Equipment - 33 items (33%); Domain II. Procedures - 44 items (44%); and Domain III. Data Management - 23 items (23%). Topics include spirometry, DLCO, static lung volumes, body plethysmography, blood gas analysis, CO-oximetry, exercise testing (6MWT and monitored), bronchoprovocation (methacholine, EVH, mannitol, exercise), respiratory muscle strength (MIP/MEP,…

Question 11

How do I maintain the CPFT credential after I earn it?

Accepted Answer

The CPFT is awarded for a 5-year term under NBRC's Credential Maintenance Program (CMP). You can maintain it by: (Option 1) completing quarterly CMP assessments (5 PFT items per quarter, 20 per year) plus any required Category I Continuing Education through AARC-CRCE or a state-approved provider; (Option 2) retaking and passing the PFT Examination; or (Option 3) passing an NBRC credentialing examination you have not completed before. If your credential expires, you have a 6-month reinstatement…

Question 12

How many times can I retake the CPFT exam if I fail?

Accepted Answer

NBRC allows 2 initial PFT Examination attempts without a waiting period. After two unsuccessful attempts, candidates must wait a minimum of 180 days before each subsequent attempt. Importantly, if you already hold the CPFT credential and score below the low cut while retaking the exam to earn RPFT, you do not lose your existing CPFT credential.

Question 13

Where is the CPFT exam administered and what ID do I need?

Accepted Answer

The PFT Examination is administered at more than 300 PSI Assessment Centers across the United States, Monday through Saturday excluding national holidays. You must schedule your appointment through PSI at test-takers.psiexams.com/nbrc. Bring two forms of current identification; at least one must include a photograph (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID), and the second must display your signature. Candidates arriving more than 15 minutes late are not admitted and forfeit the…

Question 14

What study resources does NBRC offer for the CPFT exam?

Accepted Answer

NBRC provides the free PFT Detailed Content Outline (DCO), the free online PFT Practice Examination hosted on PSI/AMP, and paid web-based Self-Assessment Examinations (SAEs) purchasable through the NBRC store at psionlinestore.com/nbrc. The NBRC also highlights current ATS and ERS technical standards (for example 2019 spirometry standardization, 2017 DLCO standards, 2014 6MWT standard, and the 2022 bronchodilator response guidance) as critical exam preparation. The AARC offers supplemental…

CPFTCertified Pulmonary Function Technologist practice test

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Practice CPFT in the simulator.

CPFT, by the numbers.

Everything about CPFT.

Exam information

What CPFT covers

How do I earn this certification?

How to study for this exam?

What's changed on this exam?

Who should take this exam?

Three ways to practise

Study mode

Timed mode

Flashcards

CPFT questions, answered

CPFTCertified Pulmonary Function Technologist practice test

Full access

Practice CPFT in the simulator.

CPFT, by the numbers.

Everything about CPFT.

Exam information

01Exam format120 min2

02RegistrationPSI Assessment Centers2

03Validity2

04In our question bankv1 (115)

What CPFT covers

01Instrumentation / Equipment33%3 topics

I.ASet Up, Maintain, CalibrateBody habitus equipment8 obj.

I.BTroubleshootBody habitus equipment8 obj.

I.CPerform Quality ControlBody habitus equipment8 obj.

Hands-on skills & common mistakesCalibrate spirometers using calibration syringes · Running tests without completing 3-L calibration syringe volume verification

02Procedures44%3 topics

03Data Management23%3 topics