If you have a lapsed National Registry EMT certification, lapsed state EMT license including a lapsed equivalent EMT certification, or recognized higher level of EMS certification and want to gain National Registry EMT certification, you must meet the following requirements:

Requirements for Certification

  • 40 hours of continuing education that meets all requirements of the 2016 National Continued Competency Program within the past two years.
  • The National Registry accepts State EMS Office approved and CAPCE accredited education, education from EMS education programs, and U.S. accredited academic credit or college course. All education must be directly related to EMS patient care. 
  • Successful completion of the National Registry EMT cognitive (knowledge) examination and a state approved psychomotor (skills) examination. 
    • Passed portions of the cognitive and psychomotor exam remain valid for 24 months provided all other eligibility requirements are met. 
  • Copy of a lapsed EMT license/certification if never nationally certified as an EMT. 
  • Have a current CPR-BLS for "Healthcare Provider" or equivalent credential. 

National Component - 20 Hours

The National Component requires EMTs to complete 20 hours of approved continuing education. 


Airway/Respiration/Ventilation - 1.5 hrs

  • Ventilation
  • Oxygenation


Trauma - 1.5 hrs

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


Medical - 6 hrs

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


Operations - 5 hrs

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


Cardiovascular - 6 hrs

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

 

Local or State Component - 10 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. 

Individual Component - 10 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.

Application Process

Follow these easy steps to apply for a National Registry exam:
  1. Create your account/log in to your profile.
  2. Create an application - Select the EMT level. Verify your personal information and make any necessary changes. Then, follow the prompts through the application process.
  3. Pay the application fee. The application fee is non-transferable and non-refundable. This fee is charged for each attempt of the cognitive examination.
  4. Email your lapsed state EMT license/certification (if applicable) and proof of education to support@nremt.org. Please include your application confirmation ID number.
  5. Monitor the progress of your application from your “Certification Application Status” in case additional actions are needed. Once the National Registry approves your application and your status is “Ready to Test,” you can view your ATT   letter and contact Pearson Vue to schedule your exam.

Related Policies

Expiration Dates
Initial expiration dates are determined by the date the candidate successfully completes the entire national certification process (cognitive and psychomotor exams). EMT candidates completing the national certification process between the January 1 and June 30 will receive an expiration date of March 31 two years in the future. Individuals successfully completing the national certification process between July 1 and December 31 will receive an expiration date of March 31 three years in the future.


Initial Certification

If you successfully complete the national
certification process between:

January 1 - June 30
July 1- December 31


Initial Cycle

Your initial certification date will be
March 31:

2 years in the future
3 years in the future