Key Takeaways
- You must complete a state-approved EMT course with a minimum of 170 hours of classroom and clinical instruction
- Certification requires passing both the cognitive (written) exam and the psychomotor (skills) exam
- Apply and register through NREMT.org — the Authorization to Test (ATT) is valid for 90 days
- You must complete the entire certification process within 2 years of finishing your EMT course
- Up to 6 exam attempts are allowed within the 2-year eligibility window
- After 3 failed attempts, a 15-day waiting period and remedial training documentation are required
NREMT Certification Process
Becoming a nationally certified EMT requires completing several steps in sequence. Understanding this process helps you plan your timeline and avoid common pitfalls that delay certification.
Step-by-Step Certification Process
Step 1: Complete an Approved EMT Course
- Minimum 170 hours of classroom and clinical instruction
- Must be a state-approved or CoAEMSP-accredited program
- Includes didactic (classroom), lab, clinical, and field experience
- Your program director must verify your course completion in the NREMT system
Step 2: Create an NREMT Account
- Register at NREMT.org
- Complete the application and background information
- Pay the $104 exam fee
Step 3: Receive Your Authorization to Test (ATT)
- Once your program director verifies your completion, you receive an ATT
- The ATT is valid for 90 days
- If it expires, you must reapply and pay the fee again
Step 4: Schedule Your Cognitive Exam
- Schedule through Pearson VUE (online at pearsonvue.com/nremt or by phone)
- Choose in-person at a Pearson VUE center or online proctored testing
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
Step 5: Pass the Psychomotor (Skills) Exam
- Administered separately by your state or training program
- Tests hands-on skills: patient assessment, interventions, and medical/trauma scenarios
- Must be passed in addition to the cognitive exam
- Some states administer this before the cognitive exam, others after
Step 6: Receive Certification
- Once both exams are passed, your NREMT certification is issued
- Apply for state licensure in the state where you want to practice
- NREMT certification must be maintained with continuing education
Important Timelines
| Timeline | Requirement |
|---|---|
| ATT Validity | 90 days from issuance |
| Completion Window | 2 years from course completion |
| Maximum Attempts | 6 attempts within 2-year window |
| Waiting Period | 15 days between all attempts |
| Recertification Cycle | Every 2 years |
Re-Examination Policy
If you do not pass on your first attempt:
- All re-attempts (1-6): Must wait 15 days between each attempt, pay $104 each time
- After 3 failures: Must submit documentation of remedial training before scheduling attempt 4 (hours and format vary by state — check with your state EMS office)
- Attempts 4-6: Additional remedial training documentation required before each attempt
- After 6 failures: Must complete an entire new EMT course
How long is the Authorization to Test (ATT) valid?
What is the minimum number of training hours required for an EMT course?
How long do you have to complete the entire NREMT certification process after finishing your EMT course?
Put the NREMT EMT certification process steps in the correct order from first to last.
Arrange the items in the correct order