The National Registry has implemented some changes and rules in just the past year. It is important for all EMS personnel to be aware of these as some can effect certification.
New Handbooks:
In March of 2018 the National Registry announced the publication of handbooks for those pursuing their initial EMS certification. Providing step-by-step procedures, the handbooks include submitting applications and taking the certification exams. They are available online at the National Registry website and are accessed in a downloadable PDF format. The new handbooks are offered individually specific for EMR, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic certifications.
New Test Requirements:
As of January 1, 2017, any candidate seeking advanced level certification (AEMT, I-99 or Paramedic) is required to procure a Psychomotor Authorization to Test (PATT) letter before they can register to take the exam for the NREMT advanced psychomotor level.
For an NREMT advanced level psychomotor examination, candidates seeking certification through the NREMT advanced level psychomotor examination must make a reservation. To make a reservation each person is required to provide their PATT number to reservation coordinators instead of their Social Security number, and to bring their PATT letter with them on the day of their examination. No exceptions. These changes are being made to better safeguard candidates’ personal and confidential information. This process has also cut down on errors.
Examination fees increased:
Effective January 1, 2017, the NREMT Board increased the cognitive examination fees. The fee increase is minimal and followed a ten-year price freeze (2007-2017). The new NREMT exam fees are: EMR: $75, EMT: $80, AEMT: $115, I/99: $125, Paramedic: $125.
NREMT Exam Policy Change:
Phasing is underway for all candidates taking the National Registry cognitive examination (at any EMS level) to have use of on screen calculator. Provided through Pearson VUE’s testing software, the NREMT staff is working to implement this change that will be phased through under the following schedule: March 2018 ‐ Paramedic, April 2018 ‐ AEMT, May 2018 ‐ EMT, September 2018 ‐ EMR.
New Mobile App:
In April of 2018, the National registry of EMTs announced a new and convenient component of their certifications; a mobile application compatible with iOS devices. This mobile app is now available for EMS personnel and allows them to manage all components of their continuing EMT education, certification, and recertification efficiently. Now EMS providers, training officers, and medical directors can track education, work with agency affiliations, confirm skills, and even recertify.
Advanced Level Psychomotor Exam Skill Sheets
As of June 2018, The National Registry announced the revision of its Advanced Level Psychomotor Examination Skill Sheets. The revisions provide additional clarity for those professionals involved in administering and scoring the exam. Changes to the skills sheets include:
- Denoted elements in the skill sheets with corresponding critical criteria
- Standardized verbiage across forms
- Clarified directions when unclear
- Identified time limits for each skill station
- Replaced multi-point elements with multiple, single-point elements
- Added the reason for evaluator’s signature
To view and/or download the revised skill sheets, visit the National Registry website where the skill sheets are available in a PDF digital format. All psychomotor examinations administered on or after June 1, 2024 are now required to use the updated skill sheets.