Part 1 Overview
Handbook Purpose
We are excited you are working on National Registry certification.
We want to prepare you so that you know what to do to get certified. This handbook contains information on National Registry certification. It explains your responsibilities and the steps to earn certification. It also explains how exams work and what the certification policies are. Please read the entire handbook.
This handbook is for candidates who are completing or have recently completed an educational program.
You may have concerns that are not addressed in this handbook. For those questions, we are pleased to serve you through our website, call center and email.
National Registry Certification
We use exams to make sure candidates have the knowledge and skills needed to be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The exams are the same across the country to make sure that everyone meets the same standards. As a result, the EMT certification lets the public, healthcare providers, employers, and others know that you have the knowledge and skills to work safely and effectively.
Successfully obtaining National Registry certification does not grant you the right to practice. You must obtain a state-issued license in order to legally practice as an EMT. In many states, National Registry certification is one of the requirements to earn a state license to practice.
FAQ: What is the difference between National Registry certification and state licensure?Having the Registry certification means you have met a set of standards and that you have the knowledge and skills required for an EMT position. A license is the legal right to practice as an EMS professional within a set scope of practice and is granted by a state or other legally recognized authority.
About The National Registry
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians serves as the Nation’s Emergency Medical Services Certification organization. The mission of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians has always been centered on protecting the public and advancing the EMS profession.
The National Registry:
- Establishes eligibility requirements for applicants for National Registry certification
- Develops exam (cognitive)
- Establishes recertification requirements
- Reviews applicants’ self-disclosed criminal convictions and actions taken against their healthcare related professional licenses
- Monitors certification status of registrants and takes appropriate action against the certification when apprised of adverse licensure actions and criminal convictions
- Provides to licensing or designated authorizing agencies obtained adverse licensure action and criminal conviction information regarding registered EMS professionals
The Registry does not:
- Establish, accredit, or approve education programs for certification or recertification
- Assess job performance
- Assess fitness for all aspects of job performance (physical, mental, criminal background clearance)
- Investigate complaints regarding EMS practice
- Establish scopes of practice or standards of care
- Establish job-related standards of professional behavior
Certification Process Overview
The first four steps in this process are the following:
Step 1: Begin an Education Program
Before you can apply for EMT certification, you must be enrolled in an initial education program.
Step 2: Create Account
Once you are enrolled in an EMT educational program, create your National Registry account.
Step 3: Submit Application and Payment
Submit your application about four weeks before you complete your program. Your Program Director needs to approve your application. The Director will approve your application when you complete the course requirements.The payment for your cognitive exam is due when you are ready to test.
Step 4: Register for Exam
You need three things for your application to be complete: submitted application, submitted payment, and your Program Director’s approval. Once your application is complete, we will update your National Registry account with your Authorization to Test (ATT) within 1-2 business days.
You have 90 days from the day we issue your ATT to complete your cognitive exam. You will lose your ATT and the money you paid if you do not use your ATT in 90 days.
Go to the Pearson VUE website to schedule your cognitive exam. After your exam, your results will post to your National Registry account within 1-2 business days.
Contact Information
General Questions
Website: nremt.org
Telephone: 1-614-888-4484
Fax: 1-614-396-2428
Address for applications and check or money orders:
The National Registry
PO Box 77200
Detroit, MI 48277-2000
Address for packages and general mail:
6610 Busch Blvd
Columbus, OH 43229
NREMT Accounts, Applications, Name Changes, and General Questions
Scheduling Exams, Cognitive and Psychomotor Exam Results
Recertification
Accommodations
Criminal Convictions
Contact Pearson VUE with questions about Pearson VUE login assistance and scheduling or rescheduling cognitive exams:
Website
Telephone
1-866-673-6896
Email Form
pearsonvue.com/test-taker/customer-service/Email-form-americas-professional.aspx
Address
Pearson Professional Testing, 5601 Green Valley Drive, Bloomington, MN 55437
Contact your State EMS Office. The Registry has a State EMS Office contact list for your convenience. Follow the link below and select your state to find their contact information: nremt.org/resources/state-ems-offices