Time Period for Valid Examination Results - Policy Revision 1

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai

Establishes that National Registry cognitive and psychomotor examination results remain valid for 24 months for initial certification eligibility across all certification levels. Specifies that passing scores for all examination stations and components must be completed within the same 24-month window and that end-of-month dates define the deadline for result use. Prohibits applying exams beyond 24 months, and sets an effective date for candidates completing courses in November 2018 or later, using prior rules before that date. Provides rationale grounded in research on knowledge decay and aligns the 24-month period with other National Registry timeframes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Intent

Scope

Definitions

Policy

Validity window and deadlines

Restrictions after 24 months

Rationale

Related Policies and Procedures

References

Document History

| | Time Period for Valid Examination Results | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Policy No.: | Revision: 01 | Effective: November 15, 2018 | Page 1 of 2 | Intent The intent of this policy is to establish that National Registry cognitive and psychomotor examination results are considered valid for 24 months. Scope This policy is specific to the eligibility requirements and process to gain initial certification. This applies to all certification levels. Definitions Eligibility requirements: Requirements that must be satisfied for certification to be issued as specified for each certification. Components of the examination: Each identified examination requirement, including cognitive examination and each station of the psychomotor examination. Policy Passing scores on cognitive and psychomotor examinations can be applied to applications for initial certification for up to 24 months from the date of the successful examination. The application and passing scores for all stations and components of the examination must be achieved within this single 24-month period. This applies to all levels of National Registry certifications. All other requirements for eligibility must also be met, including successful completion of all requirements for each respective level of certification within the established time period from course completion. The end of the month will be used as the deadline for use of examination results. For instance, a passing cognitive examination on June 1, 2019 would be valid until June 30, 2021. Exams cannot be applied to an application for initial certification after more than 24 months. Any exam component that is outside of the 24-month period cannot be used for that application. This policy will become effective for candidates with a course completion date of November 2018 or later. The prior 12-month time period for valid examination results applies to courses that end before November 2018, extending the time period after November 2019. Rationale A 24-month time period for valid examination results is consistent with other time periods used by the National Registry, including course completion and duration of certification. This simplifies processes for | | Time Period for Valid Examination Results | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Policy No.: | Revision: 01 | Effective: November 15, 2018 | Page 2 of 2 | registrants, staff and stakeholders. The prior mix of a one-year standard for examination results and a two year standard for course eligibility caused significant confusion among candidates and stakeholders. Research has consistently shown degradation of required knowledge over time. A 2011 study of medical students and physicians showed relatively little degradation in knowledge of basic sciences for the first two years and later degradation was slowed by rehearsal of information. The authors noted,“When rehearsal during the retention interval is controlled for, it appears that little knowledge is lost for 1.5–2 years after it was last used.”(Custers & Ten Cate, 2011) . A 2007 study of the elapsed time of paramedic training completion until taking the examination showed a statistically significant decline in the score on a linear examination of 0 .009% per day. The authors noted,“Based on this model, it would take 17 months before a paramedic’s predicted score would fall below the passing standard.”(Fernandez &, Studnek, 2007) . Both of these published studies support a time frame of 24 months or less to pass the cognitive and, if applicable, psychomotor portions of the National Registry examination. States use an EMS licensure period of two to five years. The 24-month time period for which the examinations are considered valid is a balance of operational needs for a consistent time period with the suggestion of knowledge decay shown by research. Related Policies and Procedures Eligibility for Certification References Custers E. J. & Ten Cate, O. T. (2011) . Very lo

FAQs

How long are National Registry cognitive and psychomotor exam results valid for initial certification?

Exam results are considered valid for 24 months from the date of the successful examination. This applies to initial certification eligibility across all certification levels.

What timing rules apply to all exam components and stations within the 24-month period?

Passing scores on cognitive and psychomotor examinations can be applied for up to 24 months, but the application and passing scores for all stations and components must be achieved within that single 24-month period.

How is the deadline determined for using exam results?

The end of the month is used as the deadline. For example, a passing cognitive exam on June 1, 2019 is valid until June 30, 2021.

Sep 23, 2026

Uploaded by Fahsai