Emergency Medical Technician Test

If you are interested in pursuing a career in emergency medicine, you will need to take the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) test. At least one of the following three tests is required before you can legally work in the field: basic, intermediate, or paramedic. Once you pass one of the tests, you will become licensed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). The type of license you receive depends on the state in which you took the EMT test.

The first step, in order to become eligible, is to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent. You also need to be at least 18 years of age and have completed EMT-related coursework, including a current CPR certification. In addition, you will need to have several personal characteristics: you must be strong, agile, and mentally stable.

The basic EMT test consists of 70-120 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. A passing score is 95 percent. The test includes topics such as:

• Airway and breathing
• Cardiology
• Trauma
• Medical
• Obstetrics and pediatrics
• Operations.

The cost is $70. Once you pass the EMT test, you can work on a first-response team. Under supervision, you are allowed to care for victims in an ambulance en route to the hospital. You will be able to evaluate a victim’s medical condition and handle trauma, cardiac, and respiratory emergencies.

Passing the intermediate EMT test allows you to work in mid-level EMT positions where you will be able to handle critical incidents and provide on-scene medical care. To qualify for this EMT test, you must have completed training as a basic EMT. The test contains about 135 questions that must be completed in two hours and 15 minutes. A passing score is 85 percent. The cost is $100. The topics are the same as the basic EMT test, expect the intermediate version of the test focuses more on life-saving measures. You will also be tested on drug administration, I.V. therapy, and intubation.

The highest EMT level you can obtain is as a paramedic. This requires passing the paramedic EMT test. Passing this test allows you to supervise pre-hospital care for patients and administer medications. You may assist with life-saving techniques and perform and evaluate elecrocardiograms. This level of EMT requires a comprehensive background in physiology and anatomy, and the required coursework to reach may take up to two years to complete. In some states, an associate’s degree may be required. This EMT test consists of 80-150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in two hours and 30 minutes. The cost is $110. To qualify for the paramedic EMT test, you must already have certifications at the basic and intermediate levels. The topics on the paramedic test are the same as the other EMT tests, except they are more in-depth. You will also be required to take a psychomotor exam, which will assess your ability to follow instructions. This test covers trauma, cardiac and ventilatory management, I.V. medication, pediatrics, and oral station.

All three EMT certification tests are computer-based and administered at various testing centers throughout the country. Exam results are posted online within 48 hours after the test. If you fail, you can retake the EMT test after a two-week waiting period.