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EMT Certification Examination
The National Registry EMT Certification Examination is the cognitive certification exam for Emergency Medical Technicians in the United States: a computer adaptive test delivered by Pearson VUE (test center or OnVUE) covering scene size-up, patient assessment, treatment and transport, and operations, based on the 2023 BLS Practice Analysis and launched in its updated form on April 7, 2025.
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Questions70–120 scored items (CAT) plus 10 pilot/unscored items
Testing time2 hours
ScoringPassing point (cut score) of 950; the CAT passing standard is identical for all candidates
Exam feeUSD 104 per examination attempt (application fee)
Prep options
Study resources for NREMT EMT
Independent prep
Courses and study resources
Exam overview
What to know before choosing your prep
- Who runs it
- NREMT
- Category
- Emergency Medical Services
- Current version
- Updated EMT Certification Examination launched April 7, 2025 (test plan based on the 2023 BLS Practice Analysis)
- Where it applies
- United States — national
- Exam languages
- English
- Score scale
- 100–1500
- Testing provider
- Pearson VUE
- Format
- Computer adaptive test (CAT) delivered at a Pearson VUE test center or via OnVUE remote proctoring
- Availability
- By appointment after receiving an Authorization to Test (ATT valid 90 days); appointments may be made up to one business day in advance; reschedule/cancel fee USD 30 if changed at least one business day ahead
- Results
- Results posted to the candidate's National Registry account, generally within two business days
- Score validity
- Cognitive examination results valid for 24 months from successful completion
- Remote testing
- Available
Exam structure
Computer adaptive exam with five content domains: Scene Size-Up and Safety (15–19%), Primary Assessment (39–43%), Secondary Assessment (5–9%), Patient Treatment and Transport (20–24%), and Operations (10–14%); pediatric care integrated throughout; item types include multiple choice and technology-enhanced items (build list, drag-and-drop, option/check box).
Where rules vary
U.S. national EMS certification exam; skills-competency requirements are approved by each state's EMS office, but the cognitive exam is uniform
Eligibility
Completed state-approved EMT education program (course valid 2 years), National Registry application with Program Director verification of eligibility, and payment; state EMS office approved BLS skills competency also required before certification is issued
Retake policy
15-day waiting period after each attempt; six total attempts allowed; remedial education required after three failed attempts before a fourth attempt