NREMT Roadblock – Time to Be Done

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pmdcnomore

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I've been a paramedic for 30 years, NREMT-certified until 2011. Recently, I had a great job opportunity out of state that required me to reinstate my NREMT. After two months of jumping through hoops just to get permission, I’ve now failed the cognitive exam six times—something I’ve never experienced in my entire EMS career.

I’m currently state-certified and actively working in the field. I’ve been a critical care medic, a preceptor, and have handled high-pressure situations most medics will never face. I took refresher courses, studied hard, and prepared as best as possible, yet I still can’t pass this test.

The EMS “shortage” must not be as bad as they claim because experienced medics are being pushed out by unnecessary barriers. NREMT’s own rules state that you must "successfully complete the cognitive exam", which I did in 2006 and six more times in 2024-2025. Nowhere does it say a passing score is required—just that it must be completed. But apparently, "successfully completing" means something different to them.

At this point, I’m convinced NREMT is just a for-profit scam that’s taken $1,000 from me while keeping me from moving forward in my career. I’ve put in three decades of service, and now, because of one flawed test, I can’t take a job that I’m more than qualified for.

I know I’m not the only one who’s gone through this. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any advice on getting past this ridiculous obstacle? Or is this just the new reality of EMS?
 
pmdcnomore said:

​

I've been a paramedic for 30 years, NREMT-certified until 2011. Recently, I had a great job opportunity out of state that required me to reinstate my NREMT. After two months of jumping through hoops just to get permission, I’ve now failed the cognitive exam six times—something I’ve never experienced in my entire EMS career.

I’m currently state-certified and actively working in the field. I’ve been a critical care medic, a preceptor, and have handled high-pressure situations most medics will never face. I took refresher courses, studied hard, and prepared as best as possible, yet I still can’t pass this test.

The EMS “shortage” must not be as bad as they claim because experienced medics are being pushed out by unnecessary barriers. NREMT’s own rules state that you must "successfully complete the cognitive exam", which I did in 2006 and six more times in 2024-2025. Nowhere does it say a passing score is required—just that it must be completed. But apparently, "successfully completing" means something different to them.

At this point, I’m convinced NREMT is just a for-profit scam that’s taken $1,000 from me while keeping me from moving forward in my career. I’ve put in three decades of service, and now, because of one flawed test, I can’t take a job that I’m more than qualified for.

I know I’m not the only one who’s gone through this. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any advice on getting past this ridiculous obstacle? Or is this just the new reality of EMS?
Click to expand...
Successfully complete means a passing score. There is no “scam”.
Would you want an MD who took the Boards but didn’t pass to provide medical care..?
 
I've seen similar posts for a variety of standardized certification exams.

Just because you're struggling to pass the test doesn't make it unfair. Just because there is a shortage of workers doesn't mean they should lower standards.

Ultimately if you want to be certified you'll need to take the test. I'd pour my time and resources into high quality review courses.
 
pmdcnomore said:

​

I've been a paramedic for 30 years, NREMT-certified until 2011. Recently, I had a great job opportunity out of state that required me to reinstate my NREMT. After two months of jumping through hoops just to get permission, I’ve now failed the cognitive exam six times—something I’ve never experienced in my entire EMS career.

I’m currently state-certified and actively working in the field. I’ve been a critical care medic, a preceptor, and have handled high-pressure situations most medics will never face. I took refresher courses, studied hard, and prepared as best as possible, yet I still can’t pass this test.

The EMS “shortage” must not be as bad as they claim because experienced medics are being pushed out by unnecessary barriers. NREMT’s own rules state that you must "successfully complete the cognitive exam", which I did in 2006 and six more times in 2024-2025. Nowhere does it say a passing score is required—just that it must be completed. But apparently, "successfully completing" means something different to them.

At this point, I’m convinced NREMT is just a for-profit scam that’s taken $1,000 from me while keeping me from moving forward in my career. I’ve put in three decades of service, and now, because of one flawed test, I can’t take a job that I’m more than qualified for.

I know I’m not the only one who’s gone through this. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Any advice on getting past this ridiculous obstacle? Or is this just the new reality of EMS?
Click to expand...
First: as a 30 year medic you really need to get off your high horse with the “I’ve handled high pressure stuff that most medics will never face”. You are not super medic and you are not above any other medic.

Second: successfully complete means pass the test. In order to be successful you must pass it. You can complete the test and fail it which means you were not successful.
 
pmdcnomore said:
I've been a paramedic for 30 years, NREMT-certified until 2011. Recently, I had a great job opportunity out of state that required me to reinstate my NREMT. After two months of jumping through hoops just to get permission, I’ve now failed the cognitive exam six times—something I’ve never experienced in my entire EMS career.
Click to expand...

Might I suggest, if you pass, that you maintain your NRP, instead of letting it lapse.

pmdcnomore said:
At this point, I’m convinced NREMT is just a for-profit scam that’s taken $1,000 from me while keeping me from moving forward in my career.
Click to expand...

Lots of folks will tell you that NREMT is a scam, and not worth the money to maintain.

Just curious, would it have been easier, and cheaper, if you simply had maintained it (NRP), rather than letting it lapse?
 
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