General National Registry Information
The National Registry is a non-profit organization that provides national certification for Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), Advanced EMTs (AEMTs), and Paramedics. We develop and administer standardized certification examinations to ensure competency and maintain a national standard for EMS professionals.
You can contact the National Registry through:
- Website: www.nremt.org
- Email: Through our contact form on the website or support@nmret.org
- Phone: (614) 888-4484 (Note: you may experience longer wait times at the end of Recertification Season in February and March.)
The National Registry’s website offers a comprehensive policies portal, covering certification, recertification, examinations, and more.
Information about National EMS Education Standards can be found on the EMS.gov website.
Still have questions? We have created dedicated resource pages to help answer questions specific to your role:
- Medical Directors – Visit our Medical Director Resource Page for Certification Handbooks, the Recertification Guide, NCCP models, and answers to other frequently asked questions.
- State EMS Officials – Explore the State EMS Official Resource Page for links to our podcast, Registry Insider, access to other role-specific information, and a quick link to our maps and data.
- Training Officers – Head to the Training Officer Resource Page for resources on certification, recertification, NCCP models, and answers to other frequently asked questions.
- Program Directors – Check out the Program Director Resource Page for details on verifying course completion, managing program associations, using candidate performance reports, and accessing tools to support your program operations.
Certification & Recertification
The process involves
- Completing a state-approved EMS education program
- Creating an account on the National Registry website
- Applying for and scheduling your examination via Pearson VUE.
- Meeting all other eligibility requirements. Read the Certification
Handbook for complete information.
The National Registry offers certification at the following levels:
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
- Paramedic
Recertification requirements vary by certification level. Generally, you'll need to:
- Maintain current state licensure (if applicable)
- Complete required continuing education hours. Alternatively, in
some cases, you may complete recertification by examination - Submit a recertification application and fee through your National
Registry account - Complete information is available in the EMS Recertification Guide
The required hours vary by certification level. Refer to the National Registry EMS Recertification Guide for each level’s requirements.
Examinations
The certification examination is a computer-adaptive test (CAT) that assesses your knowledge of EMS concepts
The state-approved BLS skills competency requirement (if applicable) is a practical skills evaluation. You can check your state’s requirements by contacting your State EMS Office.
The state-approved BLS skills competency requirement (if applicable) is a practical skills evaluation. You can check your state’s requirements by contacting your State EMS Office.
You can schedule your certification examination through your National Registry account once your application is approved.
While the National Registry no longer requires a psychomotor examination, your state may mandate a state-approved BLS skills competency requirement. You can find out your state’s requirements and approved testing sites by contacting your State EMS Office.
While the National Registry no longer requires a psychomotor examination, your state may mandate a state-approved BLS skills competency requirement. You can find out your state’s requirements and approved testing sites by contacting your State EMS Office.
You can retake the examination after a 15-day waiting period. The number of retakes allowed varies per level. Refer to the Certification Handbook for more specific information for your level.
Examination results are considered valid for 24 months. Click here to read the full policy.
Account & Application Issues
Use the "Forgot Password" function on the National Registry website to reset your password. If you continue to have issues, contact National Registry customer support.
(Note: you may experience longer wait times at the end of Recertification Season in February and March.)
(Note: you may experience longer wait times at the end of Recertification Season in February and March.)
Contact National Registry of EMTs customer support for assistance with application issues.
(Note: you may experience longer wait times at the end of Recertification Season in February and March.)
(Note: you may experience longer wait times at the end of Recertification Season in February and March.)
Log in to your National Registry account and click the “update my profile” button to ensure you receive up-to-date information in a timely manner.
State & National Certification
No. National Registry certification is a national certification. State licensure is granted by individual state EMS agencies.
While many states recognize National Registry certification, it does not automatically grant state licensure. Click here to learn more about the differences between certification and licensure.
While many states recognize National Registry certification, it does not automatically grant state licensure. Click here to learn more about the differences between certification and licensure.
Contact your state EMS office for information on state licensure requirements.
All 50 states recognize National Registry certification, but reciprocity policies vary by state. Contact your state EMS office for specific information.