About the National Registry

As the EMS Certification Organization

Our Purpose

We ensure that all EMS clinicians have the knowledge and skills required for competent practice.

Our Vision

A safer and healthier world where all patients receive care from certified EMS clinicians.

Our Mission

To support the EMS profession through partnerships, research, and lifelong assessment of clinical competence.

Board of Directors

A Board of Directors governs the National Registry, featuring leading figures from the EMS community and the public, all committed to public protection and quality patient care. 

View current Board

History of the National Registry  

Explore the National Registry’s historic timeline to discover key milestones and developments in emergency medical services. 

View Timeline

Professional Accreditation  

The National Registry maintains accreditation from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the credentialing body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, for all four certification programs: 

• Emergency Medical Responder (NREMR)  

• Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT)  

• Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (NRAEMT)  

• Paramedic (NRP) 

Credentialing: 

• Protects the public 

• Assures consumers of professional standards 

• Advances the profession 

• Sets standards for knowledge, skills, and practice 

Examination Development

The National Registry prioritizes public safety by researching accurate and fair methods to measure candidate competency. EMS experts dedicate thousands of hours each year to developing, validating, analyzing, and setting standards for examination questions.

The National Registry certifies four EMS levels—EMR, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic—based on the National EMS Scope of Practice Model. National Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), including State Officials, educators, employers, and physicians, create and pilot test examination questions through a year-long process. The team calibrates each question to ensure entry-level competency while maintaining legal and psychometric standards.

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Annual Reports

The National Registry is a non-profit agency committed to public protection and the EMS profession. 

View Annual Reports

National EMS Data

Explore our interactive maps to dive into the dynamic world of EMS data. Here, you can visually navigate key insights about our certification process, performance trends, and geographic distribution of EMS professionals. The user-friendly interface and interactive elements invite you to uncover detailed statistics and compelling stories behind the numbers. Whether you're a candidate, educator, or simply curious about the impact of our programs, our maps offer an engaging window into our mission and the broader EMS community. Discover how data drives decision-making and excellence in EMS—start exploring today!

View National EMS Data

How States Use the National Registry

The National Registry provides National EMS Certification to protect the public. This certification process thoroughly validates and legally attests to the competency of candidates who pass. 

All fifty states recognize National Registry certification as a valid attestation of entry level competency prior to issuing a license to practice. Recognized nationwide, the EMS Compact mandates this certification in all member states, assuring the public, employers, and state authorities of each individual’s proven competency. 

Learn about the differences between certification and licensure

Volunteers

The National Registry relies on EMS community volunteers to enhance our products and services. We regularly bring together diverse EMS professionals to collaborate on developing examinations, reviewing publications and software, conducting practice analyses, and more. We encourage EMS personnel from all backgrounds and experience levels to apply and help shape the future of the National Registry.  

Learn about volunteering