Paramedic - NRP Recertification Information
Nationally Registered Paramedics (NRP) are required to renew their certification every two years. NRPs 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 Paramedic National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) requires a total of 60 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: 30 Hours
The National Component requires Paramedics to complete 30 hours of approved continuing education. A maximum of 10 hours of distributive education (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) may be used to meet the 30 hour requirement.
Airway/Respiration/Ventilation: 3.5 Hours
- Ventilation
- Capnography
- Oxygenation
Cardiovascular: 8.5 Hours
- Post-Resuscitation Care
- Ventricular Assist Devices
- Stroke
- Cardiac Arrest
- Pediatric Cardiac Arrest
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
Trauma: 3 Hours
- Trauma Triage
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Injury
- Hemorrhage Control
- Fluid Resuscitation
Medical: 8.5 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: 6.5 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 NRP Guide.
Local or State Component: 15 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 10 hours of distributive education (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) may be used to meet the 15 hour requirement.
Individual Component: 15 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 15 hours of distributive education (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) may be used to meet the 15 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 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
'Active' or 'Inactive' Status
When renewing National Registry certification, Paramedics have the option of declaring their status as either "Active" or "In Active". 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 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.
Returning to Active Status
Nationally Certified Paramedics 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?
Reinstatement Information
Lapsed Paramedic Certification
Responsibilities of Nationally Registered EMS Personnel
Registered Paramedics 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.