What You Need to Know
about the Computer Adaptive
NREMT Exam
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”
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.
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
Other Certifications Using CBT
Computer Based Testing
CBT is simply
the use of a
computer to
deliver an
examination
The Two Types of CBT
Linear
• Basically a computer
version of a paper-andpencil exam
• May include some
randomization of
questions and responses
• Common in classroom
testing
• Generally uses classical
testing theory
Adaptive (CAT)
What is Classical Test Theory
• Determining ability based
on the assumption that
performance on a subset of
the domain is generalizable
to entire domain
• Sources of error
– Sample size
– Difficulty level of the sample
Computer Adaptive Testing
• An “adaptive test”
presents the candidate
with items that will be
most informative for
measuring ability.
• Each test is tailored to the
individual candidate.
The Two Types of CBT
Linear
• Basically a computer
version of a paper-andpencil exam
• May include some
randomization of
questions and responses
• Common in classroom
testing
• Generally uses classical
testing theory
Adaptive (CAT)
• Each exam is tailored to
the ability of the
candidate
• Each testing experience
is unique to the individual
being tested
• The state-of-the-art in
high stakes testing
• Generally uses item
response theory
What is Item Response Theory (IRT)?
A statistical way to
determine ability
based on the fact that
the probability you
will answer a
question correctly is
related to your ability
and the difficulty of
that question.
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
Ability
Where is Entry-Level
Competence?
1
2
3
4
5
6
Ability
7
8
9
10
Ability
10
Ability
8
6
4
2
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Ability
7
8
9
10
An Adaptive Test
10
Ability
8
6
4
2
0
Question
The “Perfect Candidate”
10
Ability
8
6
Exam begins
4
2
0
Question
The “Perfect Candidate”
10
Evaluation begins
Ability
8
6
4
2
0
Question
The “Perfect Candidate”
10
Evaluation begins
Ability
8
6
4
2
0
Question
The Ability Estimate
10
Ability
8
6
4
2
0
Question
The Ability Estimate
10
Ability
8
6
4
2
0
Question
The Ability Estimate
10
Ability
8
6
Evaluation ends
4
2
0
Question
The Candidate Passes!!!
We are at least
95% confident
that the
candidate’s true
ability is above
the passing
standard.
An Unsuccessful Candidate
10
Ability
8
6
4
2
0
Question
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
Computer Adaptive Testing
• Every time the candidate answers
a question, the computer reestimates 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.
Important concepts
• There is no minimum
percentage of items correct to
pass.
• Every candidate will be
challenged to the limit of his/her
ability.
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
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
Other Benefits of CBT
• Increased testing
flexibility
• Enhanced exam
security
• Increased
professionalism of
EMS
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 highstakes computer based tests
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
Pearson VUE Testing Center
Exam Application Fees
Level
NREMT First Responder
Application
Fee
$ 65.00
NREMT-Basic
$ 70.00
NREMT-Intermediate/85/99
$ 100.00
NREMT-Paramedic
$ 110.00
The Application
Click Here
The Application
Click Here
The Application
Click Here
Scheduling an 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.
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
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 EMTBasic 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.
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.
We wish you success on the
NREMT certification process…
and in your
exciting career
helping others
in need.