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What You Need to Know about the Computer Adaptive NREMT Exam As an EMT • You are in a position of extraordinary public trust • Some of your patients will be in very critical condition, and your actions may make the difference between life and death • Your patients do not have the luxury of getting a “second opinion” The certification process… exists for the protection of the public!!! This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills to be entrusted to provide safe and effective emergency care. The Computer Adaptive Test • Is a more fair and accurate evaluation • Provides rapid exam results • Allows you to test where and when you want • Increases the professionalism of EMS Other Certifications Using CBT Computer Based Testing CBT is simply the use of a computer to deliver an examination The Two Types of CBT Linear • Basically a computer version of a paper-andpencil exam • May include some randomization of questions and responses • Common in classroom testing • Generally uses classical testing theory Adaptive (CAT) What is Classical Test Theory • Determining ability based on the assumption that performance on a subset of the domain is generalizable to entire domain • Sources of error – Sample size – Difficulty level of the sample Computer Adaptive Testing • An “adaptive test” presents the candidate with items that will be most informative for measuring ability. • Each test is tailored to the individual candidate. The Two Types of CBT Linear • Basically a computer version of a paper-andpencil exam • May include some randomization of questions and responses • Common in classroom testing • Generally uses classical testing theory Adaptive (CAT) • Each exam is tailored to the ability of the candidate • Each testing experience is unique to the individual being tested • The state-of-the-art in high stakes testing • Generally uses item response theory What is Item Response Theory (IRT)? A statistical way to determine ability based on the fact that the probability you will answer a question correctly is related to your ability and the difficulty of that question. Combining CAT and IRT • Results in test that is MUCH more precise, accurate, and fair • Every question has maximum measurement value • The state-of-the-art in psychometrics Ability Where is Entry-Level Competence? 1 2 3 4 5 6 Ability 7 8 9 10 Ability 10 Ability 8 6 4 2 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Ability 7 8 9 10 An Adaptive Test 10 Ability 8 6 4 2 0 Question The “Perfect Candidate” 10 Ability 8 6 Exam begins 4 2 0 Question The “Perfect Candidate” 10 Evaluation begins Ability 8 6 4 2 0 Question The “Perfect Candidate” 10 Evaluation begins Ability 8 6 4 2 0 Question The Ability Estimate 10 Ability 8 6 4 2 0 Question The Ability Estimate 10 Ability 8 6 4 2 0 Question The Ability Estimate 10 Ability 8 6 Evaluation ends 4 2 0 Question The Candidate Passes!!! We are at least 95% confident that the candidate’s true ability is above the passing standard. An Unsuccessful Candidate 10 Ability 8 6 4 2 0 Question When is the test over? • The computer determines with at least 95% certainty that the candidate’s ability is either above or below the passing standard, OR • The candidate receives a maximum number of items*, OR • The candidate runs-out-of-time*. *=infrequent Computer Adaptive Testing • Every time the candidate answers a question, the computer reestimates his or her ability. • With every additional answer, the ability estimate gets more precise. • Based upon the most recent, revised ability estimate, the computer selects the next item to be presented, such that the candidate will find it challenging. Important concepts • There is no minimum percentage of items correct to pass. • Every candidate will be challenged to the limit of his/her ability. More Fair and Accurate Evaluation • Every candidate is measured against predetermined competency level • CAT combined with IRT, is the most precise method of evaluation – Examination is individualized according to candidate performance – Exam matches question difficulty to candidate ability – Limited question exposure increases validity Results • You will not receive exam results at the test center • In most cases, exam results will be available the next business day on the NREMT website Other Benefits of CBT • Increased testing flexibility • Enhanced exam security • Increased professionalism of EMS Pearson VUE-Access • World’s largest assessments and testing business • Extensive network of – Pearson Professional Centers (PPC) – Pearson VUE Testing Centers (PVTC) • Extensive experience in delivering highstakes computer based tests The Pearson VUE Network • Pearson Professional Centers (PPCs) – Pearson owned and operated test centers – Used in urban areas • Pearson VUE Testing Centers (PVTCs) – Contractual relationship with Pearson VUE – Used to increase access to EMS testing in rural areas Pearson VUE Testing Center Exam Application Fees Level NREMT First Responder Application Fee $ 65.00 NREMT-Basic $ 70.00 NREMT-Intermediate/85/99 $ 100.00 NREMT-Paramedic $ 110.00 The Application Click Here The Application Click Here The Application Click Here Scheduling an exam • Once you are authorized to test you will contact Pearson VUE by phone or internet • You will be provided with a variety of testing options to select from • Days, evenings, and weekends are available. Individual Results • You may check your results on the NREMT website on the next business day • You will be send a hardcopy of results and credentialing materials when you complete the certification process Integration with the Practical Advanced Exams • Candidates may take the psychomotor examination following completion of the didactic and laboratory portions of a program IF permitted by the Program Director AND the State EMS Licensing Agency. • Candidates may take the cognitive examination only after completion of an entire state approved EMS course. Basic Exams • Candidates must complete an entire EMT course prior to taking either part (cognitive or psychomotor) of the EMTBasic examination. • Candidates may take the parts of the examination in any order • the NREMT will not release the results of either until BOTH are completed. Retesting • If you are unsuccessful, you may retest after 14 days. • This waiting period is to provide you with time to study prior to retesting. We wish you success on the NREMT certification process… and in your exciting career helping others in need.