EMT Practice Test

To become a certified Emergency Medical Technician, you first need to complete the EMT cognitive exam. This is a knowledge-based test that measures your understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of working as an EMT.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free EMT practice test!

EMT Question of the Day

EMT Exam Eligibility

To qualify for the EMT exam through the full education program pathway, you must successfully complete a state-approved EMT course that meets or exceeds the National EMS Education Standards. Your course completion must fall within the required two-year eligibility period, and your Program Director must verify completion.

EMT Outline

The EMT examination contains 70–120 questions, including multiple-choice, multiple-response, and technology-enhanced items such as options tables, build lists, and drag-and-drop questions. You have 2 hours to complete the examination. Ten questions are unscored pilot items used to evaluate potential future examination questions.

This exam uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to estimate whether your ability meets the entry-level competency standard. After an initial set of questions, the computer selects questions targeted to your estimated ability. The difficulty of an individual question does not reveal whether you are passing.

The exam is split into five content areas.

• Scene Size-Up and Safety (15%-19%)
• Primary Assessment (39%-43%)
• Secondary Assessment (5%-9%)
• Patient Treatment and Transport (20%-24%)
• Operations (10%-14%)

Questions will not appear in any particular order. The content areas will be mixed together and the actual balance of questions you see will depend on exactly how many questions you end up getting on the test.

Registration

Once you have met the requirements, you must send in an application along with the $104 examination fee.

Your Authorization to Test is valid for up to 90 days and may expire sooner if your course eligibility expires. Schedule and take the examination by the “Deadline to Test” shown on your ATT.

The exam is offered on a continuous basis and testing centers are located across the United States, so you will be able to choose a date and location that are most convenient for you. However, to ensure that there are still appointments available on your preferred date, make sure you schedule as soon as possible.

Test Day

You should arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled exam time. Once you arrive, you will be asked to provide two forms of valid ID, one of which must be a photo ID, as well as any other documentation that may be required.

Before you enter the testing room, you will be asked to leave all personal items in a secured locker outside the room, though it is strongly encouraged that you leave these items in your car or at home. These include things like your cell phone, notebooks, pens, and bags.

Once you enter the testing room, you will be given a tutorial on how to take the exam, and you will be given a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to read and sign. After the NDA has been signed, the exam will begin.

How the Exam is Scored

To pass the exam, you'll need to get a final score of at least 950.

Results are posted to your National Registry account after testing. If you don't pass, you'll receive a score report on a 100–1500 scale, with the passing point marked at 950. Passing candidates do not receive a detailed numerical score report.

EMT Online Prep Course

If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online EMT prep course designed to give you everything you need to succeed!

Here's what you'll find in the EMT course:

Everyone learns differently, so we've tailored the EMT online prep course to ensure every learner has what they need to prepare for the EMT exam.

Click below to check it out!

Study Tips

How to Study Effectively

Your success on EMT test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking EMT practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free EMT exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:

• The questions you got wrong
• The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
• The ones you found difficult or slow to work through

This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.

Answer Explanations

Additionally, many EMT practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.

Comprehend Each Topic

As you go along, keep in mind that the EMT practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.

Strategy for EMT Practice

When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:

• Remove Limitations. Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and EMT study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you’ve learned.
• Time Yourself. Take the second practice test “open book” as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.
• Simulate Test Day. Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
• Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.

FAQs

NREMT is a registered trademark of National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, which is not affiliated with Mometrix Test Preparation and does not endorse this page.