NREMT EMT Exam Overview

Overview

This lecture covers the structure of the NREMT cognitive exam, available study resources, and necessary steps for EMT certification.

There are 6 free NREMT practice tests, each with 40 challenging questions and detailed explanations.
A free EMT study guide is available, organized into 9 sections with quizzes at the end of each section.
Additional prep is available through the EMT Exam Prep Course by Mometrix, which includes videos, lessons, practice questions, and flashcards.

The NREMT cognitive exam is required for EMT licensure.
It is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) with 70-120 questions and a 2-hour time limit.
10 questions are unscored pilot questions; candidates cannot identify which these are.
The exam content breakdown is as follows:
- Airway, Respiration & Ventilation: 18–22%
- Cardiology & Resuscitation: 20–24%
- Trauma: 14–18%
- Medical/Obstetrics/Gynecology: 27–31%
- EMS Operations: 10–14%
Except for EMS Operations, most sections have 85% adult and 15% pediatric questions.
Passing requires thorough preparation and practice.

A psychomotor (skills-based) exam is also necessary for certification.
This skills exam is administered by your training institution or State EMS Office, not the National Registry.

EMT — Emergency Medical Technician, a first responder trained in emergency medical care.
NREMT — National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, the certifying body for EMTs.
Cognitive Exam — A written, computer-based test to assess EMT knowledge.
Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) — An exam that adjusts question difficulty based on answers.
Psychomotor Exam — A practical skills test required for EMT certification.