The National Registry Board of Directors has proposed updates to Policy 81.19, including renaming the policy from Time Extension Policy to Policy Variance Policy, to more clearly define how requests for variances to established certification policies are evaluated.
The proposed updates would:
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Rename the policy to Policy Variance Policy to better reflect its broader purpose.
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Clarify the circumstances under which Candidates and certified Clinicians may request policy variances, including time extensions, additional examination attempts, and other exceptions to established certification policies.
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Clearly identify the certification pathways and policy requirements to which variances may apply, including initial certification and recertification.
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Define additional extenuating circumstances that are not eligible for consideration under the policy.
The policy establishes consistent criteria for evaluating requests for variances to certification requirements while ensuring fairness, transparency, and the integrity of the National Registry certification process.
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The public comment period will close on Monday, September 14, 2026.
About the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Guided by our mission to support the EMS profession through partnerships, research, and lifelong assessment of clinical competence, the National Registry was established in 1970 as a non-profit organization and serves as the Nation’s Emergency Medical Services certification organization. It is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accreditation body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. The National Registry maintains NCCA accreditation for each of the four certification programs: Emergency Medical Responder (NREMR), Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (NRAEMT), and Paramedic (NRP). Credentialing protects the public, assures consumers that Clinicians have met standards of practice, advances the EMS profession, and establishes standards of professional knowledge, skills, and practice. Additional information is available at NREMT.org, and BlueSky, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Reddit, and YouTube.
Media Contact:
Kelly Schroeder
Manager of Integrated Content & Communications
kschroeder@nremt.org