Once an individual has submitted their recertification application, National Registry staff will review all education submitted to confirm NCCP compliance.  Applications may be returned for corrections and will indicate why the application is being returned.  individuals should continuously monitor their application and dashboard message center for application updates, incompletions, audit notifications, and processed applications indicating successful recertification. 

The National Registry considers the individual to be solely
responsible for their certification.

Accepted Education and Documentation types

When randomly selected for an audit, individuals are required to submit document proof of their continuing education. Accepted proof of documentation must be one of the following:

• Certificates of course completion 
• Copies of standardized course cards and certificates of completion will be accepted for courses listed on the National Registry Standardized Course Guide. 
• A roster that includes all data elements on the training organization’s letterhead and includes the Training Officer’s signature. 
• Data imported directly in the National Registry transcript from an approved, trusted source for continuing education. 
• Official transcript from an accredited school, university, or state-approved EMS program. 
• Downloaded report of completed education through an educational provider or platform that contains the name and signature of the verifying Training Officer or downloaded from the source directly–not a written letter of completion.

Proof of education must include the following information for all education dated on or after April 1, 2023

The approved documentation type listed above must follow the Accepted Education and Documentation policy and should including the following proof:

• Name of individual 
• Date of course completion 
• Number of credits/hours/or continuing education units awarded 
• Scope (course topic, course name, or description) 
• Name of certificate issuer (training provider name) 
• Name of course issuer/approver (education accepted or approved by CAPCE, State EMS Office, Academic Institution, by National Registry Policy). 

Applications selected for random audit can have the application returned for correction. The denied education can be replaced with any courses completed between the start of the individual’s recertification cycle and the date of the original application submission. If education cannot be swapped, the individual may take the Recertification by Examination (RBE). 

The fees for the recertification application and for Recertification by Examination (RBE) are nonrefundable. 

NOTE: Individuals selected for audit during the reinstatement period are not eligible for Recertification by Examination (RBE) and must submit the required documentation.

Recertification Audits

Recertification applications submitted to the National Registry are randomly selected for audit. If an individual’s application is chosen at random, the individual must provide documentation for all courses listed on the recertification application before their current expiration date. If audited during the reinstatement period, individuals have until May 31 (EMT, AEMT, Paramedic) or Nov 30 (EMR) of the current expiration year to provide documentation. 

Nationally Registered individuals may test the Recertification by Examination (RBE) in place of submitting documentation if the individual is within his/her current recertification cycle and before their current expiration date. Individuals have one attempt to successfully pass the examination at the current level of certification. If successfully passed, the individual will satisfy the audit requirements and be recertified. If the individual is unsuccessful, the individual will lapse on their expiration date.  

Starting April 1, 2023, education cannot be swapped for new education dated after the initial application submission date.

Audits Due To Reason Or Cause

The National Registry reserves the right to investigate recertification materials at any time. Nationally certified EMS professionals must retain the proof of all education submitted for recertification for a period of five years. Failure to submit verification or documentation when audited will result in denial of eligibility to recertify and will result in a lapsed status or possible revocation. An individual audited due to reason or cause will be notified of an investigation and their audit status through the email designated in their account. From the time of notification, the individual has 30 days to submit documentation to support the audited application and do not have the option of Recertification by Examination (RBE). 

Successful examination candidates will receive an email notification about accessing a National Registry certificate and card. The certification marks may only be used after receiving the credential and as long as the certification is valid, current, and in good standing. If your National Registry certification lapses, or disciplinary action has occurred, the individual must immediately cease use of the certification and certification mark, regardless of licensure status in your state of practice.  

Individuals who have met National Registry eligibility requirements and have successfully passed a certification examination, may use their credentials in correspondence, such as email signatures, business cards, or other materials. Certification marks by level are listed below. 

National Registry Certification Levels and Post-nominal letters:  

• Nationally Registered Paramedic or NRP 
• Nationally Registered Advanced Emergency Medical Technician or NRAEMT 
• Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician or NREMT 
• Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Responder or NREMR  

As an example, you may have your email signature listed as John Smith, NRAEMT.