EMT Exams in Illinois

EMTs are Emergency Medical Technicians, who are trained and skilled to provide relief and aid in the various cases of casualties, like any injuries, accidents, traumas, or any other medical conditions. In order to become a qualified EMT, an aspirant is supposed to undergo the program program, and post that, is required to take up the EMT exams and clear them successfully to obtain a national certificate and license. These exams are conducted by an organization, called the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician, which takes care of the course, exams and results of all the aspirants.

Components of the EMT Exams

Cognitive Exam

The cognitive examination is a computer-based test, in which, each candidate is given 2 hours, and is supposed to complete 70-120 multiple-choice questions. It aims to test the aspirant’s proficiency in various fields of the emergency care, like airway, respiration, ventilation, cardiology, gynecology, obstetrics, and all other kinds of EMS services.

Besides, there are also a few special considerations in the topics, such as abuse and assault, geriatrics, treating physically challenged people, etc.

Psychomotor Exam

This section of the EMT exam aims to test the knowledge and prowess of all the aspirants in various areas. It includes a wide variety of topics, such as assessment/management of the medical patient, assessment/management of traumatic patients, bleeding control, traction splinting, immobilization of long bone fracture, immobilization of spinal bone, bag-valve-management of an apneic patient, administration of oxygen to the breathing patient, oxygen administration to an unconscious patient, etc.

Registration and Scheduling for the EMT Exams

When the candidate completes his/her EMT coursework and wants to head further to become a qualified EMT, he/she is supposed to take up and pass the NREMT examination. As the authorities find the student eligible for appearing in the test, they will notify him/her through an eligibility postcard letter. After that, the candidate can get registered via a number of available methods, like the internet, telephone, standard mail, and fax.

Registration and Scheduling via Fax

In this mode of registration, you are required to have a valid Master/Visa card, and need to fill up the credit card number and its expiration date. While you fill up the registration form, make sure that the information entered by you is absolutely correct and authentic, else; the form will be returned back to you for corrections. You need to resend it after making the necessary amendments, which will take more time to complete your registration.

Registration and Scheduling via Internet

It is the fastest of all the methods to get registered for the EMT exams in the state of Illinois. You are supposed to have a valid Master/Visa card, and provide its number and expiration date on the form. As you complete the registration and send it, you will be taken to a screen where you can choose the desired test center and date.

Registration and Scheduling via Telephone

Next to the internet, it is the fastest way of registration. Through this method, aspirants can enroll themselves during the non-business hours as well, by calling through Interactive Voice Response System (IVR). For registering this method also, candidates need to have a valid credit card.

Registration and Scheduling via Standard Mail

This method of registration is meant for those, who do not want to open up their credit card details and other such type of confidential information to anyone. In this registration method, the payment mode is either a banker’s check or money order. You can fill the registration form find in the local bulletin and send it to the respective address along with a check or money order. As you draw a check or money order, make sure that your name is clearly written over it to ensure the proper assignment of your test fee.

Cancellation and Rescheduling of the EMT Exams

If the candidate doesn’t want to take up the EMT exam on the scheduled date, he /she can get it cancelled with no issues. However, it has to be brought in the notice of the authorities minimum 2 days before the scheduled examination, else; the registration of the candidate will be considered invalid, and moreover, he/she will not be refunded any fee.

One can also reschedule the examination, but not on the same day, on which, you have made the cancellation. The rescheduling can be done either on the next day or the day after. It is due to the scoring and reporting process. For instance, if your test is scheduled on Thursday and you want to reschedule it, you can do it either on Friday or Saturday subject to the availability of the seats at the preferred location.

Late Cancellation or Missed Appointment

If the candidate does not inform about his/her absence according to the norms, his/her appointment will be considered as ‘missed’, and in this circumstance, no fee will be refunded. Moreover, his registration may also be put at stake and get cancelled. Besides, there are also a few other cases, in which, the candidate’s fee will be forfeited, like:

The student doesn’t turn up for the exams, and not even notify his absence.
The exam has already been started before the arrival of the candidate. In other words, he/she reaches late at the testing center.
The aspirant arrives on time, but fails to furnish the valid form of identification.

Reporting to the Examination Site

It is mandatory for all the candidates to report to the examination site at least ½ hour before the scheduled examination time. This allows the applicants to complete their sign-in process and also get familiarized with the exam center. You are supposed to show at least 2 forms of identity proofs. One of them may be a passport, driving license, state ID card or any other identity card issued by the government. It should compulsorily contain your recent photograph and signature on it. The second identification form must have your pre-printed name on it. No student ID cards and employment cards will be entertained and considered as genuine in any case.

Besides identity proofs, all the students of EMT-Intermediates and Paramedics are also required to bring their current certification to the test center. The OEMS- issued reinstatement letter can be presented, in case; the current certification is not available.

Before the exam commences officially, the candidates are asked to sign a bond letter, which states that the candidate will keep the confidentiality of the exams, and in no case, will leak out any information pertaining to the test outside the examination hall. You are also prohibited to carry and bring laptops, cell phones, iPods, iPads, watches, cameras, recorders, camcorders, alarms, reference materials, dictionaries, etc.

Exam Results

In order to clear the EMT exams in the state of Illinois, the applicant is supposed to score a minimum of 80 percent marks. Grades and scores of all the appearing candidates will be analyzed much in detail to make sure that they are published accurately.

The aspirant can view his/her result on a password secured website by entering his/her DOB and social security number. If the candidate wishes to have a hard copy of the result, he/she can print it out directly from the website. Results will not be handed over in person, narrated on the phone or sent through the mail.

The candidate can view his/her results by following the below mentioned steps:

Log into the certification website, and choose the option ‘grade report’ from the options that follow on the screen.
Next, choose the option ‘profession’ from the further options that follow on the screen.
Enter your social security number and birth date.
A screen will pop-up showing the status of your result.

If, unluckily, you fail in the recently appeared examination, you need not worry as you are provided 6 attempts to clear the exam. You can reapply for the next EMT exam, but only after 15 days from the date of the last exam. If you remain unsuccessful in the first 3 attempts, you will have to present an official document proving the completion of 24 hours of remedial program program. Only after submitting the required documents, you will be given three additional attempts. You will have to take the EMT program and appear for the exam afresh, in case, you fail to clear the exam in the provided 6 opportunities.

Tips for Preparing for the EMT Exams

When you start solving the exam, make sure that you answer only what is being asked of you and do not answer to what is not being asked, as it is going to just consume your time.
When you prepare for the EMT exams, make sure that you cover all the topics much in detail. Do not skip any information.
Numerous practice tests are available online. It is highly advised to all the aspirants to solve them so as to get acquainted with your weaknesses.
After knowing your weak areas, work hard to overcome them.
Solve your entire question paper confidently and with no haste or nervousness.
There are a few topics, which are surely going to be there in your exam paper. They are airways and respiration. Make sure that you pay more attention to these topics.
While you solve your exam, do not take too many breaks voluntarily as it is going to be deducted from the time allotted to you for solving the paper.