The EMT-Intermediate/85 (EMT-I/85) was a former National Registry EMS certification level. The National Registry retired initial-entry EMT-Intermediate/85 certification in 2013 as the national EMS system transitioned to the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) level.
The EMT-Intermediate/85 Exam Is No Longer Offered
If you are currently preparing for advanced-level National Registry EMS certification, you are most likely looking for the Advanced EMT (AEMT) Certification Examination, not the former EMT-Intermediate/85 examination.
What Was EMT-Intermediate/85?
EMT-Intermediate/85 was an EMS provider level based on the 1985 EMT-Intermediate National Standard Curriculum. It represented a level of care between the EMT and paramedic levels and included advanced skills beyond those performed by an EMT.
The name “Intermediate/85” distinguished this level from the later EMT-Intermediate/99 level, which was introduced after revisions to the national curriculum.
Neither level remains an initial-entry National Registry certification.
When Was EMT-Intermediate/85 Retired?
The National Registry retired initial-entry certification for both EMT-Intermediate/85 and EMT-Intermediate/99 in 2013 as part of the transition to the National EMS Education Standards.
The national EMS certification levels became:
EMR
Emergency Medical Responder
EMT
Emergency Medical Technician
AEMT
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
Paramedic
Paramedic
What Replaced EMT-Intermediate/85?
The Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) level became the national certification level associated with the transition from EMT-Intermediate/85.
Former nationally certified EMT-I/85 providers were given a transition period in which they could complete state-approved transition education and meet National Registry requirements to become nationally certified AEMTs. That historical transition period has ended.
If you previously held an EMT-Intermediate/85 credential and need to determine your current state licensing options, contact your State EMS Office. State licensure rules and scopes of practice are separate from National Registry certification.
Current AEMT Exam at a Glance
If you reached this page while looking for the current advanced-level National Registry exam, these are the key facts about the AEMT Certification Examination:
QUESTIONS
135
UNSCORED
35
TIME LIMIT
3 Hours
EXAM FEE
$159
The AEMT exam is a fixed-length linear computer-based examination. Unlike the previous National Registry AEMT certification process, candidates taking the current examination do not complete a separate National Registry psychomotor examination.
What’s on the Current AEMT Exam?
The current National Registry AEMT exam covers six domains:
Clinical Judgment — 31%–35%
This is the largest portion of the current exam. It evaluates skills such as recognizing and analyzing patient information, making clinical decisions, communicating, and demonstrating leadership during EMS calls.
Medical/Obstetrics/Gynecology — 25%–29%
Questions address assessment, pathophysiology, and management of medical, obstetric, and gynecologic emergencies.
Cardiology and Resuscitation — 11%–15%
This domain covers assessment, pathophysiology, and management related to cardiovascular emergencies and resuscitation.
Airway, Respiration and Ventilation — 9%–13%
Questions measure your ability to assess and manage airway and respiratory problems.
Trauma — 7%–11%
The trauma domain addresses assessment, pathophysiology, and management of traumatic injuries.
EMS Operations — 6%–10%
Topics include emergency vehicles and equipment, communication, documentation, professional responsibilities, medical and legal standards, and the EMS environment of care.
Pediatric patient-care content is integrated throughout the applicable clinical domains rather than appearing as a separate pediatric section.
Who Can Take the Current AEMT Exam?
For the standard full-education pathway, candidates must:
- Hold current National Registry certification or a state license at the EMT level or higher.
- Successfully complete a state-approved AEMT education program that meets or exceeds the National EMS Education Standards.
- Complete the qualifying course within the previous two years.
- Have the program director verify successful course completion with the National Registry.
- Successfully pass the National Registry AEMT Certification Examination.
Other pathways may apply to some previously or currently licensed EMS clinicians. Review the National Registry’s current requirements for the pathway that applies to you.
How Is the Current AEMT Exam Scored?
The National Registry reports examination scores on a scale from 100 to 1,500. The passing point is 950.
Results are generally posted to your National Registry account within three business days once all registration requirements are satisfied.
If you do not pass, your result includes performance information showing how your performance compared with the passing standard.
Can You Retake the AEMT Exam?
Yes. Candidates who do not pass must wait at least 15 days from the previous examination date before testing again.
You have up to six attempts to pass. After three unsuccessful attempts, the National Registry requires approved remedial education before a fourth attempt.
The retesting rules above apply to the current AEMT examination. The older EMT-Intermediate/85 retesting and practical-exam rules formerly shown on this page are obsolete.
Looking for AEMT Exam Prep?
Because the EMT-Intermediate/85 exam has been retired, do not use old EMT-I/85 practice questions as your primary preparation for current National Registry certification. Use resources aligned with the current AEMT examination and test plan instead.
Official AEMT Resources
National Registry AEMT Candidate Handbook — Review the current certification process, examination policies, and candidate requirements.
AEMT Full Education Program Pathway — Check current eligibility, fees, exam format, and certification requirements.
AEMT Certification Examination Information — Review the current test plan, content domains, item types, and examination changes.
National Registry History — Review the transition from the former EMT-Intermediate levels to the current national EMS certification structure.
