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Exam Overview
Exam Overview
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) develops and administers the AEMT Certification Examination at Pearson VUE test centers. Passing it earns National Registry AEMT certification; your state then grants the license to practice. The current exam is a single computer-based cognitive exam: the separate AEMT psychomotor (skills) exam has been discontinued, and your education program verifies your skills instead.
135
Questions on the exam
100
Scored questions
3 hrs
Testing time
6
Attempts to pass
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | National Registry AEMT Certification Examination |
| Format | Computer-based; 135 items, of which 100 are scored and 35 are unscored pilot items you cannot identify |
| Time | 3 hours, plus a short non-disclosure agreement and tutorial |
| Item types | Mostly single-answer multiple choice, plus multiple-response and technology-enhanced items (build list, drag-and-drop, option/check box) |
| Scenarios | Many items are linked to EMS scenarios that unfold in three phases: en route, scene and post-scene |
| Scoring | Pass/fail against a fixed entry-level competency standard, the same for every candidate |
| Fee | $159 per attempt (application fee) |
| Where | Pearson VUE test centers; schedule after your Authorization to Test (ATT) posts |
| Results | Usually posted to your National Registry account within a few business days |
Test Plan
| Domain | Share of exam | About how many scored items |
|---|---|---|
| Airway, Respiration & Ventilation | 9–13% | 9–13 |
| Cardiology & Resuscitation | 11–15% | 11–15 |
| Trauma | 7–11% | 7–11 |
| Medical/Obstetrics/Gynecology | 25–29% | 25–29 |
| EMS Operations | 6–10% | 6–10 |
| Clinical Judgment | 31–35% | 31–35 |
Midpoint Share of the Exam (%)
Key Point
Clinical Judgment and Medical/OB/GYN together make up about 60% of the exam, and pediatric care is woven into every clinical domain rather than tested separately. Expect children, older adults and pregnant patients throughout.Attempts and Eligibility
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Attempts | Six chances to pass |
| After 3 failures | Complete required remedial education before attempt 4; this unlocks three more attempts |
| Waiting period | 15 days after an attempt before you may test again |
| Each attempt | New application, new fee and a new ATT |
| ATT validity | 90 days from the day it posts; no extensions |
| Course validity | Your AEMT course completion is valid for 2 years for exam eligibility |
- National Registry certification lasts 2 years; you recertify through continuing education or by exam.
- States license AEMTs. Check your state EMS office for any added requirements before you practice.
Before You Apply
Fees, policies and exam details can change. Confirm current information in the AEMT Candidate Handbook on nremt.org before you apply.Finished reading?
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