Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) must renew their certifications in order to legally perform their jobs. In most states, EMTs must renew their certifications every two years.
If your license is about to expire, you learn how to meet the EMT recertification requirements. You can obtain all this information from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) website. You can also ask your local emergency medical services (EMS) office or agency about recertification requirements specific to your state or county.
Recertifying for the First Time
Your recertification cycle starts with the date of your initial certification and ends with your expiration date. EMTs have recertification dates that are based on a two-year cycle that ends on March 31st of your expiration year. Note that the expiration date for your NREMT certification may be different from that of your state license or certification.
Choosing How to Recertify
Recertification is necessary for all EMTs to confirm that your knowledge and skills are relevant in the field. This guarantees that you’re fit to provide care for patients in need. The National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) allows you to recertify either by exam or continuing education. There are a few ways to recertify your credentials:
Recertification by Exam
Recertification by exam lets you demonstrate competency without having to go through additional schooling. It’s available from April 1st up to one year before your current certification’s expiration date.
You’re only allowed to take the exam once per recertification cycle. If you don’t pass, you can still recertify by continuing education, provided that you submit your application and the requirements before your existing license expires.
Recertification by Continuing Education
Recertification by continuing education allows you to show your skills by completing a program using the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) model. The NCCP indicates what education you need to recertify. For EMTs, this is forty credits broken down into: national (twenty credits), local (ten credits), and individual (ten credits) components. These credits must be at or above your certification level.
The national component consists of similar topics as the NREMT exam, while the local and individual components are more flexible in scope but must still be related to direct patient care. The local component may or may not be specified by your state or local EMS agency, so double-check with them to ensure that you get the right credits.
The National Registry accepts the following resources for recertification:
- A US State EMS Office or Designated Authorizing Agency (DAA)
- The Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education (CAPCE)
- The National Registry Accepted Education and Documentation, Academic Credit, and Alternative Recertification Credits policies
Which Recertification Path Should I Choose?
Choosing to recertify by exam or by continuing education will depend on factors like your current knowledge base and how much time you can spend on recertification. If you feel ready to pass the exam and don’t have enough resources to complete forty credits of continuing education, then RBE may be the ideal option for you.
However, if you need to refresh your EMT skills and have the time to take a course, then continuing education could be the right choice.
Tips for Successful Recertification
Here are some tips that can help you plan for renewing your recertification:
Give Yourself Enough Time
The recertification process is easy, but it may still take some time to complete, especially if you’re recertifying by continuing education. Note your recertification cycle and give yourself enough time to meet the requirements for renewal. The National Registry encourages you to enter your education into your transcript throughout this period. Don’t wait until the last minute to do it!
Choose the Right Recertification Program
The National Registry specifies what programs it accepts to grant recertification. Be sure that your chosen course fits these criteria. Compare EMT recertification programs online to find an accepted program that also fits with your learning style, schedule, and budget.
Recertify Online
Recertify online to save time. Online recertifications can be processed within seventy-two hours, so you get your renewed license right away! In comparison, mail-in applications can take weeks to complete.
EMT Recertification Renewal with The Paramedic Coach
The Paramedic Coach’s CAPCE-accredited EMT recertification course is designed to help you renew your license with ease. Enroll today to earn your forty credits!
