How to Prepare for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Recertification
To prepare for emergency medical technician (EMT) recertification, you must understand the requirements, which may differ depending on the state where you practice emergency medical services (EMS). Next, you must enroll in and pass an accredited course. Once you complete your program, you can get recertified!
EMT recertification is required every two years for nationally registered EMTs. This ensures that your knowledge and skills are up-to-date so that you can perform your job more effectively.
Getting EMT Recertification
You have two options when choosing how to meet EMT recertification requirements. You can either recertify by completing continuing education or by passing an exam:
Recertification Through Continuing Education
To recertify through continuing education, you must complete forty learning credits that are divided into a national component, a local or state component, and an individual component.
The National Registry accepts State EMS Office-accepted and CAPCE-accredited education, along with accredited academic credit or college courses–given that they are directly related to EMS patient care. Education can be completed online or in-person, making it a flexible option for active EMTs.
Recertification by Exam
If you’re confident that you can demonstrate continued competence in EMS, you can recertify by passing an exam. This allows you to skip completing a continuing education program. All you have to do is complete a recertification by exam application, pay the fee, schedule an exam, and take the test!
Which EMT Recertification Path Is Better?
Choosing between recertifying through continuing education or by exam depends on your time and energy, as well as your competence in EMS. For most EMTs, recertification by continuing education is the better choice because it grants you more flexibility. It also updates your knowledge and skills with current practices and trends that might not have been addressed during your initial EMT education and training.
That said, if you don’t have the time or resources to complete an education program and are sure about your ability to pass the EMT test, then taking a recertification exam may be the right choice for you.
Preparing for EMT Recertification
Preparing for EMT recertification is critical in guaranteeing your success. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to prepare for EMT recertification:
Check Your Certification
EMT recertification prep starts with checking the status of your license. You must recertify every two years to keep working as an EMT. Make a note of your certification expiration date and plan ahead. You need to have enough time to go through the recertification process before your current certification lapses.
Understand the Requirements
The requirements for EMT recertification are straightforward and depend on what recertification path you take. You can refer to the NREMT’s website to find the full list of requirements, but also look into your local EMS certifying body to see if there’s state-specific requirements you need to meet.
Choose the Right Program
If you’re recertifying by continuing education, you must do so through an accredited program. The Paramedic Coach offers a CAPCE-accredited EMT recertification program that you can complete online.
This program is informative and engaging–a stark difference from the usual boring classroom setups. We walk you through what you need to get your recertification, and our program is equipped with a ton of support. You’re never left in the dark in any of your lessons!
If you’re recertifying by exam, it’s also good to get a few learning sessions in to refresh what you already know and help you be more prepared for the test. Our Video Vault is a great resource because it’s filled with important review materials.
EMT Recertification Made Easy With The Paramedic Coach
The Paramedic Coach makes EMT recertification easy with its access to forty hours of quality content for a full year, giving you enough time to prepare for recertification on your own time.
Our program is designed to be straightforward. You can get recertified in just three simple steps: watch the video content, pass the quizzes, and fill out the evaluation form. Next, you’ll receive a certification of completion right to your inbox!
Get The Paramedic Coach’s EMT recertification program and receive seven free downloadable guides with your course. Enroll for just $197 and get one-year access today!


