How to Pass the Advanced EMT Test
Tips on How to Pass the Advanced EMT Exam the First Time
An Advanced EMT (AEMT) is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) who has completed advanced training beyond the basic EMT level. AEMTs are authorized to perform advanced medical procedures, such as administering intravenous fluids and medications, interpreting electrocardiograms (ECGs), and using advanced airway management techniques.
To become an Advanced EMT, you must first be certified as a regular EMT, pass an approved AEMT training program, and pass the Advanced EMT exam. This article describes the Advanced EMT exam, why you should take it, what’s on it, and how to study for it.
Click here if you are interested in learning how to become an EMT.
Why Become an Advanced EMT?
An Advanced EMT is an EMT who has completed advanced training beyond the basic EMT level. Becoming an Advanced EMT offers several benefits over a regular EMT, including performing more advanced procedures, using more advanced equipment, more significant career opportunities, and potentially higher pay.
Overall, the role of an AEMT is crucial in the healthcare system, as they provide critical care in emergencies and play a vital role in saving lives and improving patient outcomes.
For many, the role of an AEMT is a rewarding career of a lifetime. There are, however, several similar jobs that EMTs and AEMTs can pursue. Click here to learn about alternative jobs for EMTs and AEMTs.
Click here if you are interested in learning how to become an Advanced EMT.
What is the Advanced EMT Exam?
The Advanced EMT (AEMT) exam tests the knowledge and skills of emergency medical care providers. The exam is typically taken by individuals who have completed an AEMT training program and want to become certified as an AEMT. The exam covers various topics related to emergency medical care, including patient assessment, airway management, medication administration, and medical emergencies. The exam aims to ensure that individuals who provide emergency medical care are competent and knowledgeable in their field.
Why Should You Take The AEMT Exam?
There are several reasons to take the Advanced EMT (AEMT) exam:
- Career advancement: By obtaining AEMT certification, you may be eligible for career advancement opportunities in the field of emergency medical services (EMS). AEMTs have a higher level of training and knowledge than basic EMTs and may be qualified for higher-paying positions, such as lead EMT or Paramedic.
- Increased knowledge and skills: The AEMT curriculum covers a broad range of topics related to emergency medical care. By studying for and taking the AEMT exam, you can expand your knowledge and skills and improve your ability to provide high-quality care to patients in emergency situations.
- Professional development: AEMT certification demonstrates a commitment to professional development and lifelong learning. It can also enhance your credibility and reputation within the field of EMS.
- Personal fulfillment: AEMT certification can provide a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction. You will have completed a rigorous training program and demonstrated your knowledge and skills in emergency medical care.
Becoming an AEMT allows you to gain higher pay and provide higher levels of care to your community, plus you’ll have more opportunities to advance your career.
AEMT Test Format
The Advanced EMT (AEMT) exam is administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). The exam is computer-based and consists of both cognitive (written) and psychomotor (skills) components.
Types of Questions
The Advanced EMT (AEMT) test is a comprehensive exam that covers a wide range of topics related to emergency medical care. It is broken into two components: Cognitive and Psychomotor. Below we’ll detail what each portion entails.
Cognitive Component
The questions are designed to test your knowledge and understanding of a wide range of topics related to emergency medical care, such as patient assessment, pharmacology, airway management, and medical emergencies.
The exam is timed, and you will have two hours and 45 minutes to complete it. It’s also important to note that the exam is adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of the questions will adjust based on your performance. The passing score for the cognitive component of the exam is 70%.
The cognitive component of the AEMT exam consists of 135–150 multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge and understanding of the following content areas:
- Airway and Breathing: Includes topics related to airway management, oxygenation and ventilation, and respiratory emergencies.
- Cardiology: Covers cardiac anatomy and physiology topics, electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation, and managing cardiac emergencies.
- Medical Emergencies: Covers topics related to the assessment and management of medical emergencies, such as endocrine emergencies, allergic reactions, and neurological emergencies.
- Trauma: Questions related to the assessment and management of traumatic injuries, such as head and spinal injuries, fractures, and burns.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology: Topics related to assessing and managing obstetrical and gynecological emergencies.
- EMS Operations: Covers topics related to EMS system operations, such as scene management, communication, and documentation.
- Pharmacology: Topics related to the administration of medications, including drug calculations, routes of administration, and the effects of medications on the body.
Psychomotor Component
The psychomotor component consists of five skill stations, each focusing on a specific area of emergency medical care. The skills stations typically include patient assessment and management, cardiac arrest management, airway management, intravenous therapy, and medication administration.
You will be given a maximum of ten minutes to complete each station, and you must successfully complete all stations to pass the exam. The exam is scored on a pass/fail basis, and you will receive your results immediately after completing the exam.
The psychomotor component of the AEMT exam assesses your practical skills and is conducted in person at an approved testing center. The following procedures are covered in the psychomotor part of the exam:
- Patient Assessment and Management: This procedure assesses your ability to assess and manage patients with various medical and traumatic emergencies.
- Cardiac Arrest Management: This procedure assesses your ability to manage patients with cardiac arrest, including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
- Airway Management: This procedure assesses your ability to manage a patient’s airway, including performing various airway management techniques and using airway adjuncts.
- Intravenous Therapy: This procedure assesses your ability to start an intravenous (IV) line and administer medications via the IV route.
- Medication Administration: This procedure assesses your ability to administer medications via various routes, including oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and inhalation.
How Long is the AEMT Test?
The Advanced EMT (AEMT) test consists of both a cognitive component and a psychomotor component. The amount of time required to complete the exam depends on the specific component being taken.
Cognitive Component: The cognitive component of the AEMT exam consists of 135–150 multiple-choice questions, and you will have two hours and 45 minutes to complete the exam. The exam is timed, and you will need to manage your time effectively to ensure that you can answer all of the questions within the allotted time.
Psychomotor Component: The psychomotor component of the AEMT exam assesses your practical skills and is conducted in person at an approved testing center. The exam consists of five skills stations, and you will be given a maximum of ten minutes to complete each station. The total time required to complete the psychomotor component of the exam depends on how quickly you can complete each station. Typically, the psychomotor part of the exam takes around two to three hours to complete.
Training and Education Needed to Take the AEMT Exam
To take the Advanced EMT (AEMT) exam, you must first complete an AEMT training program approved by your state or national EMS certification organization. The specific requirements for AEMT training can vary by state or organization, but generally, you will need to meet the following prerequisites:
- Basic EMT certification: You must be a certified EMT to enroll in an AEMT training program. Basic EMT certification involves completing a state-approved EMT training program and passing a certification exam.
- Basic life support (BLS) certification: You must hold current BLS certification, which includes training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic airway management.
Once you meet these prerequisites, you can enroll in an AEMT training program, which typically takes several months to complete. The program will cover advanced topics in emergency medical care, including advanced airway management, IV therapy, and medication administration. You will also receive hands-on training in these procedures and complete clinical rotations and field internships to gain practical experience.
After completing your AEMT training program, you will be qualified to take the AEMT certification exam.
Sample AEMT Test Questions & Answers
There are a number of study materials available that include sample multiple-choice questions and answers for the Advanced EMT exam. Here are a few examples of the types of questions you might encounter on the exam (answers available at the end of this article):
- What is the maximum dose of epinephrine to be administered to a patient in cardiac arrest?
- A. 0.1 mg
- B. 0.5 mg
- C. 1 mg
- D. 2 mg
- What is the correct procedure for administering a medication via an intravenous (IV) line?
- A. Push the medication quickly into the IV line
- B. Infuse the medication slowly over several minutes
- C. Administer the medication as a bolus injection
- D. Mix the medication with other IV fluids before administering
- What is the correct position for a patient with suspected spinal injuries?
- A. Supine
- B. Prone
- C. Lateral recumbent
- D. Fowler’s position
- What is the proper technique for performing a nasopharyngeal airway insertion?
- A. Insert the airway with the bevel facing the septum
- B. Insert the airway with the bevel facing the roof of the mouth
- C. Insert the airway with the bevel facing the floor of the nose
- D. Insert the airway with the bevel facing the back of the throat
These are only examples and may not accurately represent the actual questions on the AEMT exam. To ensure that you are fully prepared for the exam, use various study materials and practice exams from reputable sources.
How many questions are on the Advanced EMT Exam?
The number of questions on the AEMT exam can vary depending on the testing organization and the format. The NREMT AEMT exam, one of the most commonly used exams, consists of 135 to 150 questions. However, 15 of those questions are not scored and are used for research purposes. The actual number of scored questions can vary between 120 to 135 questions.
How long is the Advanced EMT Exam?
The length of the Advanced EMT exam may vary depending on the specific testing organization or jurisdiction. Typically, the exam is timed and can range from 2 to 4 hours. It is essential to check with the specific testing organization or jurisdiction for more accurate and up-to-date information on the exam length.
How to Prepare for the AEMT Test
Preparing for the Advanced EMT (AEMT) exam can be challenging, but there are several tips and strategies you can use to increase your chances of passing:
- Develop a study plan: Create a schedule that includes regular study sessions leading up to the exam. Use study materials, such as textbooks, practice exams, and online resources, to guide your study sessions.
- Focus on your weaknesses: Identify areas where you need improvement and focus your study efforts on those areas. Spend extra time studying topics or procedures that you find challenging.
- Take practice exams: Taking practice exams can help you identify areas where you need improvement and get a sense of what questions will be on the exam. Practice exams can also help you develop test-taking strategies, such as time management and question prioritization.
- Attend review courses: Consider attending an AEMT review course to reinforce your knowledge and skills and get additional practice with the exam format.
- Utilize study groups: Join a study group with other AEMT candidates to review material, discuss challenging topics, and quiz each other on exam content.
- Get plenty of rest and eat well: Before the exam, prioritize getting enough rest and eating well to ensure you are physically and mentally prepared to take the test.
- Stay calm and focused during the exam: Try to stay calm and focused, and read each question carefully before answering. Use your test-taking strategies, such as prioritizing questions and managing your time, to ensure you have enough time to answer all the questions.
Following these tips and strategies can increase your chances of passing the AEMT exam and obtaining your certification.
What’s the Passing Score for the AEMT Exam?
The passing score for the Advanced EMT exam varies depending on the state or organization administering the test. In general, the passing score is typically around 70–75%. However, it is essential to check with your state or organization to confirm their specific passing score requirements.
Is the Advanced EMT Exam Hard?
The difficulty level of the Advanced EMT exam can vary depending on an individual’s level of preparation and knowledge. The exam covers a broad range of topics related to emergency medical services and requires a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
That being said, with proper study habits, a strong understanding of the material, and consistent practice, passing the exam on your first try is possible. The passing score for the Advanced EMT exam is typically set at 75% or higher, so it is important to strive for a thorough understanding of the material to achieve a passing score.
How Much Does it Cost to Take the Advanced EMT Exam?
The cost of taking the Advanced EMT (AEMT) exam can vary depending on the state or organization offering the exam. Generally, the AEMT exam fees range from $100 to $300. It is best to check with your state EMS agency or the NREMT to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on the cost of the AEMT exam.
How and Where to Register for the AEMT Exam
To register for the AEMT test, you will need to create an account on the NREMT website, complete the application, pay the registration fee, and schedule your exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Start Your Career as an Advanced EMT
Passing the AEMT certification exam is an important step in becoming a certified AEMT and advancing in the emergency medical services (EMS) field. Individuals who pass the exam will be recognized as certified AEMTs and will be able to provide advanced emergency medical care to patients.
To start your career as an Advanced EMT, you must first become certified as an EMT-Basic. One of the best EMT training programs in the country is offered by Unitek EMT. Our instructors are experienced leaders in their fields, and our real-world training scenarios are ideal for aspiring EMT professionals. We offer various training options to fit within your working schedule, including an accelerated EMT Boot Camp to get you mission-ready and certified fast.
Answers To Sample AEMT Test Questions:
1:C, 2:B, 3:A, 4:B
