NREMT Exam Costs
The NREMT charges separate fees for each certification level:
- EMT Cognitive Exam: $80 per attempt
- Paramedic Cognitive Exam: $110 per attempt
- AEMT Cognitive Exam: $95 per attempt
These fees are the same for initial certification and retake attempts. Additional costs may include your EMS education program tuition, textbooks, psychomotor skills testing fees (administered by your state, not the NREMT), and background check fees required by some states.
Registration Process
To register for the NREMT cognitive exam:
- Create an account on the NREMT website (nremt.org)
- Verify that your program director has submitted your course completion
- Complete the application, including attestation of training completion
- Pay the exam fee online
- Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) via email
- Schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center
The ATT is valid for a limited period (typically 90 days). If it expires before you test, you must reapply and pay again.
Scheduling at Pearson VUE
After receiving your ATT, schedule your exam at any Pearson VUE testing center nationwide. You can schedule online at pearsonvue.com/nremt or by calling Pearson VUE directly. Test centers are available in most metropolitan areas and many smaller cities. Select a time and location that works best for you.
If you need to reschedule, do so at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid losing your exam fee. Same-day cancellations and no-shows result in forfeiture of the exam fee.
What to Bring on Test Day
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID)
- Your ATT confirmation email (recommended but not always required)
You cannot bring personal items into the testing room: no phones, watches, calculators, bags, jackets, food, drinks, or study materials. Pearson VUE provides lockers for personal belongings. You will receive a whiteboard or scratch paper for notes during the exam.
Retake Policy
If you do not pass on your first attempt:
- First and second retakes: 15-day waiting period
- Third and subsequent retakes: 30-day waiting period
- After three failed attempts: 24-hour remediation course required before the next attempt
- After six failed attempts: Full retraining program required
Each retake requires a new application and fee. The NREMT provides a performance report with each failed attempt showing your competency level in each content area, which should guide your remediation study.
Accommodations
Candidates who need testing accommodations (extended time, separate testing room, assistive technology) should submit a request through the NREMT website with supporting documentation from a qualified professional. Accommodation requests should be submitted early, as they require review and approval before scheduling.