Active status

Verification of skills competency is a requirement for an individual to maintain active status and is validated by the agency’s designated EMS authority (Training Officer for EMR and EMT, Medical Director for AEMT, and Paramedic). The expectation of skills competency validation is determined by and performed at the local level (agency or organization) and affirms that the EMS professional has been verified as competent for level-specific skills and any necessary remediation has been undertaken.  

The agency’s Training Officer and Medical Director should determine the specific skills as part of the local credentialing process. 

Inactive status

Inactive status is designated for Nationally Certified EMS professionals who are not actively working or volunteering in EMS, or do not have an agency affiliation or Training Officer/Medical Director verification of skills and education. Individuals who wish to declare inactive status must continue to meet the National Registry requirements for cognitive competency via Recertification by Examination or continuing education in subsequent cycles. If cognitive competencies are met, the provider may remain in inactive status indefinitely. Inactive status is not for those who have had limitations or revocation of a health care license. 

Returning to active status

Nationally Certified EMS professionals may request to return to active status at any time. The individual must meet active status requirements of an agency affiliation and a continued competency skill attestation by Training Officer or Medical Director (certification-level appropriate) to return to active status. This verification can be done efficiently through Registry’s online process or by finding the  “Inactive to Active” form online and sending it back to support@nremt.org

If you do not complete the recertification process by your expiration date or by the reinstatement period with the additional fee,, your National Registry certification is considered lapsed.  You will need to regain certification to become certified again.

There are two different pathways to regain National Registry certification if an individual previously held certification:

• State licensed 
• Re-entry 

Both pathways require:

• A specific number of continuing education credits that follow current National Registry policies and it must be completed within the last two years
• Submit application and payment
• Successfully pass a National Registry examination 

Continuing education credits needed for each pathway are included in each Certification Scheme level-specific policy.