EMT Exams in South Carolina

If a candidate wants to appear for the EMT exams in South Carolina, he/she will be required to take Emergency Medical Technician program from a state-approved college. These examinations are held by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. The NREMT is a non-profit agency, which aims to certify all the eligible candidates of the state, so that they can provide pre-hospital care to the patients.

The EMT exams are divided into two sections- cognitive and psychomotor.

Components of the EMT Exams


Cognitive Exam

This CAT (Computer Adaptive Test) needs to be answered in time duration of 2 hours. It includes the following subject areas:

  • Airway Management
  • Cardiology
  • Ventilation
  • EMS Operations
  • Patient Assessment- Trauma
  • Medical Operations
  • Ventilation

Psychomotor Exam

This is a practical exam where the candidates can bring their own equipments at the site. The practical capability of the EMT aspirants is tested in the psychomotor examination. It covers the below given topics:

  • Bleeding Control/Shock Management
  • Cardiac Arrest Management/AED
  • Traction Splinting
  • Mouth-to-Mask with Supplemental Oxygen
  • Long Bone Fracture Immobilization
  • Spinal Immobilization
  • Patient Management/Assessment
  • Joint Dislocation Immobilization
  • Bag-Valve-Mask Apneic Patient with a Pulse
  • Supplemental Oxygen Administration
  • Upper Airway Adjuncts and Suction

Examination Registration and Scheduling Procedure

The eligibility postcard sent to the eligible students would contain the directions to do the registration, scheduling and payment for the examination. 6 months of authorization period are provided to the aspirants to clear the written exam. If the candidate is unsuccessful in clearing the examination, he/she will be provided 2 more opportunities to pass the exam, but in the authorization period of 6 months.

The fee payment should be done at the time of the registration itself. The candidate must ensure that the registration form is properly filled and signed, as well as attached with the appropriate amount of fees.

Internet Registration and Scheduling

The internet is the fastest medium available today. Therefore, it is better to do the exam registration and scheduling through the internet. It is important for the candidate to possess a valid MasterCard or VISA. Online registration is accessible 24 hours a day and it can be done through the PSI’s website- www.psiexams.com. The following steps will guide you on how doing the registration via the internet:

  • Sign into the website. Then, choose the link related to the South Carolina examinations. Fill the online registration form and submit it to the website.
  • Once you are done with filling the registration form, you will be provided with the dates and exam centers, which are available for giving the test. You will be required to select the date and location according to your choice.

Telephone Registration and Scheduling

Another reliable way of doing the registration and scheduling is through the telephone. Registration through this method can be done in both business, as well as non-business hours. Live registrars remain available for your help during the business hours, while the registration in non-business hours is done through the Interactive Voice Response system (IVR). Follow the steps given below for doing the telephone registration:

  • The candidate must have a valid MasterCard or VISA for doing telephonic registration.
  • Be ready with all the details, including the credit card number and its expiration date, which are needed at the time of registration.

Fax Registration and Scheduling

In order to do the fax registration, the candidate must obtain a valid VISA or MasterCard. Follow the steps given below for doing the fax registration:

  • Fill the registration form providing the requisite details, like credit card number and expiry date.
  • Send the form via the fax. You can do the fax registration at any time, as this facility is available twenty-four hours a day.
  • If you provide incorrect details in your registration form, you will receive it back for corrections.

Registration and Scheduling via Standard Mail

Standard mail registration is recommended for those candidates, who do not want to reveal their credit card details via the internet or phone. They can pay the examination fee either through cashier’s check or money order. In order to do standard mail registration, trail the steps given below:

  • The applicants must complete the registration form, and submit it to the PSI.
  • You need to attach a money order or cashier’s check with the registration form in order to pay your fees.
  • The cashier’s check or money order must have your pre-printed name on it in order to properly assign the fee.

Important Note: The fees paid in the form of company checks, personal checks, as well as cash will not be accepted.

Cancellation and Rescheduling for the EMT Examination


You can cancel and re-schedule your exam appointment without losing your fee, only if you provide your cancellation notice 2 days prior the scheduled examination date. For example, if your test is scheduled for Wednesday, you need to give the cancellation notice on Monday.

You can reschedule your exam the next day after your last examination, as it takes time in processing and scoring. For instance, if a candidate has attempted a test on Monday and failed in that exam, he/she can apply for a re-test on Tuesday. The re-registration can be done either through mail, internet or phone. The steps would be same for the registration and scheduling, as specified initially.

Missed Appointment or Late Cancellation

In the following cases, the candidate will not be permitted to give the examination on the scheduled date, lose the fee, and the registration will also be considered as invalid:

  • If the candidate reaches late at the examination site after the exam has begun.
  • If the aspirant fails to furnish the proper identification proof at the examination site.
  • If the student does not turn up for the appointed test.
  • If the applicant does not cancel the appointment for the examination two days before the scheduled date.

Reporting to the Examination Site

Reaching 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled exam time will provide you enough time to complete your sign-in and identification verification procedure. It will also provide you time to know the entire process of the examination.

Important Note– If the candidate reaches late, he/she will not be allowed to enter the examination center. He/she will also not be eligible to get a repayment of the fees, in this situation.

The following ID proofs are required at the examination center:

  • The candidate must own a valid government-issued ID, such as a passport, military ID, state ID or a driving license, containing his/her photograph and signature.
  • Also, another identification proof containing the aspirant’s signature and pre-printed legal name must be submitted.
  • Paramedic and Intermediate students must provide their current certification card at the examination center. However, if they don’t possess the certification card, they can either present a reinstatement letter received from the OEMS (Office of Emergency Medical Services).

Before entering into the testing center, you must keep the following things in mind:

  • Electronic devices, like mobile phones, calculators, pagers, etc., are strictly prohibited at the examination site.
  • The candidates cannot bring their children along with them at the exam center.
  • Notes, books, large bags, or backpacks are not permitted.
  • Activities, like drinking, smoking or eating are also not allowed in the test center.
  • Once the candidate has been seated, he/she cannot leave the exam hall. Only if the student wants to use the restroom, he/she would be allowed to leave the examination site on the proctor’s permission.
  • If any aspirant is caught with any kind of unauthorized materials or giving/taking assistance during the examination, he/she would be immediately asked to leave the test site. Any kind of such cases will be reported to the higher authorities, and the candidate will not get the certificate.
  • Copying of the exam content is strictly termed as the breach of security rules, and it might lead to serious consequences, such as legal action against the student. The exam results of the candidate may also be cancelled.

Exam Results

After giving the exam, all the students will receive a performance feedback from the NREMT, which will let them know about the areas where they need to work in order to improve. The unsuccessful applicants can apply for a re-examination after 15 days of the last exam.

Each aspirant is given a total of 6 attempts to clear the examination. After appearing in 3 attempts, the candidate is required to provide official documents proving that he/she has completed 24 hours of remedial program. Then, 3 more attempts are provided to the student in order to clear the examination. If the applicant fails in all the 6 attempts, he/she will be required to pursue the entire EMT course again.

Tips for Preparing for the EMT Exams

  • Practice a lot through online practice tests, sample papers, as well as workbooks.
  • Write down the important points in order to memorize them properly.
  • Purchase a good study guide and learn from it thoroughly.
  • Study in groups. It helps to learn the difficult topics in an easier way.
  • Take hands-on program from the experienced EMTs and Paramedics.
  • Be calm and cool on the day of the examination.

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