Emergency Medical Responder StickerNationally Registered EMRs (NREMR) are required to renew their certification every two years. NREMRs 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.

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.

 

 

The EMR National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) requires a total of 16 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.

National Component: 8 Hours

Airway/Respiration/Ventilation: 1 Hour

  • Ventilation
  • Oxygenation

Cardiovascular: 2.5 Hours

  • Post-Resuscitation Care
  • Stroke
  • Cardiac Arrest
  • Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

Trauma: 0.5 Hour

  • Central Nervous System (CNS) Injury

Medical: 3 Hours

  • OB Emergencies
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Psychiatric and Behavioral Emergencies
  • Toxicological Emergencies – Opioids
  • Neurological Emergencies – Seizures
  • Endocrine Emergencies – Diabetes
  • Immunological Emergencies

Operations: 1 Hour

  • Field Triage—Disasters/MCIs
  • EMS Provider Hygiene, Safety, and Vaccinations
  • EMS Culture of Safety

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

Local or State Component: 4 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 3 hours of distributive education may be used to meet the 4 hour requirement.

Individual Component: 4 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 4 hours of distributive education may be used to meet the 4 hour requirement.

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 October 1 (one year prior to your current expiration date) and September 30. 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 your expiration date with signatures and supporting documentation. All other recertification requirements (including criminal conviction statement, verification of skills, etc.) must still be met and verified.
 
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 September 30 deadline, but all educational requirements were completed by September 30 deadline, individuals may seek reinstatement of the National EMS Certification until October 31. There is a $50 reinstatement fee in addition to the standard $15 recertification fee ($65 total).
Lapsed EMR Certification
Information on how to regain a lapsed certification is found on the EMR Certification Page.
Responsibilities of Nationally Registered EMS Personnel
Registered Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) 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