Passing The National Registries Computer Based Test
There are two keys to success when considering how to take and pass the Computer Based Test:
- Know the material
- Know how to read and answer the questions
Know the Material
Students often think that they should go back through and study the entire book. This rarely helps as students typically end up studying the early chapters thoroughly and then get bored and skim the rest. It is almost impossible to re-learn an entire textbook! Practical Tips:
- Review the key margin notes provided by the author. In the Mistovich EMT-Basic text, these are called "Key Points" and "Key Terms".
- Go to the end of each chapter and use the “In Review” or “Chapter Summary” sections in conjunction with the “Critical Thinking” or “Review” questions. These questions force you to think about the big concepts of the chapter in a logical, condensed manner. If you do not know the answer you can then look back at the chapter.
- Review your class notes and class slides. Try rewriting your notes or having a friend quiz you challenging sections.
- Commonly overlooked subjects that may appear on the CBT include the current AHA Basic Life Support (CPR) guidelines and EMS Operations.
- Caution: Be careful when considering “Street EMS” skills which you may have developed. The information presented in class and the EMT textbook is based upon the correct answers expected by the National Registry.
Know How to Read and Answer the Questions
The National Registries Computer Based Test is very challenging! Utilizing good test taking strategies will help you to demonstrate your knowledge.
Practice Sample Questions:
We recommend: Success for the EMT-Basic by Joseph Mistovich
This book contains over 1000 questions that are exactly like the NREMT test questions. This book helps students learn how to read the questions (as well as testing their knowledge of the material). Every section contains questions and (more importantly) the answers and rationales to the questions.
Additional Test Taking Tips:
- Begin studying for the test weeks in advance! Review the study tips in the section above.
- Eat a full meal the day of the exam. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of caffeine as this can lead to “exam jitters.”
- Avoid cramming the night before the test. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep instead.
- Review the directions to the exam location the day before. Make sure you know how to find the testing site. If you are late to the exam you will not be allowed to test!
- Go to the bathroom before beginning the test. You cannot leave the testing location during the test.
While taking the test:
- Eliminate possible answers that you know to be incorrect first. This will allow you to focus your attention on those few answers that are most likely to be correct.
- When there are multiple answers that seem very similar consider: What is the difference between these two choices? Which answer is more correct?
- Pay close attention to words such as: every, only, always, seldom, never, except, most appropriate, etc.
- You cannot skip a question and go back to it later! Answer each question as it is presented and then move on.
Good luck!
After the Exam:
- The exam will end abruptly after 160 or fewer questions.
- Being cut off before 160 questions does not mean that you did poorly!
- Exam results can be viewed on the National Registry website usually within two business days.
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