BLS Psychomotor Skill Verification Process for Legal Recognition, Reentry & Challenge Candidates

A new BLS Psychomotor Skill Verification Process for Legal Recognition, Reentry & Challenge Candidates began on January 1, 2023.  The Virginia Psychomotor Competency Verification process is described below:

Candidates for Legal Recognition, Challenge and Reentry in Virginia will need to have their psychomotor competency verified by an Education Coordinator who is affiliated with a fire-based EMS system or accredited training program.  The redacted version of psychomotor competency guidance document can be found by clicking here.  Educators can find the non-redacted version in the Education Coordinator Village on Moodle.

Starting the Process

1. Candidate Completes TR‐21 – Application for BLS Psychomotor Competency Verification and submits it to an Education Coordinator affiliated with a fire-based EMS system or accredited training program.
   • Click here to see a list of entities conducting competency verification exams.
2. An Education Coordinator from an approved testing site submits request to OEMS for scenarios to use in the process.
   • OEMS transmits scenarios to EC via secure e-mail.
   • Time limit to access will be turned on.
3. The Education Coordinator gathers necessary equipment and personnel.
4. The Education Coordinator conducts Psychomotor Competency Verification exam.

Required Psychomotor Exams

The Virginia Psychomotor Skills Verification shall consist of the following:

1. One (1), fifteen (15) minute scenario comprising of a medical topic.
2. One (1), fifteen (15) minute scenario comprising of a trauma topic.

The pool of OEMS approved scenarios for this specific competency verification has been reviewed and approved for use by the state Medical Director.

Evaluation Methodology & Requirements

1. The Educator shall prepare the patient, Professional EMT Partner and the evaluator (if not the Educator themselves) with the instructions provided in Appendices C-F of this document.
2. At all times, the evaluation must be as objective as possible.
3. The evaluator shall use form TR20 – Virginia Competency-Based Psychomotor Scenario Evaluation to appraise the candidate’s performance.

Personnel & Equipment

Per OEMS policy, the following personnel and equipment are required for this exam process.

1. Equipment – Requisite equipment for selected scenario, decoy equipment is encouraged.
2. An Evaluator – this individual is responsible for completing the Virginia Terminal Psychomotor Scenario Evaluation for each candidate.
3. A patient – moulaged, if necessary patient actor
4. A Professional EMT Partner – an individual who is an EMT or above. This individual can perform any tasks needed by the testing candidate.

Permitted Test Attempts

1. 1. First Attempt
      1. If both scenarios are PASSED on the first attempt, then the candidate passes. The candidate will be notified of this by e-mail from the Office of EMS.
      2. If one or both scenarios are FAILED on the first attempt, then the candidate will then move to their second attempt. The second attempt will consist of two (2) scenarios, however the candidate is not guaranteed the same scenarios on their second attempt. The candidate will be notified of this by e-mail from the Office of EMS.
   2. Second Attempt
      1. If both scenarios are PASSED on the second attempt, then the candidate passes. The candidate will be notified of this by e-mail from the Office of EMS.
      2. If one or both scenarios are FAILED on the second attempt, then the candidate will then be permitted a third and final attempt at the exam. The third attempt will consist of two (2) scenarios, however the candidate is not guaranteed the same scenarios on their first or second attempt. The candidate will be notified of this by e-mail from the Office of EMS.
   3. Third Attempt
      1. If both scenarios are PASSED on the third attempt, then the candidate. The candidate will be notified of this by e-mail from the Office of EMS.
      2. If one or both scenarios are FAILED on the third attempt, then the candidate will be considered as FAILING and will be required to retake an EMR or EMT program in order to regain certification in Virginia.