National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Announces Updates to Basic Life Support Certification Examinations

December 11, 2024
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Announces Updates to Basic Life Support Certification Examinations
Columbus, Ohio – The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) today announced the forthcoming launch of updated Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Examinations for Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), effective April 7, 2025. This update marks a significant advancement in ensuring that the certification process aligns with the current skills and knowledge required of today’s emergency medical services (EMS) professionals. 

Key Updates to the BLS Certification Examinations 
The National Registry conducted an extensive BLS practice analysis to ensure the new examination blueprint reflects the evolving landscape of EMS practice. Notable updates include: 
  • Modernized Examination Domains: 
    • Scene Size-Up and Safety 
    • Primary Assessment 
    • Secondary Assessment 
    • Patient Treatment and Transport 
    • Operations 
  • Revised Content: The content has been updated to better align with the real-world tasks performed by EMRs and EMTs, based on insights from subject matter experts (SMEs).  
  • No Cost Increase: Examination fees remain unchanged. 
  • Familiar Testing Format: The computer adaptive examinations will continue to be delivered via Pearson VUE testing centers or OnVUE remote proctoring. 
Stay Informed 
For more detailed information about the upcoming updates, the following resources are available: 

Why These Updates Matter 
These changes ensure that the certification examinations remain relevant and reflective of the competencies necessary for safe and effective EMS practice. The updates are the result of extensive collaboration with EMS professionals, including ride-alongs, event reviews, observational studies, surveys, and interviews. This evidence-based approach underscores the National Registry's commitment to maintaining rigorous and up-to-date certification standards for the EMS community. 

Media Contact:
Shane Cartmill
Public Relations and Media Manager    
scartmill@nremt.org
 

About the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians 

The National Registry, established in 1970 as a non-profit organization, is the Nation’s Emergency Medical Services Certification organization. The National Registry is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. The National Registry maintains NCCA accreditation for each of the four certification programs: Emergency Medical Responder (NREMR), Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (NRAEMT), and Paramedic (NRP). Credentialing protects the public, assures consumers that professionals have met standards of practice, advances the EMS profession, and establishes standards of professional knowledge, skills, and practice. Additional information is available at NREMT.org and LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, and X