Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), Physician Assistants (PAs) and Military Corpsmen can request to challenge the EMT certification exam.
Candidates seeking to challenge the EMT exam must complete an online application and submit digital copies of EMS credentials to the Division of Accreditation, Certification & Education of the Office of EMS.
The Examination Process
Once you have gained eligibility, you will need to complete the following items:
- Register for and complete Virginia's Psychomotor Competency Verification. Click here to see a list of entities conducting competency verification exams.
- Register to take the National Registry EMT’s cognitive examination at a Pearson VUE Testing Center. National Registry will offer you up to six (6) opportunities to pass the cognitive examination however, after three unsuccessful attempts you would be required to do 20 hours of remedial education.
EMT Challenge Application Process
You will be required to have the following documentation in a digital format in order to make your application for challenge. A current:
- Copy of your military medic card/nursing license/PA or NP license/medical license
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) card
- Driver's license or U.S. Passport
Approval Process
- Upon making application for challenge the Office of EMS will assign the applicant an alpha-numeric Virginia EMS number.
- You CANNOT begin earning CE until you have received notification that your Application for Challenge has been approved.
- Once this approval e- mail is received, the applicant can begin acquiring the required 40 hours using the assigned number (with the letter B in front of the number) to submit the training hours to our office.
- After completion of the 40 hours and being notified of testing eligibility.
- Once you have gained eligibility, you will need to complete the following items in order:
- Register for and complete Virginia’s Psychomotor Competency Verification.
- Register to take the National Registry EMT’s cognitive examination at a Pearson VUE Testing Center. National Registry will offer you up to six (6) opportunities to pass the cognitive examination however, after three unsuccessful attempts you would be required to do 20 hours of remedial education.
Please do not begin the online application process until you have gathered all the necessary documentation in order to prevent your application from timing out. A Quick Guide for How to Apply can be found by clicking here.
For questions about reciprocity email Ms. Toni Twyman (toni.twyman@vdh.virginia.gov).
