Recertification
Our vision is to provide customer support to Training Officers, Medical Directors, and providers while validating that the EMS Professionals have maintained continued competence through education and practice for quality patient care to ensure public safety.
The recertification process encourages providers to remain current in EMS knowledge and maintain proficiency to renew their certification. Recertification requirements increase confidence in the public, employers, and other stakeholders and gives you recognized credibility across the nation.
What is the National Continued Competency Program?
The National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) was constructed using methodology similar to that of the American Board of Medical Specialties requirements and streamlines the recertification process into three strategic categories of continuing education: National, Local, and Individual.
The National Continued Competency Program encourages Nationally Certified EMS personnel to pursue life-long education while also providing state and local agencies the freedom to customize continuing education to meet local operational needs.
National Component Requirements
Expiration dates through Sept. 30, 2025: Download the 2016 NCCP Model (PDF)
Expiration dates after March 31, 2026: Download the 2025 NCCP Model (PDF)
Level | National | Local | Individual | Hours |
---|---|---|---|---|
Paramedic | 30 | 15 | 15 | 60 |
AEMT | 25 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 50 |
EMT | 20 | 10 | 10 | 40 |
EMR | 8 | 4 | 4 | 16 |
Detailed Recertification Requirements By Level
Use the links below to see the specific recertification requirements or learn more about each certification level.
How Do I Submit My Recertification Application
On-Line Recertification (Preferred)
Processing time is generally within 24 to 48 hours of submission. Please monitor your account for updates.
STEP 1: LOGIN TO YOUR NATIONAL REGISTRY ACCOUNT
From the homepage, login to your account. If you do not already have a National Registry account with a username and password, create a New Account on the National Registry homepage. If you forgot your username or password, use the Password Recovery Page for assistance.
STEP 2: UPDATE USER PROFILE
When prompted, update your user profile information.
Verify we have your correct email and mailing address.
STEP 3: SUBMIT ELECTRONIC RECERTIFICATION
Click on ‘Recertification' to
-
Enter your education, and
-
Submit your application
Keep all recertification supporting documentation for at least three years. The National Registry is required to conduct random audits of applications.
You must submit your application no later than midnight on the day your certification expires.
STEP 4: PAYMENT
Submit online payment with a credit card for your recertification.
STEP 5: PRINT YOUR CARD
After your education and skills are validated by your Training Officer and/or Medical Director, your application will be processed. Check your account and print your new National EMS Certification!
Learn more about Recertification
How to upload education documentation
Types of accepted education
Information About Paper Based Recertification
We strongly encourage all Nationally Certified EMS personnel to create a National Registry account and electronically submit recertification applications.
Please email support@nremt.org using Recertification in the subject line if you would require a paper application.
Frequently Asked Recertification Questions
What does the National Registry accept as valid continuing education?
The National Registry accepts State EMS Office accepted 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. International providers must complete education from the list of approved United States education sources.
For more information on approved education providers, go to www.capce.org or contact your local/state EMS office for state accepted.
What is distributive education?
What education is not accepted by the National Registry?
The following education courses cannot be applied to continuing education requirements:
Performance of duty either paid or volunteer, clinical rotations which are not part of an initial EMS course program, Instructor methodology courses including all courses to become an instructor or achieve instructor level certifications, management and leadership courses to include fire/EMS administrative courses, preceptor hours including preceptor or field training officer methodologies, or serving as a skills examiner for state or National Registry psychomotor examinations. Most core or general education college courses do not apply directly to EMS topics, such as statistics, chemistry, sociology, languages, and more. Please contact the National Registry if you have a question on an accepted course.
When I submit the online form, do I still need to mail the form to the National Registry?
If you submitted your online application, please do not mail your forms to the National Registry. Your Training Officer and Medical Director (if applicable) will electronically approve your application, and it will be automatically be sent to the National Registry.
How can I tell if I am affiliated with an agency?
What if my agency shows ‘Pending Affiliation’?
Your agency has not approved your affiliation request. Please contact your Training Officer to request approval.
What if my agency is not listed?
Please contact your agency’s Training Officer and ask them to set up an agency with the National Registry.
How will I know when I can submit my online recertification application?
On the Dashboard, click Recert Application. When all sections are showing complete, you will be able to submit your recertification application.
What forms of payment can I use for my recertification?
For electronic recertification, you may use a credit card, eCheck or pre-purchased voucher. The National Registry does not take credit card payments over the phone.
Where can I find a Refresher Class covering the National Component?
You should contact your State EMS Office and/or your local EMS educational institution for the location of approved EMS education course in your state. You can also check with your agency training officer.
I am an instructor. Can I use teaching hours if I teach EMS courses?
Who can sign the approve the skills verification for my recertification?
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), your Training Officer/Supervisor, can approve the skills verification.
Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) and Paramedic (NRP), your Medical Director must approve the skills verification.
If you are renewing as unaffiliated and requesting ‘Inactive’ status, you are not required to provided verification of skills.
Do I need to be practicing in EMS to recertify?
No. Individuals who are not affiliated with an agency in which out-of-hospital skills are utilized, but who meet the education requirements may recertify as ‘Inactive.’
The National Registry requires all individual applying for ‘Active Status’ recertification to be affiliated with an agency and using their EMS skills at their provider level. An agency may include fire departments, EMS response units, hospitals, hazmat response teams, rescue teams, private companies who provide EMS care to employees.
How do I request ‘Inactive Status’?
Providers who wish to declare Inactive Status must continue to meet the National Registry continuing education recertification requirements for their current level. Inactive Status is not for those who are unable to obtain and meet the educational requirements or those who have had limitations or revocation of the health care license.
Inactive status may be helpful for EMS professionals who:
- are not actively engaged in ambulance/rescue service or health/patient care activity.
- must be inactive for a period of time – such as, moving, illness, pursuit of education, family responsibilities, etc.
Providers who request Inactive Status do not need to obtain skills verification. The provider is eligible to recertify by examination if they so choose. If you are not currently affiliated with an agency when you submit your recertification application, your account will update to ‘Inactive Status’. You can also request Inactive Status once your application has been submitted to your agency.
How do I become ‘Active’ again?
No fee is required to move from inactive to active status.
If I fail recert by examination, can I still get recertified?
Can I drop my certification to a lower level?
Can I renew late?
EMR Late Renewal
If the renewal application was not submitted prior to the September 30 deadline, the EMR may pay the reinstatement fee and submit the application between October 1 and October 31 of their current expiration year. However, all continuing education requirements must have been satisfied prior to September 30 of the current expiration year.