National Registry (NREMT)   Examination Process for Michigan

There is a large amount of information covered in the NREMT brochures for each level of certification. Please review these carefully. The NREMT also has a web site that will provide answers to many questions (www.nremt.org).

Candidates who successfully complete the NREMT written and practical examinations may apply for Michigan licensure. Any applicant who previously applied to Michigan for examination and licensure will have their licensure fee held, remaining valid for one year. Those candidates who were previously unsuccessful on the Michigan EMS examinations may apply for NREMT examinations.  If a candidate needs a temporary license, they may make application for licensure prior to completing the exam process.

The NREMT exams are developed from the National Standard Curricula and the Job Practice Analysis.  Michigan curricula currently meet or exceed the national curricula.   Michigan will continue to use its own MFR, EMT and Specialist curricula for now.  The Michigan Paramedic curriculum will be based on the updated Paramedic National Standard Curriculum, with mandatory implementation in September of 2002.   

The NREMT exams will also reflect the updated American Heart Association standards.

Basic EMT Skill sheets will not change except for the addition of medical scenarios in the Patient Management Station. Specialist and Paramedic examination skill sheets may be found in most advanced level textbooks, the NREMT Performance Standards for Advanced Level Candidates brochure, or they can be downloaded from the NREMT web site. 

The Basic EMT candidates will take the Michigan EMT practical exam before they take their written exam.  The Regional Coordinator then signs off on the practical exam verification on page 1 of the NREMT application.  The exams will usually be the same day, or two sequential days. EMT candidates will not take the written exam if they fail the practical.  Specialist and Paramedic candidates will take their written and practical exam either on the same day, or on sequential days.

In Lower Michigan, all NREMT applications must be submitted to the SWM Systems office in Kalamazoo.  The advanced level applications are then forwarded to NREMT in Ohio.  The Basic EMT level applications are forwarded by SWM to the Regional Coordinator prior to the exam.  These are then sent into NREMT with the written exam answer sheets.

If necessary, candidates may apply for re-examination as soon as they have received results from NREMT, which takes an average of  2-4 weeks.    See brochure for details. To reserve a space for practical exam re-test, a copy of the practical exam results should be attached to the reservation form. 

Instructors should inform students on all eligibility policies of NREMT.  Questions regarding criminal history and special accommodations for disabled students should be addressed with NREMT prior to application.  Instructors should review the NREMT re-test policies with students prior to beginning the test process.

Since MDCH has decided it cannot continue to cover the cost of the practical examination process, it has become necessary to assess the exam candidate for the fees necessary to support the practical exams.

The exam checklist is provided to assist in the application process.  Please contact the Regional Coordinator with any additional questions.