What Happens If I Don't Pass the NREMT?

Simply put... you study more and retest! The NREMT allows three attempts to pass your exam before you have to take a refresher course. After an unsuccessful attempt, you will receive an email containing feedback on your failing score. This will show what areas were above passing, near passing, and below passing. You have to wait 15 days to retest after your last examination before you can reschedule your next test. At EMTprep.com, we receive a lot of emails of students that do not pass their NREMT on the first round, or second round, and sometimes even their third who have come to us to seek help. We know it’s disappointing to not do as well as you hoped or expected. We understand how frustrating it is. We know it’s hard to pick yourself up when you’re down. Trust us, it will be worth it in the end once you pass!

Let’s talk about the test…

What kinds of questions gave you the most trouble? How many questions did you answer before the test shut off? How much time did you spend on it? How did you approach questions when you felt all the answers were right, or just the opposite, when you felt all the answers were wrong?

Realizing what areas on the test you struggled with is step number one in understanding how to better prepare for your next go around. This will take extra studying and time, but with enough push, drive, and dedication this exam is certainly passable. More than anything, we’re proud of you for sticking with it!

How to come back from failing the NREMT

Our biggest suggestion: Write down every question you can remember, or at least the subject, that gave you trouble on the exam. Go into your textbook, find the chapter regarding that subject, and review it until you have a better understanding of exactly what the test was asking. The main thing is to focus on those weak areas so when you test again, you’re more than ready. The good news is that the next attempt is almost always successful if you’re able to study just a little more.

When we tell people to go through their textbook, study guides, and EMTprep.com, we're telling them to surround themselves with the material. We feel this technique gives them the best chance at success. It also keeps things interesting as your brain is having to focus on different sources to verify what you believe to be true.

Taking quizzes on EMTprep.com is the best way for you to test how well you can apply your knowledge of the material. These quizzes are designed to mimic the NREMT, giving you the most “real” experience possible. Think about why you chose the answer you did. Did you select the right answer? If not, read through the rationale provided and make links and associations as to why the right answer is correct. This is going to require hours of study time, but once you are fully immersed in the content, we know you'll be successful on your next attempt.

Have you reviewed your practical skill sheets inside and out? The NREMT exam has provided you with a step-by-step guide on how to answer their questions. As you’re studying, try to remember what the best solution is for the situation. On the exam, you want to choose the MOST CORRECT answer. Don't necessarily look to experience in the field to help you answer questions on the test. Simply because something worked with a patient in the field, does not necessarily mean it is the answer the NREMT is looking for. Ask yourself, which of the answers comes first on the NREMT skill sheets. There is a good chance the answer they're looking for is the one that comes first on those skill sheets. KNOW THEM INSIDE AND OUT. 

A side note

Besides knowing and being able to apply the material, you have to know how to take the NREMT. The exam is very tricky, the questions are poorly worded, and you have to learn to take the test as much as you have to know the content within it. 

Most importantly, do not let one set back such as a failed attempt, discourage you! Keep your head up, study hard, and stay dedicated. Put in the hours now so it can pay off when you’re in the testing center. You can do this!