For the NREMT, you need a solid foundation of clinical knowledge, plus an understanding of the way the NREMT structures its questions. It’s also smart to know exactly what to expect when you walk into the testing center.
These are the NREMT FAQs we hear every exam season:
In a word, yes. The exam for certification as an EMS provider shouldn’t be a cakewalk.
The reason it seems hard might be a bit of a surprise. Many students haven’t been given well-written, challenging questions in class. This makes the NREMT exam seem harder than it is. The questions are well written, have a specific style, and you must read them carefully.
The most important answer here is to work at it. Attend class, pay attention, and study. Take it seriously. There are no tricks or magic formulas. The first sitting pass rate for EMT is usually around 70% and paramedic a bit higher. If you need help with NREMT prep, we have some suggestions.
The NREMT tests the whole body of knowledge for your certification level. The National EMS Education Standards help define this. The NREMT also does a practice analysis to help determine what providers actually need to know and do in the field. Remember that the NREMT must test students in all states and doesn’t follow your local protocols, book, or instructor strictly.
No. You must submit your NREMT exam results to your state who will issue you a certification or license to practice in your state. There may be fees and state-specific requirements you must also meet. Should you be certified or licensed in one state and wish to move to another, NREMT certification usually makes that process easier.
No. The NREMT is a non-profit organization. It was founded in 1970 and is governed by a board of directors. Their mission statement is:
The National Registry’s mission is to provide a valid, uniform process to assess the knowledge and skills required for competent practice by EMS professionals throughout their careers, and to maintain a registry of certification status.
There are 5 categories on the NREMT exam (all levels)
The NREMT includes about 15% pediatric questions in each of the sections (except operations).
Pilot questions are questions that are being tested to be sure they are fair and accurate enough to be included officially on the exam. They don’t count toward your score. You have no way of knowing which questions are the pilot items when you are taking the exam. Every test taker receives 20 pilot questions.
A computer-adaptive exam is a different experience for each student. The computer will give you questions at or below entry-level and gradually give you questions of increasing difficulty. The computer has a predetermined point where an algorithm determines you are entry-level competent (or not) based on the questions you answer. Only the EMT and Paramedic exams are computer-adaptive. The AEMT exam is a standard exam with a set number of questions.
The NREMT doesn’t give numerical scores. It’s pass/fail only. If you pass, it means you met or exceeded the National Registry’s “minimum passing standard.”
At the EMT level, you’ll get somewhere between 70 and 120 questions. At the paramedic level, you’ll get between 80 and 150 questions. For AEMTs, the test is exactly 135 questions.
Two years, but please don’t wait that long. The longer you wait, the more you forget. Try to take the NREMT as close to the end of your class as you can, provided you’ve had enough time to study for it.
Three. If you fail the third NREMT attempt, the Registry requires that you take a refresher course before you reattempt.
No, you won’t find out which questions you got right or wrong.
About two business days, though many people find out sooner than that.
It depends a bit on how well you know the information and how much exposure you’ve already had to NREMT-style questions. Here are our recommendations based on different student needs.
EMT, AEMT & Paramedic PASS AppsGet this if: You need comprehensive NREMT prep and already have a decent understanding of clinical topics.
Test prep that’s just like the NREMT! These apps were made in collaboration with a former director of the NREMT. Each app has 500 practice questions that are very similar to what you’ll see on the actual exam. They aren’t easy, but they are worth it.
$29.99 for EMT PASS | $19.99 for AEMT PASS | $34.99 for Paramedic PASS
Get this if: You’re just starting to prepare for the NREMT, if you struggled with your class exams, or if you’ve already failed the NREMT.
This is the most comprehensive EMT and paramedic test prep on the market. It’s also the most affordable! High quality questions closely resemble those found on the NREMT. A huge variety of resources include diagnostic tests, study guides, audio/video, and weekly live chats with Dan Limmer.
Premium: $19.99 | Premium Plus: $29.99 first month/$19.99 every month after
2-Hour NREMT Review Streaming VideoGet this if: You’re out of time to study, or you need to learn how the NREMT is structured.
Jam-packed with in-depth review questions, answers, and tips you won’t find anywhere else! Get insights into core clinical concepts, learn to read & prioritize details included in NREMT questions, and discover common pitfalls, misconceptions, and misinformation about the exam.
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