The cognitive portion of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam is a computer adaptive test (CAT) that continuously evaluates your performance as you answer each question. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you take the emergency medical technician (EMT) exam:
As you take the exam, the computer constantly evaluates how you respond to each question and shows you questions at a level of difficulty that matches your ability to answer them. In other words, the exam "pushes you" to see where your performance lies — above or below the minimum standard of difficulty. Therefore, the questions seem difficult, no matter whether you are doing well or poorly.
CAT asks you questions on a specific topic until it knows you are either above or below the standard. It then shifts to another section and repeats the process until all five sections are checked: Airway, Respiration, and Ventilation; Cardiology and Resuscitation; Medical and Obstetrics/Gynecology; Trauma; and EMS Operations. Because of this behavior, no two tests are ever alike. It may take as few as 70 questions or as many as 120 or more for the computer to calculate the statistical likelihood of your being above or below the standard.
After you finish the exam, your answers are scored by the computer and sent to the NREMT. After your results are reviewed and approved by NREMT staff, they are posted to your online account.
NREMT exams are delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers. These are offices that promote a secure, comfortable testing environment for many types of certification exams. You can schedule an exam at your convenience after your application is complete. Go to the NREMT website for more information.