EMT Basic Examination

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) offers the EMT-Basic Examination for certification purposes. NREMT offers the test with the main goal of ensuring that EMS workers are able to give capable medical care to people during times of great need. An EMS professional is in a position of trust and must be able to proficiently manage patients outside of a hospital environment.

For the cognitive EMT basic test, the six main areas covered include:

• 18% Airway & Breathing
• 17.3% Cardiology
• 16.7% Trauma
• 15.3% Medical
• 16% Obstetrics and Pediatrics
• 16.7% Operations

For the practical exam, candidates need to master these skill areas:

• Patient Assessment/Management - Trauma
• Patient Assessment/Management - Medical
• Cardiac Arrest Management/AED
• Spinal Immobilization (Seated Patient)
• Spinal Immobilization (Supine Patient)
• Bag-Valve-Mask Apneic Patient with a Pulse
• Long Bone Fracture Immobilization
• Joint Dislocation Immobilization
• Traction Splinting
• Bleeding Control/Shock Management
• Upper Airway Adjuncts and Suction
• Mouth-to-Mask with Supplemental Oxygen
• Supplemental Oxygen Administration

Each candidate will pass or fail based on whether or not he or she has met the least level of proficiency. The exams are computer adaptive tests (CAT), meaning that as the student works through the questions, the test is adjusted according to how the candidate is doing. As a candidate gets items in a series correct, the next series will be given at a higher level. This continues to occur until the candidate gets to a level that is the highest for him or her. At some point, every candidate reaches the highest level he or she can achieve and the test will be over. The computer will be able to tell whether the candidate meets the standard for entry-level competency for the content areas tested. Due to the nature of a CAT test, the length of time required to finish the assessment will vary. In the same way, the number of questions is different for each candidate, depending on the level of competency. For anyone, the test questions will cover the six main areas. If a candidate does not pass the exam, the results will indicate what areas to study for taking it again. The results will also indicate if a candidate is above, near or below the competency level needed for each content area.

As your test day approaches, make sure that you have had plenty of time to study. Review an EMT Exam study guide or study using EMT exam flashcards so that you strengthen any areas that might be more difficult for you on the test. You'll have the rest of your life to enjoy being successful on the exam, but you can only spend time between now and your test day to get prepared. Study hard and maximize your chances of success.