How to Pass the NREMT Exam

by Karen Powers, NREMT-I

Special thanks to Joe Landsberger at the University of St. Thomas for granting copyright release for his article, "Tips for Better Test Taking." Some of the information presented here was written by Joe.

Your best preparation for the NREMT written examination is to pay attention in class, take thorough notes, study regularly, and get clarification on subjects that aren't well understood. However, there is more to taking the test than knowing your stuff. Feeling confident in your knowledge and preparation, being well-rested and focusing on the task at hand without anxiety are key. The following advice may help you achieve the score that best reflects your understanding of the NREMT curriculum.

What to study

Take advantage of study materials such as flashcards and practice tests. Flashcards are great for carrying around in the weeks before your test to fill spare minutes while getting the car serviced, picking up kids from school or waiting at the dentist's office.

Study each major section on which you will be tested: airway and breathing, cardiology, trauma, medical, obstetrics and pediatrics, and operations. Additionally, I recommend that you study shock, current CPR standards and normal vital signs.

Most importantly, take as many practice tests as you can stand. Practice tests will help you identify strong and weak areas, so you can use your study time efficiently. You can even purchase a EMT-Basic Self-Assessment Examination from the NREMT containing real questions from the NREMT test bank. The sample test includes 75 questions and comes with answers and rationales. Using the EMT-Basic Self-Assessment Examination is the best way to understand how the NREMT exam will evaluate your knowledge.

This site's EMT Test Prep Center is organized by skill level and lists a variety of study resources—some free and some not—including links to all the practical skill sheets. Also provided is a link to the NREMT Candidate Catalog if you want to purchase the sample EMT-B test mentioned above. Sorry, an Intermediate-level test is not offered by the NREMT.

The best advice I have for preparing for the NREMT-I/85 test is to review all your EMT-B material and CPR guidelines, in addition to the new material you just learned in your Intermediate class.

Take care of yourself

Know when to stop studying and get a good night's rest. Since memory loss is the first sign of fatigue, realize that staying up late to cram may actually cost you more than you gain. You can't do your best if you are tired. Eat a healthy, balanced meal. Some foods are naturally calming, such as foods high in carbohydrates and vitamin B-6: bananas, oatmeal, chamomile tea, potatoes, oatmeal, raisins, bagels and whole-grain cereal. Go easy on the caffeine, which can intensify anxiety.

My mom always told me to eat an apple before a stressful event (such as public speaking or taking a college final). She said apples contain a natural tranquilizer that helps calm the stomach and nerves. I ate an apple before each NREMT exam I took (Basic and Intermediate/85) and passed each on the first attempt!

What to bring

For the NREMT, you may only bring your photo identification and a pencil (and I wouldn't be surprised that in some states, pencils are provided, too). Scrap paper is provided and must not leave the exam room.

There is a good chance the test room won't be the perfect temperature for everyone. Dress in layers or bring an extra layer, just in case the room is too cold or too hot.

Arrive early

If you aren't familiar with the test location, find it before test day to eliminate another possible stressor. On test day, leave early to give yourself plenty of time for the unexpected. Before you sit down, use the restroom! Then select a good seat and make sure you have enough room to work, maintaining comfortable posture without slouching. Don't talk about the test with other students right before you begin—anxiety is contagious. Stay relaxed, comfortable, confident and alert. Remind yourself that you are well-prepared. If you become anxious, take several slow, deep breaths to relax.

Focus on the task

Listen to the test proctor attentively. Politely ask for clarification if the proctor's instructions are unclear. Read and follow the test directions carefully. This may be obvious, but taking time to do this will help you avoid careless errors. If there is time, quickly look through the test for an overview. Note key terms, jot down brief notes. Read and understand the entire question and all possible answers. Do not assume information that is not expressly given. In otherwords, see the question at face value, independent of the rest of the test.

Pay close attention to negatives, qualifiers, absolutes, and long questions. Negatives can be confusing. If the question contains negatives, as "no, not, cannot," drop the negative and read what remains. Decide whether that sentence is true or false. If it is true, its opposite, or negative, is usually false. Qualifiers are words that restrict or open up general statements. Words like "sometimes, often, frequently, ordinarily, generally" open up the possibilities of making accurate statements. Absolute words restrict possibilities. "No, never, none, always, every, entirely, only" imply the statement must be completely true all of the time.

Do not ponder one question for too long. Write down the question number on your scrap paper and go back to it when you are done with the other questions. If you have to guess, make sure you eliminate answer choices that you know are wrong before you guess.

When in doubt, always remember the ABCs—in that order ... airway, breathing, circulation.

Pause for review

Resist the urge to leave as soon as you have completed all the questions. If you left some questions unanswered, go back to them. Then review your test to make sure that you have answered all questions and to clean up any stray marks you made. Do not "second-guess" yourself and change your original answers. Research indicates that your first hunch is more likely to be correct. You should only change answers to questions if you originally misread them or if you have encountered information elsewhere in the test that indicates with certainty that your first choice is incorrect.

Just in case

If you feel there is a chance you did not pass, make a list of the subject areas that tripped you up and study them.

Good luck!

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Posted 06.19.04

"You may be an idiot, but try not to be stupid."
—Forrest Gump