The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) has 4 EMT certification levels. Each EMT certification has various requirements and allows the person to do different things.
Each certificate builds on the previous one, so your knowledge will continue to increase as you climb the “ladder” of EMT levels. Keep in mind that you do not need to continue earning certifications, you can stay at any level if you wish.
Different EMT Levels
The 4 EMT levels are:
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR): Responsible for administering life-saving support until more qualified medical personnel arrive on the scene. EMRs also help other medical professionals at the scene of an emergency.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Responsible for having the basic knowledge and skills to stabilize a patient and transport them. EMTs provide treatment at the scene and during transport to a hospital.
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT): Responsible for the same role as an EMT, except an AEMT is trained to use more advanced equipment and can administer fluids and some medication.
- Paramedic: Responsible for providing advanced medical care. This is the most advanced EMT level.
We will review each certification in-depth below. Please note that each certification will require you to pass an exam. To prepare, you can take our NREMT practice test.
If you want some additional information on what is on each of these exams, read our NREMT test overview guide.
EMR Certification
This is the entry-level NREMT EMT certification, which provides immediate lifesaving care to critical patients. The primary role of an emergency medical responder (EMR) is to take care of the situation while waiting for additional EMS personnel to arrive on the scene.
Almost all police and fire agencies require their employees to be first responders, a person with specialized emergency medical training. A first responder must have the basic skills and knowledge to perform lifesaving procedures while awaiting additional support from higher-level personnel.
Emergency medical responders provide a key role in the overall EMS system by performing basic interventions (with minimal equipment) under medical oversight.
EMR Certification Process
To apply for the Emergency Medical Responder certificate, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Complete a state-approved Emergency Medical Responder course
- Please note that this course must have been completed within the past two years
- The program director for the course must also verify that you have successfully completed the course on the National Registry website
- Applicants must have a valid CPR-BLS for “Healthcare Provider” or equivalent credential
- Completion and passing of the Emergency Medical Responder Cognitive exam along with completion of the state-approved Psychomotor examination
- The Psychomotor exam is administered by either the state or a state-approved training institution
- After passing each exam, they will remain valid for 24 months
EMT Certification
This is the second level of the NREMT EMT certification, providing Pre-hospital (out of hospital) emergency and transportation care. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are able to use the basic equipment found on an ambulance to assist patients.
Emergency medical technicians play a critical role between the emergency scene and the health care system.
EMT Certification Process
In order to apply for the emergency medical technician certificate, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
- Complete a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician course
- Please note that this course must have been completed within the past two years
- The program director for the course must also verify that you have successfully completed the course on the National Registry website
- Applicants must have a valid CPR-BLS for “Healthcare Provider” or equivalent credential
- Completion and passing of the Emergency Medical Technician Cognitive exam along with completion of the state-approved Psychomotor examination
- The Psychomotor exam is administered by either the state or a state-approved training institution
- After passing each exam, they will remain valid for 24 months
If you want to prepare for this exam, take our free EMT practice test.
AEMT Certification
This is the third level of the NREMT EMT certification. An advanced emergency medical technician also provides pre-hospital emergency and transportation care.
An advanced emergency medical technician can provide limited advanced medical care. This would be the next step for an emergency medical technician who would like to make more money or become a paramedic.
AEMT Certification Process
To apply for the advanced emergency medical technician certificate, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have an NREMT or state license at the EMT level (or higher)
- Complete a state-approved Advanced Emergency Medical Technician course
- Please note that this course must have been completed within the past two years
- Applicants must have a valid CPR-BLS for “Healthcare Provider” or equivalent credential
- Completion and passing of the Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Cognitive exam along with completion of the state-approved Psychomotor examination
- The Psychomotor exam is administered by either the state or a state-approved training institution
- After passing each exam, they will remain valid for 24 months
Paramedic Certification
This is the final level of the NREMT EMT certification. A paramedic has the primary goal of providing advanced emergency medical care to patients. A paramedic has the knowledge and skills to provide patient care and transportation to the appropriate medical facility.
Paramedics can administer a wide range of medications, provide advanced life support, and perform advanced surgical and electrical therapies.
Paramedic Certification Process
To apply for the paramedic certificate, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have an NREMT or state license at the EMT level (or higher)
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited paramedic program
- Please note that this course must have been completed within the past two years
- The program director for the course must also verify that you have successfully completed the course on the National Registry website
- Complete a Psychomotor competency portfolio
- Applicants must have a valid CPR-BLS for “Healthcare Provider” or equivalent credential
- Completion and passing of the paramedic Cognitive exam along with completion of the state-approved Psychomotor examination
- The Psychomotor exam is administered by either the state or a state-approved training institution
- After passing each exam, they will remain valid for 24 months
