The National Registry verifies competency — the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide safe and effective patient care. It does NOT assess personality, character, or behavior.
Licensure and conduct oversight fall to state EMS offices, while employers make decisions about hiring or discipline. Each plays an important role in protecting the public and maintaining trust in the profession.
Certification, licensure, and employment each serve a different purpose:
The National Registry
The National Registry verifies that an individual has met national standards and demonstrated minimum competency through examination.
Competency refers to the verified knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the clinical functions of an EMS Clinician safely and effectively.
It is not a measure of personality, character, or behavior. Instead, competency focuses solely on whether an individual has demonstrated the minimum technical and clinical proficiency necessary to provide emergency medical care according to established national standards.
Behavior, professionalism, and conduct are separate matters governed by state licensing authorities and employers.
- Competency refers to the verified knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the clinical functions of an EMS Clinician safely and effectively.
- It is not a measure of personality, character, or behavior. Instead, competency focuses solely on whether an individual has demonstrated the minimum technical and clinical proficiency necessary to provide emergency medical care according to established national standards.
- Behavior, professionalism, and conduct are separate matters governed by state licensing authorities and employers.
State EMS Offices
State EMS Offices issue licenses that authorize an individual to practice within that state.
Employers
Employers determine who is hired, retained, or disciplined within their organization.
Each has a distinct role in protecting patients and the integrity of the profession.
When concerning behavior is observed or reported, the National Registry takes it seriously. We notify the appropriate state licensing authority and fully cooperate with any investigation. While we do not have the authority to revoke a state license or take employment action, we ensure that information reaches those who can.
We remain committed to fostering a safe, professional, and equitable EMS community — and we appreciate everyone who upholds those values every day.