Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) must stay current with medical standards, protocols, and skills to maintain certification. The recertification requirements for EMT are structured to ensure every certified professional continues to meet national competency levels.
This blog breaks down the continuing education (CE) hour requirements, accepted course formats, and timelines for EMT renewal in accordance with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) guidelines.
Overview of EMT Recertification Structure
EMT certification must be renewed every two years. The process ensures that personnel stay up to date with clinical care practices and system protocols. There are two primary options for EMT recertification:
● Continuing Education Model (preferred)
● Recertification by Examination
The Continuing Education Model is used most commonly. It follows the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP), which outlines how CE hours should be distributed across required categories.
CE Hour Requirements for EMT Recertification
To renew an EMT certification using the CE model, professionals must complete a total of 40 hours of approved continuing education. These hours are divided into three main categories under the NCCP model:
1. National Component – 20 Hours
This portion covers content defined by the NREMT. These 20 hours include topics that reflect updated national EMS standards, medical advancements, and protocol changes.
Sample topics include:
● Airway management
● Trauma assessments
● Medical emergencies
● Cardiac arrest care
● OB/GYN emergencies
All EMTs must complete these topics, regardless of state or employer-specific guidelines.
2. Local/State Component – 10 Hours
These 10 hours are based on guidance from state EMS offices, local medical directors, or employer protocols. The exact topics vary by region, but may include:
● Regional trauma protocols
● Local documentation requirements
● Incident command system training
If the state EMS office does not provide specific requirements, EMTs may use any relevant EMS continuing education to fulfill this component.
3. Individual Component – 10 Hours
This section gives EMTs the flexibility to focus on personal learning goals or areas where improvement is needed. These hours may also include:
● Specialty certifications (e.g., PHTLS, AMLS)
● Pediatric care
● Mental health and patient interaction
● Refresher training in areas of past weakness
Accepted Course Formats
EMTs may complete CE hours through various delivery methods. As of 2023, the NREMT has lifted limits on distributive education, meaning all 40 hours can be completed online if the provider is accepted.
Approved formats include:
● Instructor-led in-person courses
● Instructor-led virtual classrooms (live webinars)
● Distributive education (online modules, self-paced courses)
To qualify for NREMT recertification:
● The course provider must be state-approved or CAPCE-accredited (Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education).
● Certificates of completion must clearly state the number of credit hours and content covered.
Recertification by Examination
Instead of submitting CE hours, EMTs may choose to recertify by passing the cognitive NREMT exam again. This option is available if:
● The EMT’s certification is current and not expired
● The application is submitted during the renewal window
If the exam is passed, certification is renewed for another two-year cycle. However, failure to pass requires reapplication and may lead to loss of certification status if the renewal deadline passes.
Renewal Timeline and Deadlines
The NREMT follows a strict timeline for EMT recertification. The renewal window opens and closes at the same time every cycle.
● Recertification Application Opens: October 1
● Recertification Deadline: March 31 of the following year
● Late Submission Window Ends: April 30 (requires additional documentation and late fee)
All CE hours must be completed before March 31. Any incomplete application or missing hours can delay or block recertification. It is recommended to start CE coursework at least 6 months before the deadline.
Lapsed or Expired Certifications
If an EMT misses the March 31 deadline:
● Certification is considered inactive or expired
● Practice privileges may be restricted by the state licensing agency
● Reinstatement may require:
○ Additional CE hours
○ Passing the NREMT cognitive exam
○ Filing a reinstatement application with associated fees
The NREMT provides a grace period of up to two years from expiration for potential reinstatement. After two years, candidates may be required to retake the full EMT course before applying again.
Tracking and Submitting Recertification Materials
All EMTs must use their NREMT online profile to submit recertification materials.
Steps to follow:
1. Log in to the NREMT portal
2. Click "Recertification"
3. Input all CE course data
4. Upload certificates of completion (if requested)
5. Submit the application and pay the recertification fee
Upon approval, the certification will renew for another two-year period. EMTs should retain all CE documentation for at least 3 years in case of an audit.
Common Questions About Recertification
Q: Can all CE hours be online?
Yes. As of 2023, there is no limit on distributive education. All 40 hours may be completed online if from an approved provider.
Q: What happens if I don’t finish my CE before March 31?
Your certification may expire. You will either need to pass the NREMT exam again or request reinstatement with additional steps.
Q: Do CPR certifications count toward CE hours?
Basic CPR courses do not count toward the 40-hour requirement, but advanced resuscitation courses may qualify if accredited.
Q: Who approves the CE courses I take?
Courses must be approved by either the state EMS office or CAPCE to count toward NREMT recertification.
Stay Current with NREMT Standards
Maintaining EMT certification helps ensure public safety and high standards of prehospital care. The recertification requirements for EMT are built to keep skills sharp and knowledge up to date.
Professionals should:
● Review their CE progress quarterly
● Confirm course accreditation before registering
● Submit applications well before deadlines
Regular review of national and state EMS updates also helps keep personnel in good standing.
How To NREMT Offers Reliable Support for EMT and Paramedic Recertification
How To NREMT offers structured support for those preparing to maintain or renew EMT and paramedic certification. With expertly designed materials and realistic practice resources, EMTs can stay on track with their education requirements and timelines. Whether using NREMT basic test prep online to review foundational skills or focusing on advanced topics with paramedic test prep online, professionals can prepare with confidence.
Our platform also provides NREMT cognitive exam practice and guidance from a qualified online EMT tutor, helping users meet certification standards on time.
For reliable help with exam preparation and recertification, contact How To NREMT today.