Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians Sticker

Nationally Registered Advanced-EMTs (NRAEMT) are required to renew their certification every two years. NRAEMTs can recertify by either taking the cognitive examination or by completing continuing education. Note: We encourage you to reference the specific license renewal requirements for every state which you are licensed to practice.

 

The Advanced-EMT National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) requires a total of 50 hours of continuing education to recertify. The model requires continuing education in three components: (1) a national component, (2) a local/state component, and (3) an individual component.

Courses that cannot be applied towards recertification requirements include duplicate courses, clinical rotations, instructor courses, management/leadership courses, performance of duty, preceptor hours, serving as a skill examiner, and volunteer time with agencies. If you have questions on accepted education, please review the Recertification Guide.

National Component: 25 Hours

The National Component requires Advanced-EMTs to complete 25 hours of approved continuing education. A maximum of 8 hours of distributive education may be used to meet the 25 hour requirement.

Airway/Respiration/Ventilation: 2.5 Hours

  • Ventilation
  • Oxygenation

Cardiovascular: 7 Hours

  • Post-Resuscitation Care
  • Ventricular Assist Devices
  • Stroke
  • Cardiac Arrest
  • Pediatric Cardiac Arrest
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome

Trauma: 3 Hours

  • Trauma Triage
  • Central Nervous System (CNS) Injury
  • Hemorrhage Control
  • Fluid Resuscitation

Medical: 7.5 Hours

  • Special Healthcare Needs
  • OB Emergencies
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medication Delivery
  • Pain Management
  • Psychiatric and Behavioral Emergencies
  • Toxicological Emergencies – Opioids
  • Neurological Emergencies – Seizures
  • Endocrine Emergencies – Diabetes
  • Immunological Emergencies

Operations: 5 Hours

  • At-Risk Populations
  • Ambulance Safety
  • Field Triage—Disasters/MCIs
  • EMS Provider Hygiene, Safety, and Vaccinations
  • EMS Culture of Safety
  • Pediatric Transport
  • Crew Resource Management
  • EMS Research
  • Evidence Based Guidelines

For detailed information on the National Component and sample lesson plans,
download the 2016 NCCP AEMT Guide.

Local or State Component: 12.5 Hours

If specific local and/or state are not specified, these required hours are considered flexible content. You may use any state or Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) approved EMS–related education to fulfill these requirements. A maximum of 8 hours of distributive education*  may be used to meet the 12.5 hour requirement. (*Distributive Education (DE) is a method of delivering EMS education where the educator and student are not able to interact in real time. Examples include online courses, journal article reviews, and videos.)

Individual Component: 12.5 Hours

The individual hours are considered flexible content. You may use any state or Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) approved EMS–related education to fulfill these requirements. A maximum of 12.5 hours of distributive education may be used to meet the 12.5 hour requirement. (*Distributive Education (DE) is a method of delivering EMS education where the educator and student are not able to interact in real time. Examples include online courses, journal article reviews, and videos.)

This option enables you to demonstrate continued cognitive competency without documenting continuing education.

  • Login to your National Registry account. Complete a recertification by examination application and pay the exam fee.
  • NOTE: Be sure you complete the Recertification By Exam application.
  • After 24-48 hours, login to your National Registry account and print your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter. Follow the directions in the letter to schedule your exam.
  • You may make one attempt to take and pass the exam beginning on April 1 (one year prior to your current expiration date) and March 31. A cognitive competency by exam form will become available through your National Registry account upon successful completion of the exam.
  • Return your completed cognitive competency by exam form by March 31 with signatures and supporting documentation. All other recertification requirements (including criminal conviction statement, verification of skills, etc.) must still be met and verified.
Renewing Late
If the renewal application was not submitted prior to the March 31 deadline, the EMT may pay a $50 late application fee and submit the application until April 30.  However, all continuing education requirement must have been satisfied prior to March 31.
'Active' or 'Inactive' Status

When renewing National Registry certification, Advanced-EMTs have the option of declaring their status as either "Active" or "In Active". Active status means the Advanced-EMT is 'actively' working and providing patient care. To renew with an 'active status', Advanced-EMTs are required to be affiliated with an EMS Agency or Service with a Training Officer and a Medical Director.

An inactive status is designated for Nationally Certified EMS Professionals who are currently not providing patient care at their certification level. For example, inactive status may be helpful for EMS professionals who:

  • are not actively engaged in an EMS service or healthcare/patient care activity;
  • are not actively treating patients at their certification level but are involved as educators, administrators or regulators;
  • are unable to actively provide patient care for any variety of reasons - such as, moving, illness, pursuit of education, family responsibilities, etc.
Registrants who wish to declare inactive status must continue to meet the National Registry continuing education recertification requirements in subsequent cycles.

Inactive status is not for those unable to obtain and meet the educational requirements or those who have had limitations or revocation of a health care license.

Registrants who request inactive status at the EMT level do not need to obtain verification of skills from their Training Officer/Supervisor. These registrants must complete all refresher, continuing education and CPR requirements. These registrants are eligible to recertify by examination if they so choose. CPR certification remains a requirement even for those who pass the examination and request Inactive Status.

Returning to Active Status

Nationally Certified Advanced-EMTs may request return to active status at any time once they gain active affiliation with an EMS service. A request to return to active status must be accompanied by a completed Inactive to Active Registration form which may be downloaded here.

Why Was I Audited?
To comply with accreditation requirements, the National Registry is required to randomly audit applications. In addition to random quality assurance audits, the National Registry reserves the right to investigate certification and recertification material at any time. You must retain verification of attendance of all education submitted for at least 36 months. Failure to submit documentation when audited may result in denial of eligibility to recertify.
Reinstatement Information
If the recertification application was not received by the March 31 deadline, but all educational requirements were completed by March 31 deadline, individuals may seek reinstatement of the National EMS Certification until April 30. There is a $50 reinstatement fee in addition to the standard $20 recertification fee ($70 total).
Lapsed AEMT Certification
Information on how to regain a lapsed certification is found on the Advanced-EMT Certification Page.
Responsibilities of Nationally Registered EMS Personnel
Certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) must notify the National Registry within 30 days regarding the following matters:
  • change in mailing address (the best way to update a mailing address is by editing the user profile page)
  • any criminal conviction.
  • disciplinary action taken by any state has resulted in suspension, revocation, or expiration of state registration/licensure; termination of right to practice; voluntary surrender of state registration/licensure while under investigation.
The National Registry considers the individual to be solely responsible for their certification.

Disciplinary Policy and Rights of Appeal

The National Registry has disciplinary procedures, rights of appeal and due process within its policies. Complete information about the National Registry Disciplinary Policy and Rights of Appeal can be found here.
Recertification Cycles
Recertification cycles start on the date the recertification application is successfully processed and approved by the National Registry. After a recertification application is approved, the new expiration date will be two years after the current expiration date listed on the individual's account.
Frequently Asked Recertification Questions
Look at our Frequently Asked Question Page