Work

The Adverse Impact of Delay Upon Successfully Completing the National Registry EMT Exam on the First Attempt

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide lifesaving care to sick and injured patients. After completing a state-approved course with cognitive and psychomotor training, EMT certification requires passing the National Registry computer-based adaptive exam. This study examined whether delays in taking the exam are associated with failure and provides context on the EMT role and certification process in the United States. Methodology: Data included pass/fail results from 714 students who completed EMT courses between January 2013 and June 2025 at a large public university in Los Angeles County, California. All courses used similar curricula, equipment, facilities, instructors, and competencies. The study analyzed first-attempt exam outcomes relative to the time elapsed between course completion and testing. Findings: Students who tested within 15– 45 days had comparable pass rates, with the highest success among those testing within 30 days. Passage rates declined significantly after 45 days, and delays beyond 60 days were strongly associated with failure. These results indicate that the best chance of passing occurs when the exam is taken within 1– 45 days of course completion. Originality: This study demonstrates that delaying the National Registry EMT exam increases the likelihood of failure, particularly after 60 days. The findings can guide administrators and instructors in advising students to minimize delays and may inform curriculum adjustments to support long-term knowledge retention. Plain Language Summary: What was the study about? This study looked at how long students wait to take the National Registry EMT exam after finishing their training, and whether that delay affects their chances of passing. Why does it matter? EMTs play a critical role in emergency care. To become certified, they must pass a national exam after completing a state-approved course. Understanding what helps or hurts their chances of passing can improve training and support. What did the researchers do? They analyzed exam results from 714 students who completed EMT courses at a large public university in Los Angeles County between 2013 and 2025. All students had similar training and resources. The key variable was how many days passed between finishing the course and taking the exam. What did they find? Students who took the exam within 15 to 45 days had similar—and generally good—pass rates.The best results were seen in students who tested within 30 days.Students who waited more than 45 days were less likely to pass.The risk of failing was especially high if the delay was over 60 days. Why is this important? The longer students wait, the more likely they are to forget what they learned. These findings suggest that students should take the exam soon after finishing their course, ideally within 30 days. Schools might also consider adjusting their curriculum to help students retain knowledge longer. Keywords: emergency medical technician, certification delay, cognitive assessment, exam timing, student performance, licensure outcomes, educational advising, psychomotor training

Source: Advances in Medical Education and Practice

DOI: 10.2147/amep.s562663

Authors: Peter Kreysa, Linda Martinez, Henry O'Lawrence

Institution: California State University, Long Beach

Language: English

Topic: Emergency Medicine Education and Research

Subfield: Emergency Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,320