Nearly 25% of test-takers fail the New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) exam on the first try. If you fail the exam three times, you are required to complete a refresher EMT training course before you can be retested.
Training for your EMT exam can be challenging‒after all, you aren’t required to have a background in medical knowledge or training before taking your EMT certification course. This medical jargon and understanding how to use the ambulance equipment can be confusing.
Luckily, there’s no limit on how many times you can take the New York State written exam. However, you may need to wait certain periods of time between tests and provide documentation that shows you’ve taken a refresher course or retaken your EMT certification course.
So, what score do you need to pass the New York State EMT exam? Whether you’re testing for a standard EMT certification or the EMT-Critical Care certification, you need a score of 70% or higher to pass.
In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about what happens if you fail the exam, how it all adds up, and how you can increase your chances of passing on the first try!
Failing the Exam
Nobody wants to fail the exam, but it happens. Life gets in the way, and you can’t study as much as you’d like, or your study materials just don’t cut it. Whatever lemons life throws at you, here’s what you can expect when you fail the exam:
- First try: You may be asked to retest on failed stations if you failed just one or two stations. If you fail three or more stations, you must apply to retest at least two days after your last exam.
- Second try: Similar to the first try, you may be asked to retest only certain portions or have to take it again. You will need to successfully complete a refresher course prior to being admitted to your next certification exam.
- Third try and beyond: With every failed exam, you will need to provide documented proof you have successfully taken a state-approved refresher or completed an EMT certification course.
When you take refresher courses, make sure they are from a state-approved (accredited) organization–otherwise, you may be denied entry to the exam and EMT certification.
Cost of EMT Courses
The average cost of an EMT course in New York ranges between $1,500 to $2,000. Online refresher courses can range from $100 to $300, not including reinstatement fees and recertification fees. These costs can add up, so you want your courses to count!
Are Accelerated Courses the Way to Go?
Some state-approved courses are offered on an accelerated timeline, where they fit all of the hours and content required for an EMT certification course into just a few weeks. However, these courses might not be the best fit if you’re struggling to pass the exam.
If you choose an accelerated course to bring you up to speed, you need to dedicate all of your free time to the course, reviewing the materials and preparing for the exam.
How to Pass the Exam With Our Video Vault
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