Illinois EMT-Basic Testing and Licensure
General Information

What EMT-Basic does Illinois offer?

Illinois currently offers the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (NREMT-B) exam at various sites throughout the state. The written examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions from tasks identified in the NREMT-B practice analysis and the National Standard EMT-Basic Curriculum.

What do I need to complete before testing?

Eligible candidates for the NREMT-B exam should select a testing site and date by reviewing the test schedule available on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) Web site at www.idph.state.il.us/ems/emt_testing.

Reservations are processed through your EMT lead instructor or the Emergency Medical System (EMS) sponsoring the EMT course/candidate. EMS system instructors must submit a completed student enrollment form for each candidate to the IDPH Division of Emergency Medical Systems office in Springfield no later than 30 days prior to the exam date in order to reserve a spot at the testing site.

The candidate must complete a National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians registration application, which is available online at www.nremt.org//EMTServices/candidate_application.asp?sec=reg.

This application is to be signed by the course instructor, EMS Medical Director, or designee. Please check with your course instructor or EMS system for more details.

What will I need to bring to the testing site?

Exam candidates MUST have the following items in order to test:

A completed NREMT-B registration application with the required information and signatures (may be forwarded to National Registry in advance)

• Transaction Card (yellow testing ticket)
• Photo ID
• A money order or certified check for $20.00 made payable to the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. No cash or personal checks will be accepted (may be forwarded to National Registry in advance).
• Two #2 pencils

Candidates should arrive 30 minutes prior to test time for check-in.

How do I get my Illinois license once I pass the National Registry exam?

After completion of the NREMT-B exam, applications, test fees and answer sheets are sent by the testing site or designee to NREMT for grading. Prior to grading the exam, the NREMT will review each application to confirm all required information is complete and the appropriate fee has been submitted. The NREMT will not grade the exam until all of the required steps have been completed for the application process and testing. Outstanding issues are to be resolved by the applicant and the NREMT. If additional guidance is needed, contact your course instructor or EMS system.

Once your NREMT-B exam has been graded, the results will be sent to you and the IDPH Division of EMS by NREMT. An Illinois EMT-B license will be issued within 30 days from the date of test if you pass the National Registry test with a score of at least 70 percent. Delays in processing your application or test at the NREMT level will extend the time you can expect to receive the license.

Can I work as an EMT in Illinois when I get my NREMT-B recognition?

No. Illinois law requires a State of Illinois EMT-B license issued by IDPH to work as an EMT-B.

What happens if I fail to get a 70 percent on the NREMT-B exam?

Illinois law allows an EMT-B candidate to re-take the EMT exam up to two additional times within one year of the initial test date, for a total of three attempts. If you need to re-take the exam, contact your course instructor or EMS system to register for a testing site and date. The testing schedule for the NREMT-B exam in Illinois is available online at www.idph.state.il.us/ems/emt_testing.