To comply with licensing requirements in Washington, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) must recertify every three years by completing a certain amount of continuing medical education (CME) credits or an Ongoing Training and Evaluation Program (OTEP). In addition, EMTs need to renew their certification with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) every two years.
State-Level Continuing Education Options
The EMT certification process in Washington offers some flexibility in how the CME requirements can be met.
CME courses are taken after initial certification to reinforce existing knowledge and instill new skills needed to perform emergency medical services. The curriculum includes written and practical skills assessments to ensure the information is properly absorbed by the EMT. EMTs can evaluate the pros and cons of online versus in-person EMT classes in Washington before deciding which format best suits their learning style and needs.
An OTEP program can be developed by a licensed emergency medical support (EMS) service, an emergency service support organization, a local county or regional EMS office, or an EMS county medical program director (MPD). The program must meet the requirements outlined by the Washington State Department of Health. An OTEP includes cognitive, affective, and psychomotor assessments of each topic to ensure an acceptable level of competency by the student in the subject matter.
NREMT Recertification
EMTs must renew their NREMT certification every two years. The NREMT website links to helpful checklists, videos, a handbook, and FAQs to guide EMTs through the recertification process.
The organization also offers two ways to renew NREMT certifications:
Continuing Education Option
A CME program needs to include a national component, a local or state component, and an individual component.
A new national component of the National Continued Competency Program became effective April 1st, 2025. According to the new model, EMTs must complete a total of twenty credits as follows: four credits of airway, respiration, and ventilation, five credits of cardiovascular, three hours of trauma, six hours of medical, and two hours of operations instruction. The training must include pediatric protocols.
Ten credits of agency or state emergency services CME directly related to EMS patient care can be applied to NREMT recertification. The ten credits for the individual component must be directly related to EMS patient care.
NREMT Cognitive Exam Alternative
Rather than complete a CME, EMTs have the option of taking the NREMT recertification examination by signing into their National Registry account and paying a fee. One attempt to pass the test is allowed between April 1st (one year prior to the current expiration date) and March 31st (expiration date).
To help prepare for the exam and refresh your knowledge on the topics covered by the exam, check out The Paramedic Coach’s resources. Our Video Vault includes engaging, comprehensive videos that have helped tens of thousands of EMS professionals. Subscribers can take advantage of our proven non-textbook-based method to overcome obstacles commonly encountered by EMTs while studying or taking the recertification exam!
Courses That Are Acceptable–and Not Acceptable
Washington State does not follow the NREMT model, but it does accept credits earned while taking Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) courses.
The NREMT accepts CME approved by Washington State for EMT recertification, CAPCE-accredited education, EMS education programs, and US-based accredited academic credit, college courses, or credit provided by the National Registry Alternative Recertification Credits Policy. It only accepts a limited number of pre-recorded course hours.
The NREMT Recertification Guide also lists programs that can’t be used to satisfy recertification requirements. These exceptions include duplicate courses, clinical rotations, and programs provided by an individual instructor, management, or an organization’s leadership.
Also, credit is not given for activities that occur during the performance of EMT duties, preceptor hours, volunteer hours with an agency, or time spent as a skills examiner.
Comply and Apply
EMT recertification is a requirement by both Washington State and the NREMT. One certification cannot be used to satisfy the requirements of the other licensing agency.
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