Tactical Paramedic Certification (TP-C) Exam FAQs
Q: Who is eligible to sit the TP-C Exam?
A: Anyone with a valid paramedic license is eligible to sit for TP-C certification. The focus population for this exam includes military special operations paramedics and experienced law enforcement paramedics with extensive tactical experience.
Q: What will the exam cover?
A: The exam is based on the 17 critical domains agreed upon during the 2011 CDC-TIDE sponsored workshop of the National TEMS Initiative and Council (NTIC). The IBSC monitors the CoTCCC guidelines, the C-TECC guidelines, the USSOCOM Tactical Trauma Protocols, and various other standard-of-care guidelines for prehospital critical care provision to ensure all examination materials correctly reflect "best practices". A downloadable version of the exam content outline is available on our website.
Q: Who is involved in the exam development?
A: Originally proposed by the Board of Directors of the BCCTPC, a non-profit organization, the exam development process involves a number of individuals who have extensive tactical medicine experience including providing care under fire, both from the military special operations and the law enforcement communities. These subject matter experts include a senior Special Forces 18D, SEAL corpsman, FBI HRT paramedic, the USSOCOM senior medical enlisted advisor, Ranger Regiment Senior Medic, and several LE TEMS providers each with over 30 years of tactical experience with large departments such as San Diego SWAT.
Q: What organizations supported the development of a tactical paramedic exam?
A. In addition to the U.S. Special Operations Command, the IBSC is working in a strategic partnership with the National TEMS Initiative and Council (NTIC) to ensure the TP-C examination mirrors the competency domains established through the NTIC.
Q: What is the impetus for development of a tactical paramedic exam?
A: The original request for a standardized national tactical paramedic exam originated with the USSOCOM SG. Representatives of several federal law enforcement agencies previously approached USSOCOM to determine the feasibility of their law enforcement TEMS providers sitting for the SOF Advanced Tactical Paramedic certification exam. Since certain military regulatory requirements made this approach impractical, the development of a new credentialing exam, for which both military and law enforcement tactical paramedics were eligible, began.
Q: Why is a Job Analysis necessary and will the results of the Job Analysis Study be published?
A: The Job Analysis Study is conducted to validate exam content by identifying the tasks performed and measuring their importance to a specific job function. This process is updated every five years to ensure the certification continues to meet the role of the Tactical Paramedic.
. The job analysis study can only benefit the TEMS community as a whole, since it will allow a better understanding of not only what skills are critical to the TEMS provider, but how often those skills are utilized. A downloadable version of the exam content outline is available on our website.
How do I register to take the TP-C Exam?
A: Online registration is available for paper/pencil, and computer-based exams.
Q: How will this certification process affect current standards?
A: A nationally recognized credentialing examination will help to establish a single standard for all tactical paramedics in the U.S. Military and law enforcement communities.
A: The TP-C exam is based on the 17 critical domains of the National TEMS Initiative and Council (NTIC). Reference materials for the TP-C examination can be found on the web site at https://www.ibscertifications.org/exam/exam-preparation
Q: How often is the TP-C exam updated?
A: ?A: The TP-C exam is constantly updated with questions and content ? with all exam forms meeting a standardized examination construction process.
Q: Is there a specific course I should take before challenging the exam?
A: The validated TP-C exam process tests knowledge, not the teaching of a single program or course.
Q: Is the TP-C certification accredited?
A: Accreditation is one of the key benchmarks for measuring quality. Valid accreditation is key to assuring the general public that the tactical paramedic is competent and current. The TP-C certification is NCCA accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
Q: Does the certification exam process include a skills performance?
A: The TP-C exam is 135 multiple-choice questions. Cognitive complexity designations are assigned to each task according to their perceptions of the cognitive demands of each task. Three item categories are used: recall, application, and analysis. Items selected for the exam are linked to these tasks on content and cognitive demand; accordingly, the exam will closely align with the job-related competencies of the Tactical Paramedic. Thus, examination scores will have substantial evidence of validity and reliability.
Q: Do I need to register again in order to retest?
A: Yes. You may register online to retest for a date that is 30 days after your last testing date. Full registration fees apply.
Q: How do I know if there is a testing center near me?
A: There are over 800 testing centers located throughout the US with at least one testing center in every state, and nearly 100 international testing sites. Click here to view a list of testing centers.
Q: After I register for the computer-based (CBT) Exam, how soon can I test?
A: Once you register online, allow 3-5 business days to receive your eligibility number. This number will be emailed to you with your scheduling information. The IBSC has no control over testing center availability.
Q: Once I pass the exam, how long will the certification be valid?
A: The TP-C is a four-year certification. Certification renewal options include retesting or renewal through continuing education.
Q: If I fail the exam, how many times can I retest?
A: The candidate may attempt the same examination a total of three (3) times, using the thirty (30) calendar day rule. For additional information see our Retesting Policy.
Q: How many times can a person renew their TP-C certification via CEs?
A: There is no limit to the number of times, as long as the certification is not expired.
Q: What do I need to do in order to host a TP-C Exam?
A: The IBSC provides both computer-based and paper/pencil modes of testing. Additional information on hosting an xam can be found at https://www.ibscertifications.org/host/host or by calling the IBSC office at +1 (770) 978-4400.
Q: What is the minimum passing score for TP-C?
A: The TP-C exam has 125 scored and 10 pilot questions. The raw passing score is 88 correct answers.
Q: Will I know my exact score?
A: No. Upon passing the exam you will receive a passing score report. If you did not pass the exam, you will receive a score report indicating subject areas of relative strength and weakness. This score report is provided to assist you when preparing to retest.
Q: What if I need to cancel/reschedule my computer-based test date?
A: All cancellations must be handled through the Prometric website using your confirmation number and last name.
- If rescheduling more than 30 days before your originally scheduled examination appointment to avoid additional fees. Please reschedule directly via the Prometric Scheduling Portal.
- If rescheduling between 29 to 5 days before your scheduled exam date, reschedule via the Prometric Scheduling Portal. Additional fees apply.
- If rescheduling four (4) or less days prior to your appointment - you must first, cancel your appointment via the Prometric Scheduling Portal. Then contact the IBSC at +1.770.978.4400 to reschedule the exam. You must cancel with Prometric prior to contacting the IBSC. A $100 rescheduling or cancellation fee will apply.
For complete cancellation information, please see the Candidate Handbook.