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Emergency Medical Services Agency
Emergency Medical Services Agency

EMS System Orientation and Examination

Overview 

Policy 214 – EMS Personnel Training Standards requires all EMS Personnel to complete the EMS System Orientation Exam (hereafter referred to as “Exam”) to obtain local accreditation to practice within the Santa Clara County EMS System.

The Exam is designed to assess the knowledge of EMS Personnel related to the Santa Clara County EMS System, including but not limited to specialty care systems, pertinent policies and procedures, radio communications, patient destination guidelines, and any other unique system features to ensure providers are prepared to enter service within our EMS System. 

  • The examination consists of 50 questions.
  • A minimum score of 85% is required to successfully pass the exam.
  • An applicant is limited to three (3) attempts to pass the exam with the minimum passing percentage within a twelve (12) month period. 

Prerequisites 

The EMS Agency has several prerequisites for an applicant to be eligible to take the EMS System Orientation Exam:

  1. Applicant must be employed by a Santa Clara County EMS Provider; OR
  2. Applicant is a Paramedic Intern who is sponsored by a Santa Clara County EMS Provider; OR
  3. Applicant is employed by an organization that provides 9-1-1 or interfacility services within Santa Clara County.

Registration

Program Managers (or Alternate) for an approved EMS Provider within the County of Santa Clara must register the applicant for the exam using the secure online registration link provided by the EMS Agency. 

 EMS training videos Policy manualExam Study Guidance