If you have a current state EMT license/certification, an equivalent EMT level license/certification, or recognized higher EMS level license/certification, and you are applying for National Registry EMT certification, you must meet the following requirements: 

NOTE: If you have a lapsed state license, visit the Re-entry Pathway

Re-entry Pathway

Requirements for Certification

  • Proof of education requirements. The following methods are acceptable: 
    • Successful completion of a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) refresher course or
    • Twenty (20) credits of continuing education that meet the national component requirements of the current National Continued Competency Program within the past two (2) years. 
      • The National Registry accepts State EMS Office approved 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.  
  • Successful completion of the National Registry EMT certification examination and a State EMS Office approved BLS skills competency requirement. 
    • Passed portions of the certification examination and skills competency verification remain valid for twenty-four (24) months provided all other eligibility requirements are met. 
  • Copy of a current state EMT license/certification. 

National Component Guides

For expiration dates through Sept. 30, 2025:

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

Application Process

To apply for a National Registry examination: 

  1. Create your account/log in to your profile. 
  2. Select the EMT State-licensed Application. Verify/update any personal information and follow the prompts through the application. 
  3. Pay the application fee.  
  4. Attach your current state EMT license/certification, add your continuing education, and attach the education certificates to your application.
  5. Monitor the progress of your application from your Candidate Dashboard in case additional action is needed. Once the National Registry approves your application and your “Examination” tile contains the message “Authorization to Test (ATT) received,” you can view your ATT and schedule your examination. 

Related Policies

Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) 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.
The National Registry has disciplinary procedures, rights of appeal and due process within its policies. For complete details regarding the National Registry Disciplinary Policy and your Rights of Appeal, please refer to the link below.

Disciplinary Actions Policy

The National Registry complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and offers reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Pearson VUE test centers are also ADA compliant. Complete information about the National Registry Accommodations Disability Policy can be found using the link below.

ADA Accommodations

Expiration Dates

Initial expiration dates are determined by the date the candidate successfully completes the entire national certification process (computer-based certification and skills competency requirement.). EMT candidates completing the national certification process between the January 1 and June 30 will receive an expiration date of March 31 two years in the future. Individuals successfully completing the national certification process between July 1 and December 31 will receive an expiration date of March 31 three years in the future.

If you successfully complete the national certification process between January 1 - June 30 your initial certification date will be March 31 of 2 years in the future.

If you successfully complete the national certification process between July 1- December 31 your initial certification date will be March 31 of 3 years in the future.