| Q. |
Why did you change to computer based testing (CBT)? |
| A. |
The implementation of computer based testing
strengthens the NREMT's commitment to serving the
EMS community and providing a valid and reliable
exam process. It also provides numerous benefits to
candidates, educators, and others in the EMS
community as well as the public, including:
More accurate, precise and fair evaluation of candidates' competency
Increased EMS professionalism
In most cases, next business day exam results
Increased scheduling flexibility
Fortified examination security
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| Q. |
What is computer adaptive testing? |
| A. |
Computer adaptive testing (CAT) is a
method by which the computer selects
items based on the ability of the test
taker. The computer will select test
questions for an individual based on how
he/she answered previous questions. If the
test taker answers a question correctly,
his/her next test question will be
incrementally more difficult. If the test
taker answers a question incorrectly,
his/her next question will be incrementally
less difficult. In this manner, the difficulty
of the questions an individual sees during
the computer adaptive testing experience
will be relatively close to his/her ability
level, thus eliminating the mental and
time burdens associated with answering
very easy or very hard questions. This
enables a more accurate, precise and fair
evaluation of an individual with fewer
questions.
The experience of taking a CAT can be
loosely compared to participating in a
high-jump event in a track-and-field
competition. The high jumper, regardless
of ability, quickly reaches a challenging
level at which there is about an equal
chance of clearing the bar or knocking it
down. The high jumper does not have to
waste physical energy or time to prove
he/she can jump two feet when he/she has
already demonstrated a consistent ability
to jump more than four feet. The high
jumper receives a score without having to
jump over every possible lower height or
every possible higher height. In the CAT
testing experience, the questions are
ranked from easy to difficult, and much
like the high jump scenario above, the
person's score is based on the point at
which he/she consistently encounters
questions that are too difficult.*
* portions of description from www.microsoft.com/learning/downloads/adapt.doc
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| Q. |
What is Item Response Theory (IRT)? |
| A. |
Item response theory (IRT) is a test performance theory that emphasizes the relationship between the mean item score and the level of ability or trait measured by the item.
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| Q. |
How do I best explain computer based testing to my students? |
| A. |
The National Registry has prepared a DVD for distribution to education programs that provides information to you and your students regarding CBT, including how to apply for the test, how to prepare for the exam and what to expect when testing. You may also download the DVD contents:
 Learn More about Computer Based Testing
Step-by-Step Instructions for Applying Online for the NREMT Test
Tour a Pearson VUE Testing Center
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| Q. |
How do students complete a National Registry application? |
| A. |
The National Registry has prepared an online application process via our Web site. Students can apply and monitor the process through the completion of their course. Verification of the application, including course completion and practical exam success is done electronically through our secure network.
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| Q. |
How does a student register for an exam? |
| A. |
After a student completes his/her training program
and the application is verified, the student will
receive a confirmation and instructions on how to
schedule the exam, via the Internet or a toll-free
phone number.
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| Q. |
Is there a time limit for the exam? |
| A. |
There is an overall time limit for each
examination, just as with the paper and pencil
tests. However, most candidates complete their
exam prior to time running out.
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| Q. |
Is there a time limit for each question? |
| A. |
No. |
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| Q. |
Can candidates take a break in the middle of the exam? |
| A. |
Yes, however extensive biometric security
procedures will be in place to re-verify the
candidate's identity prior to restarting the
examination. If a candidate elects to leave the
testing room for a break, time will not be
extended.
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| Q. |
Can candidates skip questions and then go back? |
| A. |
No. |
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| Q. |
Can a candidate purposely trick the program by missing a few questions to get easier ones for the remainder of the exam? |
| A. |
No. The design of CAT is to verify that the
candidate meets the entry level skills to
be certified as meeting the minimum
competency standard. If a candidate
deliberately misses questions, the
algorithm will interpret the performance
as below his/her ability and possibly below
the passing standard.
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| Q. |
What are the test center hours? |
| A. |
Test center hours vary. Pearson VUE
has made a contractual commitment with
the National Registry to provide evening
and weekend testing opportunities.
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| Q. |
Is my program advised of student results? |
| A. |
Yes. As part of the network between the National
Registry, State EMS Offices and Education
programs, you will receive summary information
regarding your students electronically. This is
available on our Web site as soon as it is available
to the candidates.
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| Q. |
How are practical exams handled? |
| A. |
The NREMT practical exam has not changed. |
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| Q. |
Will the student know at the end of the exam if they passed? |
| A. |
In most cases, exam results are available via
the NREMT Web site the following business day.
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| Q. |
Who do I contact if I have more questions? |
| A. |
Contact the National Registry. The Community
Relations Department will be able to assist you
with additional questions.
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