If you have a lapsed National Registry EMT certification, lapsed state EMT license including a lapsed equivalent EMT certification, or recognized higher level of EMS certification and want to gain National Registry EMT certification, you must meet the following requirements:
NOTE: If you have a current state license, visit the State Licensed Pathway
State Licensed Pathway
Requirements for Certification
- Proof of education requirements. The following methods are acceptable:
- Successful completion of a state-approved Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) refresher course, or
- Forty (40) credits of continuing education that meets all 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 courses. 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 lapsed EMT license/certification if never nationally certified as an EMT.
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 - 10 Credits
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.
Individual Component - 10 Credits
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.
Application Process
To apply for a National Registry examination:
- Create your account/log in to your profile.
- Select the EMT Re-entry Application. Verify/update any personal information and follow the prompts through the application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Attach your lapsed state EMT license/certification (if applicable), add your continuing education, and attach the education certificates to your application.
- 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
Expiration Dates
Initial expiration dates are determined by the date the candidate successfully completes the entire national certification process (cognitive and psychomotor exams). 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.