A career as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is as rewarding as it is challenging‒and EMT test preparation is no different. The New York State EMT exam has two parts: the written knowledge exam and the skills (psychomotor) exam. You can take the New York State written exam only two times before you need to take a state-approved (accredited) refresher course and provide documentation to the state before taking the test a third time.
But what happens if you fail the New York State ET exam three times? If you fail the exam a third time, you may be asked to take a refresher or original EMT certification course again and provide documented proof before you take it the third time.
The goal, of course, is to not fail at all. However, life happens and can impact your ability to study or focus during the exam. How long is the New York State EMT test? The standard EMT written test lasts two hours, which may seem like a long time–but it goes by quickly!
Not everyone is a strong test-taker, and failing the exam doesn’t mean you’ll be a lesser EMT. Plenty of EMTs failed their test on their first few tries, but we’re here to help you pass so you can step into your career in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with confidence.
Awaiting Results
If you do not take your written exam at an on-site testing location, you will receive your test results by mail within four to six weeks. The Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) cannot give you your test results over the phone, by fax, or email, so you will need to wait.
Once you receive your results, you may retake the test at least two days after you first took it. If you have failed the exam more than two times, you will need to take the refresher course and provide proof (documentation) that you have done so before your next exam.
How to Prepare for the Exam
Exam fees, refresher courses, and registration fees can add up, and failing the exam makes it harder to jumpstart your career as an EMT. Here are some tips for passing the exam on the first try:
Attend All Classes
You are required to take a state-approved EMT certification course and successfully complete it before you take your exam. Attend every class, pay attention, and take notes. Make special notes for topics or terms that confuse you or you feel uncertain about.
Use a Study Resource
Studying outside of class helps you retain critical information and familiarizes you with more challenging topics. We recommend a study tool that offers wraparound support, including videos, knowledge checks, and access to an exclusive EMS community to help you prepare‒like The Paramedic Coach Video Vault!
Talk to Professionals
While fellow students can help you study, real professionals in the field have already successfully passed the exams. They may have insights and tips to prepare and pass the exam, as well as offer advice that you can take with you throughout your career.
Test Yourself
Don’t spend too much time studying material you already know. Test yourself as you study to see where you really stand on the topics and what you need to study again. Learn your weak spots before the day of the test so you can prepare in advance.
The Video Vault: An All-in-One Study Solution
Our Video Vault is an online resource complete with a library of over 480 videos, practice tests, and access to a community of EMS students and professionals. We break down the topics that leave you scratching your head and explain them in a way that helps you take the exam with confidence.
Ready to pass your EMT exams? Sign up today for lifetime Video Vault access!
