A new BLS Psychomotor Skill Verification Process for Legal Recognition, Reentry & Challenge Candidates issued by the Office of EMS began on January 1, 2023. Candidates will need to have their psychomotor competency verified by an Education Coordinator who is affiliated with a fire-based EMS system, accredited training program, or Regional EMS Council.
Legal
Recognition & Reciprocity
An individual possessing current EMS certification from the National Registry or ANY state or U.S. territory who seeks certification specifically at the EMT level in Virginia.
Reentry
A span of two years during which a provider, whose certification in Virginia has expired, can fulfill any outstanding continuing education requirements and undergo testing to restore their certification.
Challenge
Upon the completion of all prerequisites, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), Physician Associates (PAs), and Military Corpsmen are eligible to take the EMT exam.
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- The Process
- Location and Directions
- Testing Dates
- Testing Personnel
- Scenario Information
- Equipment Information
- Testing Attempts
- Documents & Forms
- FAQs
The Process
The process of registering for and taking the psychomotor exam begins with candidates identifying the appropriate pathway based on the categories mentioned above, each of which comes with specific prerequisites that might need to be fulfilled before taking the exam.
- To initiate the process, candidates are required to register and pay the $125.00 fee for the exam using the button below
- On the day of the exam, candidates are advised to arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of the scheduled time.
- During the exam, candidates will participate in two scenarios, each lasting approximately 15 minutes.
Following the completion of the exam, candidates can expect to receive an email containing their exam results within five (5) business days from the Virginia Office of EMS.
Location and Directions
Testing for the BLS Psychomotor Examination will occur at the ODEMSA office at:
7818 E Parham Road
Suite 911 (Basement)
Henrico, VA 23294
Our office is located in the basement of the VCU Health multi-story building at the intersection of Parham Road and Broad Street.
Parking Info:
Visitor and handicapped parking is available at the front of the building, while additional guest parking and employee parking are located in the rear. There is no cost for parking.
Accessing the Office
To reach our office, enter through the main lobby and take the elevators to the basement. Follow the signs to the main entrance of the ODEMSA office. If the door is not propped open, you may walk in—no need to knock.
Testing Dates
All tests start at 10:00 AM; we suggest arriving at least 15 minutes early.
- January 21, 2026, 10:00 am: BLS Psychomotor Testing for Challenge, Legal Recognition, Reciprocity, or Reentry Candidates
- February 18, 2026, 10:00 am: BLS Psychomotor Testing for Challenge, Legal Recognition, Reciprocity, or Reentry Candidates
- March 18, 2026, 10:00 am: BLS Psychomotor Testing for Challenge, Legal Recognition, Reciprocity, or Reentry Candidates
- April 15, 2026, 10:00 am: BLS Psychomotor Testing for Challenge, Legal Recognition, Reciprocity, or Reentry Candidates
- May 27, 2026, 10:00 am: BLS Psychomotor Testing for Challenge, Legal Recognition, Reciprocity, or Reentry Candidates
- June 24, 2026, 10:00 am: BLS Psychomotor Testing for Challenge, Legal Recognition, Reciprocity, or Reentry Candidates
- July 15, 2026, 10:00 am: BLS Psychomotor Testing for Challenge, Legal Recognition, Reciprocity, or Reentry Candidates
- August 19, 2026, 10:00 am: BLS Psychomotor Testing for Challenge, Legal Recognition, Reciprocity, or Reentry Candidates
- September 16, 2026, 10:00 am: BLS Psychomotor Testing for Challenge, Legal Recognition, Reciprocity, or Reentry Candidates
- October 14, 2026, 10:00 am: BLS Psychomotor Testing for Challenge, Legal Recognition, Reciprocity, or Reentry Candidates
Testing Personnel
Evaluator
This person is tasked with introducing the scenario to the candidate and evaluating their performance. They undergo training to understand the role’s requirements and expected behavior.
Professional EMT Partner
This person will hold EMT certification or higher and provides assistance to the candidate as needed, whether with skills or patient care. They will complete all tasks assigned to them by the candidate Attendant in Charge correctly.
Patient
The goal of the moulaged mock patient is to create a realistic environment that challenges candidates’ critical thinking, communication, and patient care skills. They will have mock injuries applied to their body using makeup, prosthetics, and other materials. These injuries could include wounds, burns, fractures, and other medical conditions. The actor will interact with the candidate or responder as a real patient would. They may provide information about their symptoms, medical history, and how they feel. They may also exhibit pain or discomfort based on the nature of their injuries. The mock patient will also communicate with the candidate, conveying their symptoms, medical history, and any concerns they might have.
Scenario Information
Medical VS Trauma
The candidate shall complete two scenarios consisting of:
- One fifteen (15) minute scenario comprised of a medical topic
- One fifteen (15) minute scenario comprised of a trauma topic
Each scenario has mandatory actions that the candidates are required to complete. The candidate should assume the role of the AIC (Attendant in Charge) for the call and will need to engage physically with both the patient and EMT partner. Practical equipment will be accessible for hands-on skill demonstration. While candidates must verbally outline their patient movement strategies, there is no expectation for them to physically lift the patient.
Equipment Information
The following list of equipment is what will be provided for each scenario.
JumpBag
- BP Cuff
- Stethoscope
- Pen light
- Glucometer
- Pulse Ox
- NPA (various sizes)
- OPA (various sizes)
- Adult & PED NC
- Adult & PED NRB
- Laerdal Suction Unit 300ml w/ rigid suction catheter and tubing
- Bandaging material
- Trauma dressings
- Tape
- CAT tourniquet
- Quick-Clot packing
Immobilization
- C-Collars (Adult & PED)
- Backboard w/ headbed
- Spider straps
- Rigid splint boards
- Cravats
- Head blocks
- Traction Splint
Medications (Simulated)
- Albuterol
- Aspirin
- Nitroglycerin
- Oral Glucose
Cardiac Monitor
- Obtain a 12 lead
- Electrodes
Testing Attempts
The Virginia Psychomotor Skills Verification shall consist of the following:
- One fifteen (15) minute scenario comprised of a medical topic known as IOOH – Medical
- One fifteen (15) minute scenario comprised of a medical topic known as IOOH – Trauma
If both scenarios are passed on the first attempt the candidate passes. If the candidate fails one or both scenarios, they will move to Retest One. The candidate will be notified of the results by e-mail from the Office of EMS within five (5) days of the test. The candidate will not be alerted if they passed or failed by any personnel at the test site and no same-day retests will be allowed.
Retest One (Second Attempt)
If one, or both scenarios, are failed on the initial test, the candidate will be eligible for a second attempt. That attempt will consist of both scenarios with the candidate not being guaranteed the same scenarios from their first attempt.
If both scenarios are passed on the second attempt the candidate passes. If the candidate fails one or both scenarios, they will move to Retest Two. The candidate will be notified of this by e-mail from the Office of EMS within five (5) days of the test. The candidate will not be alerted if they passed or failed by any personnel at the test site and no same-day retests will be allowed.
Retest Two (Third Attempt)
If one, or both scenarios, are failed on the second attempt, the candidate will be eligible for a third and final attempt. That attempt will consist of both scenarios with the candidate not being guaranteed the same scenarios from their first or second attempt.
If both scenarios are passed on the third attempt the candidate passes. If the candidate fails one or both scenarios, the candidate will be considered as failing and will be required to retake an EMR or EMT program in order to re/gain certification in Virginia. The candidate will be notified of this by e-mail from the Office of EMS within five (5) days of the test. The candidate will not be alerted if they passed or failed by any personnel at the test site and no same-day retests will be allowed.
Documents & Forms
PDFs & Downloads
Sample Patient Assessment Form
VA Competency-Based Psychomotor Scenario Evaluation
BLS Psychomotor Competency Verification Guidance for Legal Recognition, Reentry, & Challenge
FAQs
There are a few reasons why score results are not released on the same day:
Scoring and Evaluation: Due to the complexity of the test and the skills being evaluated, it takes some time to accurately score and evaluate each candidate’s performance. This ensures that the results are fair and consistent.
Quality Assurance: To maintain the integrity of the testing process, there is a thorough quality assurance review in place. ODEMSA works with the Virginia Office of EMS to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable.
Documentation: Accurate documentation of the results, along with any feedback provided, requires time to ensure that the records are complete and accurate.
Security and Privacy: ODEMSA administers and scores the tests however, ultimately they are sent to the Office of EMS for final review and pass/fail determination.
Appeals and Review: Candidates have the right to appeal or request a review of the testing process. The students are given the option to grieve the test before leaving the site for things such as unsafe testing processes, evaluator bias, or inappropriate actions by the evaluator, EMT assist, or mock patient. Allowing time between taking the test and receiving the results provides a window for such processes to take place and mitigates retaliation from a candidate who receives unfavorable result.
ODEMSA has to apply for the scenarios to the Office Of EMS and are only given one medical and one trauma IOOH for each student. As such we only have one of each scenario on the day of the test.
It’s important to note that the cost of a test is typically reflective of the resources and efforts required to develop, administer, and evaluate the assessment accurately..
Administrative Expenses: The process of organizing, administering, and managing a test involves administrative costs, such as staff salaries, equipment maintenance, and logistical arrangements.
Evaluator Expertise: These tests require qualified evaluators who are knowledgeable and experienced in assessing specific skills. The expertise of these evaluators can contribute to the overall cost.
Quality Assurance: Ensuring the quality and consistency of the testing process involves additional resources. This includes training evaluators, conducting standardization sessions, and implementing quality control measures.
Materials and Equipment: There are costs associated with providing the necessary materials, equipment, and resources to conduct the test effectively.
Technology and Infrastructure: There are costs related to the online registration process and the software used to track all aspects of the actual testing day. This includes costs related to technology infrastructure, software development, and maintenance.
1. Evaluator: A qualified evaluator, who is trained and experienced in assessing the specific skills being tested, will be present to observe and evaluate your performance. These evaluators will determine whether you meet the required standards for the skills being tested by using the Virginia Office of EMS Competency-based Scenario Evaluation Form.
2. EMT Partner:
2. Mock Patient: This role involves a moulaged actor who has familiarized themselves with the scenario and will enact it. They receive training on the role’s requirements and behavior expectations such as moaning in pain when touched in a simulated injured area.
The Virginia Office of EMS possesses a pool of scenarios tailored for the EMT assessment competency verification. These scenarios have undergone thorough review and received approval for utilization from the state Medical Director.
Moulage refers to the art of applying mock injuries using makeup, props, and other materials to simulate real medical conditions.
The medications used for assessment purposes are simulated using either normal saline solution or sugar tablets. During the exam, you will have the opportunity to administer these simulated medications to a patient who has been briefed before the examination. These simulated medications are employed to evaluate your ability to correctly handle medication administration scenarios without using actual pharmaceuticals.
No, candidates are not required to physically lift or carry a patient during the competency verification. However, candidates should be capable of explaining the proper techniques and methods for safely moving a patient when required. The assessment is focused on the understanding and knowledge of patient movement procedures and equipment rather than the actual physical lifting.
- The Process
- Location
- Testing Dates
- Testing Personnel
- Scenario Info
- Equipment Info
- Testing Attempts
- Documents & Forms
- FAQs
The Process
ODEMSA Testing Description
The process of registering for and taking the psychomotor exam begins with candidates identifying the appropriate pathway based on the categories mentioned above, each of which comes with specific prerequisites that might need to be fulfilled before taking the exam.
- To initiate the process, candidates are required to register and pay the $100.00 fee for the exam using the button below
- On the day of the exam, candidates are advised to arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of the scheduled time.
- During the exam, candidates will participate in two scenarios, each lasting approximately 15 minutes.
- Following the completion of the exam, candidates can expect to receive an email containing their exam results within five (5) business days from the Virginia Office of EMS.
Location and Directions
Where to go and how to get there.
Testing for the BLS Psychomotor Examination will occur at the ODEMSA office at:
7818 E Parham Road
Suite 911 (Basement)
Henrico, VA 23294
Our office is located in the basement of the VCU Health multi-story building at the intersection of Parham Road and Broad Street.
Parking Info:
Visitor and handicapped parking is available at the front of the building, while additional guest parking and employee parking are located in the rear. There is no cost for parking.
Accessing the Office
To reach our office, enter through the main lobby and take the elevators to the basement. Follow the signs to the main entrance of the ODEMSA office. If the door is not propped open, you may walk in—no need to knock.
Testing Dates
2025 Dates
All tests start at 10:00 AM, we suggest showing up 15 minutes early.
- January 22, 2025
- February 19, 2025
- March 19, 2025
- April 23, 2025
- May 21, 2025
- June 25, 2025
- July 23, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 17, 2025
- October 22, 2025
Testing Personnel
Who will be there?
Scenario Information
Medical VS Trauma
The candidate shall complete two scenarios consisting of:
- One fifteen (15) minute scenario comprised of a medical topic
- One fifteen (15) minute scenario comprised of a trauma topic
Each scenario has mandatory actions that the candidates are required to complete. The candidate should assume the role of the AIC (Attendant in Charge) for the call and will need to engage physically with both the patient and EMT partner. Practical equipment will be accessible for hands-on skill demonstration. While candidates must verbally outline their patient movement strategies, there is no expectation for them to physically lift the patient.
Equipment Information
The following list of equipment is what will be provided for each scenario.
JumpBag
- BP Cuff
- Stethoscope
- Pen light
- Glucometer
- Pulse Ox
- NPA (various sizes)
- OPA (various sizes)
- Adult & PED NC
- Adult & PED NRB
- Laerdal Suction Unit 300ml w/ rigid suction catheter and tubing
- Bandaging material
- Trauma dressings
- Tape
- CAT tourniquet
- Quick-Clot packing
Immobilization
- C-Collars (Adult & PED)
- Backboard w/ headbed
- Spider straps
- Rigid splint boards
- Cravats
- Head blocks
- Traction Splint
Medications (Simulated)
- Albuterol
- Aspirin
- Nitroglycerin
- Oral Glucose
Cardiac Monitor
- Obtain a 12 lead
- Electrodes
Testing Attempts
The Virginia Psychomotor Skills Verification shall consist of the following:
- One fifteen (15) minute scenario comprised of a medical topic known as IOOH – Medical
- One fifteen (15) minute scenario comprised of a medical topic known as IOOH – Trauma
If both scenarios are passed on the first attempt the candidate passes. If the candidate fails one or both scenarios, they will move to Retest One. The candidate will be notified of the results by e-mail from the Office of EMS within five (5) days of the test. The candidate will not be alerted if they passed or failed by any personnel at the test site and no same-day retests will be allowed.
Retest One (Second Attempt)
If one, or both scenarios, are failed on the initial test, the candidate will be eligible for a second attempt. That attempt will consist of both scenarios with the candidate not being guaranteed the same scenarios from their first attempt.
If both scenarios are passed on the second attempt the candidate passes. If the candidate fails one or both scenarios, they will move to Retest Two. The candidate will be notified of this by e-mail from the Office of EMS within five (5) days of the test. The candidate will not be alerted if they passed or failed by any personnel at the test site and no same-day retests will be allowed.
Retest Two (Third Attempt)
If one, or both scenarios, are failed on the second attempt, the candidate will be eligible for a third and final attempt. That attempt will consist of both scenarios with the candidate not being guaranteed the same scenarios from their first or second attempt.
If both scenarios are passed on the third attempt the candidate passes. If the candidate fails one or both scenarios, the candidate will be considered as failing and will be required to retake an EMR or EMT program in order to re/gain certification in Virginia. The candidate will be notified of this by e-mail from the Office of EMS within five (5) days of the test. The candidate will not be alerted if they passed or failed by any personnel at the test site and no same-day retests will be allowed.
Documents & Forms
PDFs & Downloads
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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