First Responder
Contents:
Entry Requirements
Application Process
Certification Process
Cognitive Examination
Cognitive Exam Retest Information
Psychomotor Examination
Expiration Date
Lapsed Certification
ADA Compliancy
Disciplinary Policy and Rights of Appeal
Responsibilities of Certified First Responders
First Responder Recertification
Entry Requirements
Individuals applying for First Responder certification must meet the following requirements:
-
Successful completion of a state-approved First Responder course that meets or exceeds the U.S. Department of Transportation First Responder National Standard Curriculum. You must have completed the course within the past two years. Your Program Director must verify your successful completion of the course on the NREMT web site.
If you are seeking national certification as a First Responder and are currently state licensed, you must document successful completion of a First Responder refresher training program within the past two years. If you are not currently state licensed and it has been more than two years from the completion of your First Responder course, you must complete an entire state-approved First Responder course prior to applying for National Certification. -
Verification from the Program Director that you hold a current CPR credential for health care providers and have demonstrated competence in First Responder skills.
-
Successful completion of a state-approved First Responder psychomotor exam.
-
Create a login on this website.
-
Complete a National Registry online application including truthfully completing the Licensing Action and Felony statements. click here for more information on the NREMT Felony Policy. The NREMT may deny certification or take other appropriate actions in regards to applicants for certification or recertification when a felony conviction has occurred.
-
Pay the application fee of $65.00 (US funds). The application fee is non-transferable and non-refundable. This fee is charged for each attempt of the cognitive examination.
-
You will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) once you are eligible for the exam. The ATT letter contains scheduling instructions and important details concerning proper identification required at testing centers.
Certification Process
National First Responder certification requires successful completion of both a cognitive and psychomotor exam. Passed portions of the exam (both cognitive and psychomotor)
remain valid for a twelve (12) month period.
Cognitive Examination
The NREMT First Responder cognitive exam is a computer adaptive test (CAT). The number of items a candidate can expect on the First Responder exam will range from 80 to 110. The
maximum amount of time given to complete the exam is 1 hour 45 minutes.
The exam will cover the entire spectrum of EMS care including: Airway and Breathing, Cardiology, Trauma, Medical, Obstetrics and Pediatrics, and EMS Operations. In order to pass
the exam, you must meet a standard level of competency. The passing standard is defined by the ability to provide safe and effective entry level emergency medical care.
Cognitive Exam Retest Information
In the event you are unsuccessful passing the cognitive exam, the NREMT will provide feedback on your performance. You may apply to retest 15 days after your last
examination.
Candidates are given three opportunities to pass the cognitive examination provided all other requirements for National EMS Certification are met. Candidates who fail the
examination on the third attempt will be required to repeat the entire First Responder program in order to apply for subsequent examination attempts.
Psychomotor Examination
The psychomotor exam provides a hands-on opportunity for you to demonstrate the skills you have learned. Speak with your instructor or state EMS Office about the format and
logistics of completing a state-approved First Responder psychomotor exam.
Expiration Date
Initial expiration dates are determined by the date of successful completion of the entire certification process. Individuals successfully completing the certification process
between the dates of January 1 - June 30 will receive an expiration date of September 30 two years in the future. Individuals successfully completing the certification process
between July 1 and December 31 will receive an expiration date of September 30 three years in the future.
For example: successful completion of February 14, 2009, certification expiration = September 30, 2011
successful completion of July 7, 2009, certification expiration = September 30, 2012
All subsequent certification periods will be for a two-year period (October 1 - September 30).
Lapsed Certification
If your National EMS Certification lapsed as a First Responder within a two year period or you are currently state licensed as a First Responder, you can obtain National EMS
Certification by completing a state-approved Refresher course and successfully completing the cognitive and psychomotor examinations. If your EMS certification expired more
than two years ago, you must complete an entire state-approved First Responder course, and complete the cognitive and psychomotor examinations.
ADA Compliancy
The NREMT complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and offers reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Pearson VUE test centers
are also ADA compliant.
Complete information about the NREMT Accommodations Disability Policy can be found here.
Disciplinary Policy and Rights of Appeal
The NREMT has disciplinary procedures, rights of appeal and due process within its policies. Complete information about the NREMT Disciplinary Policy and Rights of Appeal can
be found here.
Download a Certification Brochure.
Responsibilities of Certified First Responders
Certified First Responders must notify the NREMT within 30 days regarding the following matters:
-
change in mailing address.
-
any felony conviction.
-
disciplinary action taken by any state has resulted in suspension, revocation, or expiration of state registration/licensure; termination of right to practice; voluntary surrender of state registration/licensure while under investigation.
The NREMT considers the individual to be solely responsible for their certification.
First Responder Recertification
In applying for recertification, certified EMS professionals agree to comply with all recertification requirements, rules and standards of the National Registry of Emergency
Medical Technicians (NREMT). The recertification applicant bears the burden of demonstrating and maintaining compliance at all times.
To Apply For Recertification You Must:
Be actively working within an emergency medical service, rescue service, or patient health care facility using your First Responder skills.
Complete all educational requirements prior to September 30.
Complete the recertification report in its entirety and submit the completed report prior to September 30.
Complete a total of 12 hours of continuing education.
Detailed First Responder Recertification Requirements
The First Responder refresher course can be completed through two different options:
Traditional refresher course - an approved DOT National Standard First Responder Refresher or CECBEMS approved refresher course
Continuing education topical hours* - refresher may be completed by continuing education and must include the topics and hours listed below:
Topics Hours Required Suggested Courses Preparatory 1 hour Roles and Responsibilities, Well-being of the First Responder, Medical Direction, Quality Improvement, Personal Protection, Scene Safety, Medical/Legal, Human Anatomy, Lifting and Moving Airway 2 hours Basic Airway Management, Advanced Airway Management, Oxygen Delivery Systems and Techniques Adjuncts, Oxygen Therapy Patient Assessment 2 hours Scene Size-up, Initial Assessment, Vital Signs and History Taking, Assessment of Trauma Patients, Assessment of Medical Patients, Ongoing Assessment, Communications, Documentation Circulation 3 hours Management of Shock, Cardiac Emergencies, Bleeding/Wounds/Shock, CPR and Arrest Management Illness & Injury 3 hours General Pharmacology, Respiration Emergencies, Environmental Emergencies, Acute Abdominal Emergencies, Diabetic Emergencies, Allergic Reactions, Poisoning and Overdose, Behavioral Emergencies, Soft-Tissue Injuries, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Injuries to Head and Spine Childbirth & Children 1 hour Obstetrical Emergencies, Gynecological Emergencies, Childbirth and Complications, Care of the Newborn, Assessing the Pediatric Patient, Medical Emergencies in Children, Airway Management in Pediatrics, Trauma Emergencies and Care in Children Total 12 hours * Some states require the traditional refresher course and will not accept continuing education hours. Please refer to your state’s particular requirements.
Courses that Can Not Be Applied Towards Continuing Education Hours: Clinical Rotations, CPR, Home Study Programs, Instructor Courses, Management/Leadership Courses, Performance of Duty, Serving as a skill examination, and Volunteer time with agencies
Obtain CPR certification at the appropriate level current to September 30.
Maintain skills as verified by your Training Program Director or Supervisor (requires signature on your recertification application, validating competency of skills).
Submit recertification application processing fee of $10.00 (US funds). The application fee is non-transferable and non-refundable.
Download the First Responder Recertification Requirements Brochure
Exam Option
Certified EMS professionals may make one attempt to demonstrate continued cognitive competency by taking an examination (in lieu of documenting continuing education) within
six months of their expiration date (June 1 through September 30).
Log in to the NREMT website and complete an application for recertification by examination.
Pay the $65 examination fee prior to scheduling of exam.