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Individuals aspiring to be emergency medical technicians (EMTs) must complete educational requirements and pass the Emergency Medical Technician exam. Furthermore, aspiring examinees must complete an accredited EMT course prior to registering for this exam. Completion of the course helps to ensure that test-takers are well-versed in the content of the exam.

The EMT exam is split into two parts: a multiple-choice cognitive exam and a psychomotor skills portion, which includes hands-on practical tasks. The psychomotor skills part is conducted at the state level and may vary from state to state. However, the cognitive exam is a nationwide requirement.

The cognitive exam was developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, or NREMT, to demonstrate that the examinee understands entry-level information and concepts that are fundamental in performing the tasks required of EMTs.

The cognitive exam is computer-adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of questions is determined by the examinee’s responses to preceding questions. Test-takers can expect to answer anywhere from 70 to 120 questions, of which between 60 and 110 questions will count toward the final score. The exam also has 10 pilot questions that do not affect the final score. The total amount of time given to complete the exam is two hours. The questions will continue until the computer is 95% sure that you are either at or above the competency standard for passing or that you cannot meet the required level of competence to pass the exam.

The sections of the exam are Scene Size-up and Safety, Primary Assessment **, **Secondary Assessment, Patient Treatment and Transport, and Operations.

Sections of the EMT Test

Operations

Most of the operations questions involve the maintenance of equipment and the ensuring of adequate supplies. Also vital is the completion of the documentation required for all procedures, as is ensuring your own well-being and that of other responders.

Patient Treatment and Transport

This is the stage of response that is mostly involved with management and monitoring of respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. There may be medication to be administered and other interventions for specific problems. All this will be done while you are transporting the patient, during which time you must continue to keep communications open to relay pertinent information to the agencies involved.

Primary Assessment

The topics covered in this section involve your very first patient assessment, including evaluating the vital life processes of the patient and determining the primary complaint and threats to life. This is also the time you will assess the need for immediate treatment, the urgency of transport, and the need for any additional resources to aid the patient.

Scene Size-up and Safety

The questions in this section of the EMT test involve the very first actions you will take when responding to an emergency. Before any treatment can begin, the scene must be assessed and deemed safe to enter. There may also be other resources to contact, depending on the nature of the call. All of this requires clear thinking and communication so that you can move on to the business of assessing and treating patients.

Secondary Assessment

During this phase of assessment, you will perform additional, more in-depth diagnostic procedures in addition to monitoring previously obtained stats. The need for changes to your original treatment plan may become apparent, in which case you must modify your actions to meet current patient needs.

What to Expect on Test Day

Passing the cognitive portion of the EMT exam is a big professional milestone, as you cannot secure a position without the required certification. Additionally, failing the exam multiple times can result in required remediation or having to complete the entire EMT course again. For many people, this can make taking the EMT exam incredibly stressful. However, a great way to ease worries and anxieties is to prepare as much as you can beforehand and to know what to expect when you arrive to take the exam.

There is a tutorial on taking a computerized test before the test session begins. This does not count as part of the testing time. After it, you will need to read and acknowledge a non-disclosure agreement. Test-takers are then allocated two hours for the exam and should plan to be present for the entire duration. It’s advisable to arrive at the testing location at least 30 minutes prior to the start. Early arrival accommodates unforeseen difficulties in finding the site or any registration queries. Additionally, this buffer allows you to locate restrooms and get acquainted with the facility’s layout.

What to Bring

You will need to present two forms of identification, including a valid, government-issued form of identification when you arrive at the testing center. These are the only items required on the day of the exam. When you register to take the test, you will be provided with information regarding the acceptable forms of ID.

What Not to Bring

The EMT exam is taken on a computer, so there is no need for pencils, scratch paper, or a calculator. All of the resources you need will be found on the computer itself. Reference materials and electronics (e.g., cell phones, tablets, smart devices) are also prohibited from the testing room. It’s a good idea to leave any personal items at home, as many testing centers may not have space to store these items securely while you take the exam. Be prepared to be patted down, roll your sleeves up, and pull your hair back so the testing administrators can ensure unauthorized materials are not entering the premises.

Best Ways to Study for the EMT Exam

Take EMT Exam Practice Tests

Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to ensure you are prepared to pass the exam on test day. Many practice tests have questions that span the range of difficulty you can expect to find on the actual exam, which gives you a good idea of how you will perform even with the computer-adaptive nature of the test. EMT practice tests give you an idea of the content, structure, and format of the exam, which is a great way to determine what to study to be prepared.

Use Alternative Study Methods

In addition to EMT practice tests, many students find that alternative study materials, such as flashcards and study guides, can help to reinforce the concepts and information they are learning. Seeing the material across different formats enables you to retain it better. Also:

Use practice questions and flashcards after studying the section thoroughly.
Review the material again based on any learning gaps found while doing the questions.

Simulate the Exam Experience

In addition to studying using a variety of study aids, it’s always a great idea to simulate the testing experience before arriving on test day. The EMT exam is a timed test, and simulating it can give you an idea of how you will perform under pressure.

It’s also a good idea to have a study partner, classmate, or friend structure the questions in the order of increasing difficulty for simulated tests. This process can give you more of a feel for what it will be like to take the computer-adaptive exam.

EMT Exam Tips and Tricks

Use Your Textbook and Notes

Read through all chapters of the sections that will be covered in the EMT textbook to familiarize yourself with the content.
Read the information a second time, paying attention to the details.
Highlight and make notes in your book or in a notebook.
Review the EMT Candidate Handbook for the most up-to-date information regarding the exam and certification process.

Do Not Take the EMT Exam Until You Are Prepared

While it may be tempting to take the EMT exam as soon as you have completed the educational requirements, this can often be a mistake, since failing it repeatedly can result in remediation and/or additional education requirements. Candidates are given three chances to pass the EMT cognitive examination. After three failed attempts, you must complete the full EMR course before reapplying to test.

Given these policies, examinees cannot waste any opportunity to take the exam. It is worth taking some time to review existing study materials and practice tests before scheduling your exam to ensure you are fully prepared.

Study at a Steady Pace

The EMT exam covers a comprehensive variety of patient care topics and clinical knowledge. This content is not something that can be learned in a few cram sessions. The exam is built upon completion of the required education and necessitates ample studying. It’s always a great idea to create a study plan for the weeks leading up to the exam that allows for plenty of time to brush up on all of the required information. This process will help you perform far better than if you try to cram everything in a few days before the exam.

Read Through the Questions Carefully

Some of the questions on the EMT exam will be complex. You must read through them carefully so that you know exactly what information is being requested in the answer. While some individuals tend to rush through the questions because it is a timed exam, it’s important to remember that it is computer-adaptive, so the better you perform on each question, the shorter the exam will be. Therefore, it’s often better to take your time and read through each question several times than it is to rush and answer as many as you can.

EMT Exam FAQ:

1. How much does the EMT exam cost?

The EMT exam has a $104 application fee, which must be paid each time an applicant registers for the cognitive skills portion of the exam.

2. What requirements must be met before I can take the EMT exam?

You must be at least 18 years old to take the EMT exam. Applicants must also have completed an approved EMT training course within the previous two years of their test date.

3. Can I reschedule my exam date?

Yes, you can cancel or reschedule your exam at least 24 hours before your testing time by calling 866-673-6896 (M-F, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST) or logging into your account. The fee to cancel or reschedule is $30.00, with an additional call center fee if you reschedule or cancel by phone. If you do not cancel on time, do not show up on the day of your scheduled exam, or are denied entry to the exam, you will have to re-register and pay additional application fees. There are no refunds in these cases.

4. When will I receive my EMT exam scores?

Usually, examination results will be posted to your National Registry account within two business days of completing your exam.

5. How do I recertify my NREMT?

After passing your initial exam, you must renew your NREMT certification every two years. You can do this by either retaking the exam or accruing 40 hours of continuing education credits.