LP Research Resources October 29, 2024

Certification and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) was established in 1970 by President Lyndon Johnson and his staff of Highway Traffic Safety. This committee recommended that a national certification agency be established to provide set standards for the EMT paramedic training and the examination of the personnel that actively work with emergency services. As a result, the beginning of the NREMT was started, providing a “high standards” process in order to evaluate the skills and knowledge required by EMT paramedics to perform the high standards that are essential for their profession.

NREMT Organization

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians organization is a private agency that certifies EMTs who apply and pass their exams and EMT training requirements. This is done for the purpose of recording and informing the public, state agencies and employers of the potential EMS individuals. They also track licensing status and criminal convictions to protect the public. The NREMT exam certifies an individual to practice emergency medical services for up to two years and must be renewed after the two-year period is over.

The NREMT agency sets the requirements for entry into the different levels of EMT and paramedic training and certification such as First Responder, EMT-Basic, Intermediate/85 and 99 and EMT paramedic. Each level has specific training requirements that must be filled before national certification can be obtained. These include applying for registration and examinations such as cognitive and psychomotor exams. They also recertify paramedics and provide disciplinary policies and actions when required.

If you are pursuing a career as an Emergency Medical Technician part of your training will require you to take and pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians NREMT examination. Using an EMT training practice test is beneficial in preparing you for successful certification. Understanding the structure of the test and gaining familiarity with the types of questions will provide you will knowledge to be successful in mastering the exam. Soon you will be on your way to becoming an EMT or paramedic.

Important Facts of the NREMT exam.

The NREMT exam underwent a major change in January 2007 when it switched to Computer Based Testing (CBT). This has led to a significant testing change that all test takers must be aware of; that questions cannot be skipped at any point in the exam. Potential EMTs wishing to take the NREMT exam can find PearsonVue testing centers located throughout the country.

You should be very familiar with all of the information covered in your course materials. The practice test focuses heavily on basic level material that was covered during your EMT training program. The latest test plan states that six topic areas will be covered on the exam: Airway & Breathing, Cardiology, Medical, Trauma, OB/Gyn/Peds and Operations.

Becoming nationally certified is not the same as being licensed as an EMT. Although the terms of licensing and certification are used interchangeably with the general public, there are different distinctions of each. Licensing is provided by individual states according to their standards. Once you have completed paramedic training and have become licensed to practice in your state, you can apply for national certification. In some states and countries a Paramedic who is licensed can work without being registered. Nonetheless, as an EMT or paramedic it is wise to register, verifying to the pubic and employers that you are qualified to perform emergency service skills and responsibilities, both efficiently and effectively.