EMT
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 EMT
EMT Recertification
Inactive Status
Entry Requirements
Individuals applying for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification must meet the following requirements:
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18 years of age or older.
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Successful completion of a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course that meets or exceeds the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards for Emergency Medical Technician. 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 your initial Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) educational program was completed more than two years ago and you are currently state licensed at the EMT level, you must submit documentation verifying completion of an approved National Scope of Practice EMT refresher course or 24 hours of appropriate continuing education topic hours within the past two years. If your initial EMT education program was completed more than two years ago and you never gained state licensure at the EMT level, you must complete an entire state-approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course prior to applying for National EMS Certification. -
Verification from the Program Director that you hold a current CPR credential for health care providers and have demonstrated competence in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) skills.
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Successful completion of a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) psychomotor exam.
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Create a login on this website.
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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.
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Pay the application fee of $70.00 (US funds). The application fee is non-transferable and non-refundable. This fee is charged for each attempt of the cognitive examination.
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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 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 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 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) cognitive exam is a computer adaptive test (CAT). The number of items a candidate can expect on the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) exam will range
from 70 to 120. The maximum amount of time given to complete the exam is 2 hours.
The exam will cover the entire spectrum of EMS care including: Airway, Ventilation, Oxygenation; Trauma; Cardiology; Medical; and EMS Operations. Items related to patient care are focused on adult patients (85%) and
pediatric patients (15%). 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 six opportunities to pass the cognitive examination provided all other requirements for National EMS Certification are met. After three attempts, candidates
must submit official documentation verifying completion of 24 hours of remedial training. The candidate is given three additional attempts to pass, provided all other
requirements for National Certification are met. Candidates who fail to pass after a total of six attempts are required to repeat the entire Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course.
Psychomotor Examination
Throughout your Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) educational program you must demonstrate competence in a wide range of emergency care skills. Your instructor must attest that you have demonstrated
competence in the following skills during your course: patient assessment/management of a trauma patient, patient assessment/management of a medical patient, cardiac arrest
management/AED, bag-valve-mask ventilation of an apneic patient, spinal immobilization (both seated and supine patient), long bone fracture immobilization, joint dislocation
immobilization, traction splinting, bleeding control/shock management, upper airway adjuncts and suction, mouth-to-mouth ventilation with supplemental oxygen, and supplemental
oxygen administration to a breathing patient.
You must also successfully complete a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) psychomotor examination. Speak with your instructor or State EMS Office about the format and logistics of
completing a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 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 March 31 two years in the future. Individuals successfully completing the certification process
between July 1 and December 31 will receive an expiration date of March 31 three years in the future.
For example: successful completion of February 14, 2013, certification expiration = March 31, 2015
successful completion of July 7, 2013, certification expiration = March 31, 2016
All subsequent certification periods will be for a two-year period (April 1 - March 31).
Lapsed Certification
If your National EMS Certification lapsed as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) within a two year period or you are currently state licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), 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 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course and complete the cognitive and psychomotor examinations.
Download a Certification Brochure.
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. Requests to appeal must be submitted within forty-five (45) days of receipt of notice of determination.
Responsibilities of Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMTs)
Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMTs) must notify the NREMT within 30 days regarding the following matters:
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change in mailing address.
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any felony conviction.
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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.
EMT 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:
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Be actively working within an emergency medical service, rescue service, or patient health care facility using your Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) skills.
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Complete all educational requirements prior to March 31.
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Complete the recertification report in its entirety and submit the completed report prior to March 31.
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Demonstrate continued cognitive (knowledge) competency through continuing education or examination.
Continuing Education Option
Complete a total of 72 hours of education including:
Completion of an approved 24 hour National Scope of Practice Emergency Medical Technician Refresher
Completion of 48 hours of additional continuing EMS related education as outlined below
Pay the $15.00 (US funds only) recertification application fee at the time of submission of documentation
Detailed Continuing Education Requirements
Complete an approved National Scope of Practice EMT Refresher
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Traditional refresher course - an approved National Scope of Practice Refresher course.
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Continuing education topical hours* - refresher may be completed by continuing education and must include the topics and hours listed below:
A maximum number of 24 hours can be applied from any one topic area
A maximum of 16 hours can be applied from each of the following courses:
A maximum number of 12 hours can be applied from each of the following courses:
A maximum number of 24 hours of CECBEMS approved Distributive Education can be applied to continuing education requirements.
The EMT Refresher course can be completed through two different options:
| Topics | Hours Required |
| Preparatory | 1 hour |
| Airway | 2 hours |
| OB, Infants, Children | 2 hours |
| Patient Assessment | 3 hours |
| Medical/Behavior | 4 hours |
| Trauma | 4 hours |
| Elective | 8 hours |
| Total | 24 hours |
* Some states require the traditional refresher course and will not accept continuing education hours. Please refer to your state’s particular requirements.
** A maximum number of 10 hours CECBEMS approved Distributive Education can be applied to refresher education.
Additional EMS Related Continuing Education-48 hours
The following are maximum hours per course that can be applied towards Additional Continuing Education hours:
| ABLS | AMLS | BTLS |
| NALS | PEPP | PHTLS |
| PPC |
| Teaching CPR | Emergency Driving | Dispatch Training |
College Courses
A maximum of 24 hours can be applied towards additional continuing education hours from the college level courses related to EMS. These courses include but are not
limited to: Anatomy/Physiology, Pharmacology, Cellular Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Microbiology
Hours from the following courses can be applied hour for hour with no maximum: Advanced Trauma Life Support, Refresher Course Instruction, and Wilderness EMS Training.
Courses that Can Not Be Applied Towards Continuing Education Hours: Clinical Rotations, CPR, Home Study Programs, Instructor Courses,
Management/Leadership Courses, Performance of Duty, Preceptor Hours, Serving as a skill examination, and Volunteer time with agencies.
Maintain skills as verified by your Training Program Director, Director of Operations or Physician Medical Director. (Requires signature on your recertification application validating psychomotor competency).
Obtain CPR certification at the appropriate level current to March 31.
Recertification by Exam Option
Certified EMS professionals may make one attempt (per recertification cycle)to demonstrate continued cognitive competency by taking an examination (in lieu of documenting continuing education) within
six months of their expiration date (October 1 through March 31).
Log in to your account on the NREMT website and complete an application for recertification by examination.
Pay the $70 (US Funds only) examination fee.
After 24-48 hours, login to your account and print your Authorization To Test (ATT) letter.
Take and pass the exam between October 1 and March 31 (of the year your certification expires). You will receive an abbreviated recertification application upon successful completion of the exam.
Return the abbreviated recertification application by March 31 (of the year your certification expires) with signatures and supporting documentation.
All other recertification requirements (including felony statement, CPR/ACLS certification active affiliation/practice, verification of skills, etc.) must still be met and verified.
Inactive Status
Inactive status can only be requested by NREMTs who have completed at least 6 months of EMS patient care during their first registration cycle.
Inactive status with the NREMT signifies a National Certified provider who is currently not providing patient care. Often this is misunderstood. Registrants who wish to declare inactive status must continue to
meet the NREMT recertification requirements. The NREMT confirms that “inactive” EMS providers are “not working.” Therefore, inactive status is useful for administrators, educators, managers, etc., but not for
those who have left EMS and also failed to maintain competency via completion of the recertification education requirements.
Inactive status is not for those unable to obtain and meet the educational requirements or those who have had limitations or revocation of a health care license.
Registrants who request inactive status at the EMR and EMT levels do not need to obtain verification of skills from their training officers. Again, these registrants must complete all refresher, continuing
education and CPR requirements. These registrants are eligible to recertify via examination if they so choose. CPR certification remains a requirement even for those who pass the examination.
Registrants who request inactive status at the AEMT or Paramedic levels do not need to obtain verification of skills from their medical directors. Again, these registrants must complete all refresher,
continuing education and both CPR and ACLS requirements. These registrants are eligible to recertify via examination if they so choose. CPR and ACLS remain a requirement even for those who pass the examination.
Applying for Active Status when registered as Inactive
Movement from Inactive to Active status requires the registrant to complete Section III of the re-certification requirements. Fundamentally the registrant must work with their future or current employer so
that he/she is willing to verify competency of the skills found on the recertification form. In order to do this the registrant must retrieve the form from the NREMT website
Click here, have the form completed and then forward it to the NREMT. No fee is required to move from inactive to active status.
Download the EMT-Basic Recertification Requirements Brochure.