This article, originally posted on Nov. 30, 2016, has been updated with current information
By Megan Wells, EMS1 Contributor
National certification for all emergency medical technicians is completed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians through the NREMT exam. The NREMT exam is between 70-120 questions which need to be answered in two hours or less.
Studying for the NREMT, and utilizing practice tests in particular, are essential for passing the exam. There are many different apps, books, links, and handbooks that feature practice exams and other helpful materials for those who will be taking the test soon.
Online NREMT practice exams
There are many online resources that can help you prepare for the exam by offering practice exams. Several sites are listed here for their ability to help prospective examinees prepare.
- EMT National Training: This online exam allows users to create either a practice exam or flashcards that can be focused on specific subjects or randomized to include all topics.
- EMS1 features specialized quizzes on different topics that will be covered by the NREMT, such as this one on prehospital trauma.
- Test Guide features three different practice sets that cover the range of topics covered by the NREMT.
Books and flashcards
Books offer the most comprehensive overview of exam material and will be a vital tool as you prepare for the exam. Other materials such as flashcards can supplement textbook topics and materials; they are especially helpful for learning medical terminology.
- Kaplan EMT-Basic Exam: This edition of Kaplan’s review book is in line with the NREMT material and features practice questions in the same format as the test itself.
- EMT Crash Course Book + Online: This book is a focused resource that covers all topics on the exam and can be especially useful as a refresher for the material. The textbook also comes with the ability to go online and take their practice exam.
- EMT Basic Exam Flashcard Study System: This program covers a wide range of materials that are covered on the NREMT exam and explains all concepts in a very straightforward manner. It also offers online access to a companion website with 200 flashcards and 2 practice tests.
- EMT Exam for Dummies with Online Practice: This book covers a wide range of materials that are covered on the NREMT exam and explains all concepts in a very straightforward manner. It also offers online access to a companion website with 200 flashcards and 2 practice tests.
Apps
Test prep apps may be the most convenient way to study for the NREMT as you can use them virtually anywhere with just a phone or tablet. A quick scan of the App Store will reveal that there are many different resources; here are the top three rated apps.
- NREMT EMT (Free) by Pocket Prep: This is currently the highest-rated app and it is also the only one on the list that is free. Some of the features include customizable study mode, offline access and tracking your results.
- EMT Review Plus ($11.99) by Limmer Creative: This app rates almost as high as NREMT EMT and features different modes, such as review questions, flashcards and timed practice exams.
- EMT Tutor NREMT-B Study Guide ($4.99) by Code3Apps: This app features over 1000 quiz questions and 1000 flashcards for a comprehensive review.
Organizational handbooks
There are several organizations that have information that may be useful when preparing the NREMT exam.
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: The NREMT website publishes education standards that detail the breadth of knowledge that is expected to be learned by those who will be taking the exam.
- American Red Cross BLS Handbook: This handbook details actual emergency response scenarios and outlines the appropriate care procedures in detail. It will help you fully understand the care process in many critical care settings.
The NREMT exam covers the entire spectrum of EMS care and preparation should not be taken lightly. After you’ve prepared adequately, you can apply for the test directly on the NREMT website. Read about the recertification process, if you’re already certified.