EMT-Paramedic Test

EMT-Paramedic Requirements

Potential EMT candidates applying for an EMT-Paramedic certification must meet certain requirements.  EMT-Paramedic candidates must be 18 years or older.  EMT-Paramedic candidates must also have an EMT-Basic certification at the national or state level.  Candidates must also have completed a state-approved EMT-Paramedic course.  The state EMT-paramedic course must meet or exceed the US Department of Transportation National Standard Curriculum for EMT-Paramedic.  This EMT-Paramedic state course must have been successfully completed within the previous two years.  Additionally, EMT-Paramedic candidates must hold a current CPR credential and have successfully demonstrated competence in Paramedic skills.

NREMT EMT-Paramedic Exam

Candidates for the EMT-Paramedic certification must pass the NREMT EMT-Paramedic cognitive test.  The EMT-Paramedic test is given via a computer and is a Computer Adaptive Test (i.e., which adapts the test based on the student’s aptitude).  The number of questions on the EMT-Paramedic exam will range from 80 to 150 based on the EMT student’s aptitude.  You will be given a maximum of 2.5 hours to complete the EMT-Paramedic exam.

The EMT-Paramedic exam will cover all portions of the curriculum, including: EMS Operations, Cardiology, Trauma, Medical, Obstetrics, Pediatrics and Airway and Breathing.  The EMT-Paramedic test is heavily focused on fundamentals and operations.

EMT-Paramedic Test Outline

The EMT-Paramedic test outline is shown below.

NREMT Paramedic Exam Question Topics	Range of Questions on NREMT-Paramedic Exam
Airway and Breathing	14-27
Cardiology	14-26
Trauma	13-25
Medical	12-23
Obstetrics and Pediatrics	13-24
Operations	14-25
Total	80-150

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.