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NREMT certification and state licensure are separate
National Registry certification demonstrates national competency. Your state license or certification gives you legal authorization to practice. Their expiration dates, fees, education rules, skills verification, and renewal portals may be different.
National Registry
Follow the current National Continued Competency Program or use recertification by examination when eligible.
Open the NREMT recertification guideState EMS office
Confirm state-specific CE topics, CPR requirements, fees, background questions, affiliation rules, and renewal deadlines.
Find your state office belowLast reviewed July 22, 2026. Rules can change; always verify them directly before submitting a renewal.
National Registry CE pathway
Current NCCP credit requirements
The National Continued Competency Program divides education into national, local/state, and individual components. Education must be at or above your certification level and directly related to EMS patient care.
40 total credits
60 total credits
For reference, the current NCCP totals are 16 credits for EMR and 50 credits for AEMT. Use the official National Registry level page for complete requirements.
Two renewal methods
Choose continuing education or recertification by examination
Continuing education
Complete the required NCCP credits during your current certification cycle, enter or import the education into your National Registry account, complete the application, obtain required verification, and submit before expiration.
- Best for clinicians completing education throughout the cycle.
- Allows national, local/state, and individual education to document continued competency.
- Education must be completed before the certification expiration date.
Recertification by examination
Apply for recertification by examination, receive an Authorization to Test, and pass the certification examination during the permitted testing window.
- One attempt is allowed between April 1 one year before expiration and March 31 of the expiration year.
- Passing by examination initially renews the credential in inactive status.
- Agency and medical-director steps may be needed to return to active status.
EMT and paramedic timeline
Know the important National Registry dates
One year before expiration
Recertification by examination opens.
Six months before expiration
Continuing-education renewal applications begin being accepted.
Examination application deadline
National Registry identifies this as the RBE application deadline to allow scheduling before expiration.
Certification expiration date
Final day to submit the normal continuing-education application. All CE must already be complete.
Reinstatement period
A late application may be submitted with the additional reinstatement fee only when the education was completed by March 31.
Certification lapses
The clinician must use the appropriate National Registry pathway to regain certification.
Your state credential may use a different date. Place both dates on your calendar.
Before paying for a class
Confirm that the education will count
Commonly accepted sources
- Education approved by a U.S. State EMS Office or designated authorizing agency.
- CAPCE-accredited EMS continuing education.
- Qualified education from EMS education programs.
- Eligible accredited college courses or alternative credits under National Registry policy.
- Online or in-person education; National Registry currently states there is no online-hour limit.
Examples that may not count
- Duplicate courses within the same certification cycle.
- Clinical rotations or routine performance of duty.
- Preceptor hours, skills-examiner service, or agency volunteer time.
- Instructor courses and management or leadership courses that do not meet accepted clinical education rules.
- Education that is not directly related to EMS patient care.
Private browser tool
Track your National Registry CE progress
Select a certification level and enter the credits you have completed. Progress is saved only in this browser. This tool does not submit information to National Registry or your state.
Official state references
Find your state EMS office
Select every state in which you hold an EMS credential. The link opens the National Registry state-agency profile, which provides official office contact and website information.
The National Registry advises users to verify information directly with the State EMS Office. Some states delegate parts of EMT certification or renewal to counties, regions, or local agencies.
Status and affiliation
Understand active and inactive National Registry status
Active status
Active status is for clinicians currently providing patient care at their certification level. EMTs generally need agency affiliation and skills verification. Paramedics need agency affiliation plus verification by the training officer and medical director.
Inactive status
Inactive status can help clinicians who are not currently practicing, are between agencies, are working in education or administration, or cannot obtain skills verification. Continuing-education requirements still apply, and inactive status does not replace state renewal.
Saved planning checklist
EMT/paramedic renewal checklist
Direct links
Official recertification resources
National Registry login
Enter education, review your application, request verification, and monitor status.
Open account →2026 recertification guide
Eligibility, methods, dates, audits, inactive status, lapse, and policy guidance.
Read guide →EMT recertification
Official EMT requirements, continuing education, examination, and status details.
Open EMT page →Paramedic recertification
Official NRP requirements, continuing education, examination, and verification details.
Open paramedic page →State EMS agencies
Find licensing offices, state websites, contact details, and state-specific NCCP information.
Open state map →CAPCE course finder
Search for CAPCE-accredited online and in-person continuing education.
Find courses →Certification vs. licensure
Review why National Registry certification does not itself authorize practice.
Understand the difference →Verify credentials
Check National Registry credential status after the application is processed.
Verify NREMT status →