What You Need to Know about the Computer Adaptive NREMT Exam

1. What You Need to Know about the Computer Adaptive NREMT Exam

2. As an EMT • You are in a position of extraordinary public trust • Some of your patients will be in very critical condition, and your actions may make the difference between life and death • Your patients do not have the luxury of getting a “second opinion”

3. The certification process… exists for the protection of the public!!! This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills to be entrusted to provide safe and effective emergency care.

4. The Computer Adaptive Test • Is a more fair and accurate evaluation • Provides rapid exam results • Allows you to test where and when you want • Increases the professionalism of EMS

5. Computer Adaptive Testing • An “adaptive test” presents you with items that will be most informative for measuring your ability. • Each test is tailored to the individual.

6. What is Item Response Theory (IRT)? • A very precise way to determine ability • Roughly based on the fact that • If you have high ability you have a high likelihood of answering an easy question correctly. • If you have low ability, you have a low likelihood of answering a hard question correctly. • Since questions are targeted right at your ability, the accuracy of the measurement gets very high.

7. Combining CAT and IRT • Results in test that is MUCH more precise, accurate, and fair • Every question has maximum measurement value • The state-of-the-art in psychometrics

8. An Adaptive Test 10 8 6 4 2 0 Ability Question

9. The “Perfect Candidate” 10 8 6 4 2 0 Exam begins Ability Question

10. The “Perfect Candidate” 10 8 6 4 2 0 Evaluation begins Ability Question

11. The “Perfect Candidate” 10 8 6 4 2 0 Evaluation begins Ability Question

12. The Ability Estimate 10 8 6 4 2 0 Ability Question

13. The Ability Estimate 10 8 6 4 2 0 Ability Question

14. When is the test over? • The computer determines with at least 95% certainty that the candidate’s ability is either above or below the passing standard, OR • The candidate receives a maximum number of items*, OR • The candidate runs-out-of-time*. *=infrequent

15. Computer Adaptive Testing • Every time the candidate answers a question, the computer re-estimates his or her ability. • With every additional answer, the ability estimate gets more precise. • Based upon the most recent, revised ability estimate, the computer selects the next item to be presented, such that the candidate will find it challenging.

16. Important concepts • There is no minimum percentage of items correct to pass. • You will be challenged to the limit of your ability.

17. More Fair and Accurate Evaluation • Every candidate is measured against predetermined competency level • CAT combined with IRT, is the most precise method of evaluation • Examination is individualized according to candidate performance • Exam matches question difficulty to candidate ability • Limited question exposure increases validity

18. Results • You will not receive exam results at the test center • In most cases, exam results will be available the next business day on the NREMT website

19. Pearson VUE-Access • World’s largest assessments and testing business • Extensive network of • Pearson Professional Centers (PPC) • Pearson VUE Testing Centers (PVTC) • Extensive experience in delivering high-stakes computer based tests

20. The Pearson VUE Network • Pearson Professional Centers (PPCs) • Pearson owned and operated test centers • Used in urban areas • Pearson VUE Testing Centers (PVTCs) • Contractual relationship with Pearson VUE • Used to increase access to EMS testing in rural areas

21. Pearson VUE Testing Center

22. Exam Application Fees

23. The Application Click Here

24. The Application Click Here

25. The Application Click Here

26. Scheduling your exam • Once you are authorized to test you will contact Pearson VUE by phone or internet • You will be provided with a variety of testing options to select from • Days, evenings, and weekends are available.

27. Individual Results • You may check your results on the NREMT website on the next business day • You will be send a hardcopy of results and credentialing materials when you complete the certification process

28. Integration with the Practical Advanced Exams • Candidates may take the psychomotor examination following completion of the didactic and laboratory portions of a program IF permitted by the Program Director AND the State EMS Licensing Agency. • Candidates may take the cognitive examination only after completion of an entire state approved EMS course. Basic Exams • Candidates must complete an entire EMT course prior to taking either part (cognitive or psychomotor) of the EMT-Basic examination. • Candidates may take the parts of the examination in any order • the NREMT will not release the results of either until BOTH are completed.

29. Retesting • If you are unsuccessful, you may retest after 14 days. • This waiting period is to provide you with time to study prior to retesting.

30. We wish you success on the NREMT certification process… and in your exciting career helping others in need.