EMT-Basic Test
EMT-Basic Requirements
Potential EMT candidates applying for an EMT-Basic certification must meet certain requirements. EMT-Basic candidates must be 18 years or older. EMT-Basic candidates must also have completed a state-approved EMT-Basic course. The state EMT-basic course must meet or exceed the US Department of Transportation National Standard Curriculum for EMT-Basic. This EMT-Basic state course must have been successfully completed within the previous two years. Additionally, EMT-Basic candidates must hold a current CPR credential and have successfully completed a state-approved EMT-Basic psychomotor exam.
NREMT EMT-Basic Exam
The EMT-Basic test is given via a computer and is a Computer Adaptive Test (i.e., the test is adapted based on the student’s aptitude). The number of questions on the EMT-Basic exam will range from 70 to 120 based on the EMT student’s aptitude. You will be given a maximum of two hours to complete the EMT-Basic exam.
EMT Basic Psychomotor Examination
Students must demonstrate competence in a spectrum of emergency care skills throughout their EMT-Basic training. A student's EMT instructor must certify that a student has mastered the following basic skills: bag-valve-mask ventilation of an apneic patient, patient assessment/management of a trauma patient, long bone fracture immobilization, joint dislocation immobilization, patient assessment/management of a medical patient, cardiac arrest management/AED, mouth-to-mouth ventilation with supplemental oxygen, spinal immobilization (both seated and supine patient), traction splinting, bleeding control/shock management, upper airway adjuncts and suction, and supplemental oxygen administration to a breathing patient.
The EMT-Basic exam will cover all portions of the curriculum, including: EMS Operations, Cardiology, Trauma, Medical, Obstetrics, Pediatrics and Airway and Breathing. The EMT-Basic test is heavily focused on fundamentals and operations.
EMT-Basic Test Outline
The EMT-Basic test outline is shown below.
| NREMT Basic Exam Question Topics | Range of Questions on NREMT-Basic Exam |
| Airway and Breathing | 12-21 |
| Cardiology | 12-21 |
| Trauma | 12-20 |
| Medical | 11-18 |
| Obstetrics and Pediatrics | 11-19 |
| Operations | 12-20 |
| Total | 70-120 |
EMTs have different duties and responsibilities based on their training and certification. An EMT's salary is often different based on their experience, training, and location. Typically, most EMTs are certified to one of five levels that are administered by NREMT, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. The five NREMT certifications are: First Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate/85, EMT-Intermediate/99 and Paramedic. An effective way to pass your NREMT certification exam is to use free EMT practice tests.
