Before you can practice as a licensed emergency medical technician (EMT) in California, you must get certification from the state. To become certified, you must first receive EMT training and pass the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) exam–which you can do with help from test prep for California EMTs. Only then can you apply for certification in the state.
California EMT certification lasts two years. After it expires, you need to renew your certification to be able to keep working in emergency medical services (EMS) as an EMT.
How to Get California EMT Certification
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to become a certified California EMT:
Get EMT Training
California mandates all EMT candidates to receive relevant training. Your course must be approved by the state and facilitated by a recognized provider. There are multiple options in various cities, each with its own program, requirements, and fees. It’s best to do your research to find the best one that fits your needs, goals, and budget.
Typically, these programs end with exams to qualify your learning. You must also pass this to finish the course and receive a completion certificate.
Pass the NREMT Exam
After training, you must pass the NREMT exam, a national assessment test that covers all aspects of EMS. To prepare for this exam, it’s good to supplement your EMT training with resources like the Video Vault from The Paramedic Coach. This test prep program can help you build a solid foundation on EMS and keep your knowledge up-to-date, helping you get a high score.
Apply for Certification
With an EMT course completion certificate and an NREMT certificate, you can now apply for EMT certification in California. The requirements for doing so will be listed on the EMS office website of your city or county, but generally, you’ll also need a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate, a Livescan fingerprint form, and your driver’s license. Most applications are done digitally, so be ready with electronic versions of these documents.
How much is a California EMT license? The cost of initial certification starts at around $120, depending on where you apply. A state fee of $75 applies for initial certification, and each county adds its own fees, which is why prices differ. You can consult the schedule of fees that are typically posted on your local EMS office’s website for more information.
Obtain an ADL
While your county works on approving your EMT certification, you need to apply for an ambulance driver’s license (ADL). To do this, you need to get another Livescan fingerprint and a Department of Transportation physical exam.
For the latter, you’ll have to have a filled-out Medical Examination Report (MER) Form (MCSA 5875) and a Medical Examiner’s Certification (MEC) Form (MCSA 5876). Once you have all the requirements ready, you can proceed to your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to process your ADL.
At the DMV, you’ll take a thirty-question ADL test. When you pass, you’ll be issued a temporary 180-day ADL while you wait for the actual ADL to come in the mail.
Renewing California EMT Certification
Once you’re certified, you can begin working in EMS as a first responder. How much are EMTs paid in California? On average, EMTs make around $21 to $26 per hour, but top earners can earn upwards of $62,000 a year.
Note that EMT certification in California only lasts two years. After that, you need to renew your certification. To do this, you must submit proof of either twenty-four hours of approved EMS continuing education or an approved twenty-four-hour refresher course certificate taken within the past two years and pay the recertification fee.
Get Certified with Help from The Video Vault
The Video Vault by The Paramedic Coach is designed to help you obtain your California EMT certification. For only $147, you get lifetime access to more than 480 videos, 2,000 NREMT practice questions, worksheets, drug cards, and audio files to help you become a successful EMT!
