Why did the NREMT change from pencil-and-paper exams to computer based testing?
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 American
public, including:
More fair and precise evaluation of a candidate's competency
The only thing that changed was the
format of the exam. Questions on the
computer based exam cover the same
subject matter as those on the
pencil-and-paper exam.
Do all candidates take the same examination, or does each candidate take a different test?
A.
Each candidate is presented with a unique set of
test items, but all candidates are tested over the
same subject matter and the test results are
comparable. With computer adaptive testing, each
candidate's examination is drawn from an item bank of
thousands of questions. Each new question is
selected based on how the individual candidate
answered the previous question.
With candidates receiving different test items, how will the NREMT ensure that each candidate is being correctly assessed?
A.
The test delivery system ensures that all test items meet
content and psychometric specifications. All items are
classified according to their content and statistical
properties before they are administered in an operational
test. The testing software then administers items
according to the specifications so that each candidate is
administered a fair examination of appropriate content
coverage and difficulty.
The difficulty level of the exam does not change, but the
exam is a more precise evaluation of each
individual candidate's competency and understanding of
the entry-level skills necessary to be an EMT.
Does it take more time to complete the computerized test compared to the paper version?
A.
Experience with computerized testing reveals that it
usually takes LESS time to complete the test. There is
no test booklet and answer sheet to manage, and no
"bubbles" to fill in with a pencil.
Results are available on the NREMT Web site
(www.nremt.org) in most cases the next business day
after the candidate has completed the exam. A results
letter is also mailed to the candidate within two to
four weeks.
What is the NREMT's policy for retaking the exam after an unsuccessful attempt?
A.
Candidates who do not pass the exam will be able to reschedule another exam 15 days after an unsuccessful attempt, which is sooner than with pencil-and-paper examinations.
Do I have to be an experienced computer user and be able to type to take the computer based examination?
A.
The computer testing system has been designed so that
it can be used by those with even minimal computer
experience and typing skills. A tutorial is available
to each candidate at the testing center prior to taking the
examination.
Who is Pearson VUE and why are they good partners for the NREMT?
A.
Pearson VUE is a global leader in
providing computer based test delivery
solutions for the professional licensure
and certification market. Pearson VUE's
technology investments ensure leading
edge security as well as providing new
services to test takers and the EMS
community.
Exams can be scheduled online at the Pearson VUE
Web site or by calling an 800-number after the
candidate has received confirmation from the NREMT
that he or she has successfully completed all of the
necessary application steps.
Once an exam appointment is scheduled, can it be changed or even canceled?
A.
Yes. Each candidate must contact Pearson VUE
directly to cancel or change an appointment to test.
This must occur no less than 24 hours prior to the
scheduled appointment or the candidate will be
charged for the exam.
The National Registry is committed to keeping
its fees as low as possible. This is only the
second time that the price of the NREMT exam
has changed in the thirty five years since its
inception. While the National Registry
successfully negotiated a very competitive price
for computer based administration of the NREMT
exams, there are real costs associated with the
increased levels of security and additional
services offered by implementing computer
based testing. We now have professional testing
centers equipped with state of the art technology
to provide the best security and testing
experience for candidates. Candidates have
more flexibility in scheduling their exams, and
making the exams computer based allows us to
process results immediately. The exams are also
being converted to adaptive exams to deliver
more precise and efficient assessment.
When can I take my advanced level (Intermediate and Paramedic) practical exam?
A.
Advanced level candidates (Intermediate and Paramedic) may take the psychomotor evaluation (practical exam) following completion of the didactic and laboratory portions
of an approved program if permitted by the program director and the State EMS Licensing Agency.
