National Registered Paramedics Sticker

Nationally Registered Paramedics (NRP) are required to renew their certification every two years. NRPs can recertify by either taking the Paramedic Certification 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 Paramedic National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) requires a total of 60 credits 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.

The National Registry accepts State EMS Office accepted and CAPCE accredited education, education from EMS education programs, and U.S. accredited academic credit, college course, college course or credit provided by the National Registry Alternative Recertification Credits Policy. All education must be directly related to EMS patient care. International clinicians must complete education from the list of approved United States education sources.

Education can be gathered through online or in-person courses. As of 2022, there are no limits on how much online education you can use on your application.

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 Guides

The new 2025 NCCP Model will begin on April 1, 2025 for EMT/AEMT/Paramedic and October 1, 2025 for EMR:

National 2025 NCCP Model

Local or State Component: 15 Credits

If the agency and/or state EMS office requires specific education, that education may be entered into this section. If specific education is not specified, these required 15 credits are considered flexible but must be directly related to EMS patient care.

Individual Component: 15 Credits

The 15 credits required for the individual component are flexible but must be directly related to EMS patient care.

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

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  • Login to your National Registry account. Complete a recertification by examination application and pay the examination fee.
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  • 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 examination.
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  • You may make one attempt to take and pass the examination between April 1 (one year prior to your current expiration date) and March 31 (your expiration date).

 

FAQs

When renewing National Registry certification, Paramedics have the option of declaring their status as either "Active" or "Inactive". Active status means the Paramedic is 'actively' working and providing patient care. To renew with an 'active status', Paramedics are required to be affiliated with an EMS agency or service and have their skills verified by a training officer and medical director.

An inactive status is designated for Nationally Certified EMS clinicians who are currently not providing patient care at their certification level, who is not affiliated with an agency, and who cannot obtain skills verification. 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.

EMS clinicians who wish to declare inactive status at the Paramedic level 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.

Returning to Active Status

Nationally Certified Paramedics may request a return to active status at any time once they gain active affiliation with an EMS service. A request to return to active status can be sent to your agency’s training officer and medical director through your National Registry account or by a completing the Inactive to Active form which may be downloaded here.
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.
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 recertification fee.
Information on how to regain a lapsed certification is found on the Paramedic Certification Page.
Nationally Registered Paramedics (NRPs) 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)
  • 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 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 Questions
If the renewal application was not submitted prior to the March 31 deadline, the Paramedic 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.