How to Register to Take the EMT Basic State Exam

Emergency medical technicians provide emergency patient care.

Emergency medical technicians (EMT) provide urgent patient care before arrival at the hospital or emergency room. They are trained by emergency medical services (EMS) approved courses, have a valid CPR certificate and are licensed in the state where they work after passing the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. The state licensure is a legal requirement that must be renewed annually with continuing education credits, a current CPR card and fee.

Instructions

1. Access the NREMT home page listed in Resources. Click on the "State EMS Agency Information" link near the top of the page to bring up the interactive United States map.

2. Position the mouse cursor over your state to see a pop-up with the state EMS agency information: directors, address, phone numbers and website.

3. Click on your state on the same map to access the state department of health website. Go to EMS examination and licensure information on the first page; this may be listed under EMS licensing, registry or certification.

4. Select from several options that are available for EMT-Basic application, renewal, examination or examination instructions.

5. Complete the online application. Copies of proof of current CPR certificate, EMS class completion within one year and identification will be needed. A fee is applied, and the amount can vary by state. Submit the application, documentation and fee electronically. A printable application is also available to fill out; mail or fax to the address or number provided on the application, along with your documentation and application fee.

6. Check online at the EMS state agency with your email and password to access your registered account for notification from the state department of health of fee acceptance and application approval. Instructions are given for the NREMT website to access the application for the national registry examination.

7. Create an NREMT account and fill out the registry application. You will be provided with the authorization to test (ATT) letter. Print this out and contact the exam vendor to schedule your examination location and date.

8. Take the NREMT exam. The state license and national certificate will be sent to you a few weeks if you pass. The exam may be retaken if necessary after 14 days.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the same name is used for all applications. Name changes will require legal proof.

• Track continuing education units online when you receive your state department of health license number.

References

• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: State EMS agency information
• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians: EMS Students

Resources

• National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians