Become a Successful EMT in Arkansas On Your First Attempt!
Becoming an EMT is a fulfilling yet daunting task. You can’t function solely on motivation. Having the right NREMT prep tools is integral to ensure your success. With the myriad of information available both online and offline, how to ensure you’re on the right path? Many candidates don’t fail the NREMT exam because they didn’t study. Rather, the opposite: they didn’t study in the right way.
At How To NREMT, we serve as your guiding platform to prepare for the NREMT cognitive exam. With over 2000+ practice questions and a feedback system that mimics that of the National Registry, we make EMT prep easier and more accessible.
We’re here to guide you through the process, from outlining the eligibility criteria to sharing NREMT practice exam tools. Let’s ensure a successful EMT attempt with How To NREMT!
Step 01
Arkansas State EMT Requirements
Aspiring EMT candidates must meet the following state requirements:
- Meet the minimum age limit criteria, i.e., 18 years old
- Pass the Arkansas-approved EMT course
- Pass the state-approved psychomotor skills test
- Pass the NREMT cognitive exam
- Must have state-approved CPR certification
- Must meet fingerprinting background checks and pass a physical examination
Note: The National Registry no longer requires psychomotor skills.
Step 02
Enroll in an Arkansas-Approved EMT Course
Once you meet the preliminary eligibility criteria, enroll in a state-approved course from a state community college, EMS agency, or a technical school. For more information regarding rules, check out the Arkansas Department of Health. The National Registry receives course completion from the director so you can become eligible for the test.
Step 03
Understand Updated Course Domains & Prepare for NREMT Cognitive Exam
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) recently updated the EMT course, keeping in mind real-time patient care needs. The previous airway and cardiology domains are no longer part of the cognitive test. Candidates taking the NREMT cognitive exam after April 2025 are expected to prepare for the following course domains:
- Scene Size-Up and Safety: This domain focuses on scene assessment to identify any hazards and life threats and ensure safety for everyone, including team members, yourself, and the patient.
- Primary Assessment: This domain covers preliminary assessment, such as ABC (airway, breathing, circulation) and the patient’s level of consciousness.
- Secondary Assessment: This domain covers thoroughly assessing the patient, their history, undertaking a physical exam, and finding any underlying conditions.
- Patient Treatment and Transport: This domain ensures the patient receives necessary interventions, including preparing them for transport, administering their oxygen level, and splinting fractures.
- Operations: This domain involves other EMS operations like maintaining ambulance inventory and communication with dispatch.
Note: Items related to pediatric patient care are integrated throughout all domains.
At How To NREMT, we support candidates looking to prepare for these updated domains. We offer:
- Full 10-step training plan
- 2000+ NREMT exam practice questions
- A feedback system that mimics NREMT’s adaptive scoring method
- AI-bot that serves as your online tutor, answering questions whenever you feel stuck
The NREMT cognitive exam is a computer-adaptive test containing 70-120 questions taken at a Pearson VUE center.
Step 04
Apply for EMT Certification in Arkansas
After passing the NREMT cognitive exam, you become eligible to apply for your EMT license in Arkansas. Here’s the straightforward process:
- Visit the Arkansas EMS Portal
- Submit NREMT exam passing result, course completion evidence, CPR certification, and criminal background check
- Pay the fees
- Wait for your approval and EMT certification from the Arkansas Department of Health
National vs. State Requirements: What You Should Know
| Requirement | National (NREMT) | State (Arkansas) |
|---|---|---|
| EMT Course | Required | Must be Arkansas-approved |
| NREMT Cognitive Exam | Required | Required |
| CPR Certification | Required | Required |
| Background Check | Not required | State required |
| Psychomotor Skills | Not required | State required |
| State Application | Not applicable | Required through the ADH Portal |
The State of Arkansas does require an ALS psychomotor skills exam. However, the National Registry has discontinued the hands-on skills requirement.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.