National Registry Announces Launch of Updated BLS Certification Examinations

Source: National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

COLUMBUS, OH—The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (National Registry) has announced that the updated Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Examinations for emergency medical responders (EMR) and emergency medical technicians (EMT) went live Monday, April 7, 2025. Following a planned first week of implementation, the National Registry is now excited to share the news and highlight the improvements that ensure the certification process reflects the current skills and knowledge required of today’s emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians.

Key Updates to the BLS Certification Examinations

The National Registry conducted an extensive BLS practice analysis to ensure the new examination blueprint reflects the evolving landscape of EMS practice. Notable updates include:

• Modernized Examination Domains:
  • Scene Size-Up and Safety
  • Primary Assessment
  • Secondary Assessment
  • Patient Treatment and Transport
  • Operations

• Revised Content: The content has been updated to better align with the real-world tasks performed by EMRs and EMTs, based on insights from industry-based subject matter experts (SMEs).
• No Cost Increase: Examination fees remain unchanged.
• Familiar Testing Format: The computer adaptive examinations will continue to be delivered via Pearson VUE testing centers or OnVUE remote proctoring.

"Ensuring that EMS professionals are equipped with the most current knowledge and skills is critical to public safety and effective patient care," said Bill Seifarth, Executive Director of the National Registry. "These updated examinations reflect the latest advancements in emergency medical practice, reinforcing our commitment to setting a high standard for EMS certification."

Stay informed for more detailed information about the updates. The following resources are available:

• Web: Visit the newly updated BLS examinations page at nremt.org for comprehensive details, frequently asked questions, and a summary of the practice analysis. 
• Podcast: Listen to the Registry Insider podcast/vodcast, where experts discuss the updates and their implications for those preparing for the EMR or EMT certification examination.
• Webinars: Two comprehensive webinars from the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) and the National Registry are available to watch on demand. 

Why These Updates Matter 

These changes are important to ensure that the certification examinations remain relevant and reflective of the competencies necessary for safe and effective EMS practice. The updates are the result of extensive collaboration with EMS professionals, including ride-alongs, event reviews, observational studies, validation surveys, and interviews. This evidence-based approach underscores the National Registry's commitment to maintaining rigorous and up-to-date certification standards for the EMS community.

About the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians 

The National Registry, established in 1970 as a nonprofit organization, is the nation’s emergency medical services certification organization. The National Registry is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. The National Registry maintains NCCA accreditation for each of the four certification programs: Emergency Medical Responder (NREMR), Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (NRAEMT), and Paramedic (NRP). Credentialing protects the public, assures consumers that professionals have met standards of practice, advances the EMS profession, and establishes standards of professional knowledge, skills, and practice. Additional information is available at NREMT.org and LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit.