I took it as soon as I could. My practicals/skill test were two days after class ended. The earliest I could get into an exam site was about three weeks after class ended. I kept studying during those three weeks though.
When I graduated our Instructor told us to take the weekend off and then schedule to take it in a few weeks and study until the test we took the test. I would do whatever you feel would be best for you, and I would try to sign up for the NREMT soon after you decide when you want to take it as spots can fill up fast to were the closest time is a few weeks later. Good Luck!!!
Waited a month since the semester was over and I had a 2000 mile temporary relocation to deal with. Still didn't really study and did not have any issues.
It's amazing how much you lose after a few years, I had an embarrassing experience with an AMR pre-test 18 months ago. That woke me up and I did the whole JB Learning thing and ta-da, some of that knowledge returns.
I registered the day after I finished the class, but ended up waiting two weeks while the instructor approved everything.
My EMT training program did a study and found that NREMT first-time pass rates fell off for those who waited more than three months to take the test. Of course, there are multiple explanations for that trend (ie: the most motivated students, who have been studying hard to begin with, are more likely to take the test soon after the class ends). So, I'd advise taking the NREMT sooner rather than later, if possible.
I would take as much time as you think you need. If you feel you are prepared, take it right away. If you think you need some time to study, take that time. I waited about a month and a half after the class was over to take the test.
Our practicals were the last day of the class & then we had to schedule the written on our own.
I finished the class & passed the practicals mid December. I didn't take the written until mid/late February. They suggested we take it ASAP when all the material was fresh; I kind of drug my feet with getting the written scheduled.
I strongly suggest anywhere from ASAP to 1 month post-ASAP to allow for more study time/ensuring material is still on your mind. Personally, I think I took mine about a month or even 6 weeks after being approved, simply due to high demand at the facility and me having to schedule the test around school (Fridays only). There is no magical time frame, though.
I've never taken the NREMT-B exam... The county I was initially certified in didn't require it for certification. They basically required that I presented evidence that I'd passed an approved course. That being said, my Final Exam was probably very close to what the NREMT-B exam was probably like. The first time I recertified, the refresher was an approved course for NREMT-B as well, so we did the skills testing too... and that went just fine.
I took the NREMT-P exam (including skills) before I was done with the entire Paramedic Program, but I couldn't be licensed as a Paramedic until after I'd completed the program. This was well before the NREMT went to CAT style exams, so all my exams were good old-fashioned paper & scantron tests. My test ended at 150 because that was the end of the test.
These days, I don't know how long people have to wait for approval to take the NREMT-B (or higher) exam. Hopefully it's not too long! If possible, though, I'd suggest taking it no more than a month after you finish a program.
I took mine about a month after I finished the class. I would have taken it sooner but I had to wait for the school to send the paperwork to the state...and then for the state to send the paperwork to NREMT to be eligible. Then I had to take time off of work to actually take the test.
I highly recommend you take the test within a week or two of completing the class. That way you have a few days to review anything you may not have a grasp on.
I scheduled mine for the day after I was cleared to take it. No extra studying, but reviewed BSI for special things (like TB) and reviewed OB/Gyn since I heard those were favorite topics.
Took mine about 14 years after I completed my EMT class. Didn't need it until I decided I wanted to move to another state, and thought it would help the transfer be easier.