According to California Emergency Media Services Authority. The State of California requires all persons that provide EMT or AEMT level scope of practice emergency medical services to obtain a valid state issued EMT or AEMT certification from a certifying entity or LEMSA. We’ve outlined the recertification process for California, provided some helpful links, and answered frequently asked questions.
Information on this page was accurate at time of publishing (January 2022) and is regularly reviewed and updated. Always confirm the rules, regulations, and processes with your local EMS authorities. If you notice any inaccurate or out-of-date information, please let us know so we can make corrections.
CALIFORNIA EMS RECERTIFICATION GUIDE
Does California follow the NREMT’S NCCP Model?
No. California EMS recertification process is very unique in the sense that they do not follow the NREMT’s NCCP model. Instead, the state of California follows local EMS agency and other authorized certifying entities. A listing of California’s local EMS agencies can be found here.
What is the Renewal Criteria for California EMTs?
In order to renew an EMT certification prior to expiration, you must submit proof of either 24 hours of approved EMS continuing education (CE) or an approved 24-hour refresher course certificate taken within the past two years. A link to approved CE courses in California can be found on the EMT page of the EMS Authority’s website. A refresher course must be through an approved training program. Approved training programs in California can be found here. Additionally, EMTs are to complete the EMT Skills Competency Verification Form EMSA-SCV (01-17). If you wish to apply for EMT certification renewal or need further clarification on what qualifies as approved CE, or assistance finding an approved skills verifier, contact a local EMS agency.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I COMPLETE ALL OF MY CONTINUING EDUCATION ONLINE?
A list of approved Continuing Education (CE) can be found on California Emergency Medical Services Authority website.
IF I RENEW MY NREMT CERTIFICATION, DO I STILL NEED TO GET A STATE CERTIFICATION?
EMTs need a state certification to practice. While California does not require EMTs to maintain their National Registry certification (NREMT), many choose to maintain the NREMT certification in case they move to another state or do not plan to renew their EMT certification for a period of time.
HOW CAN I VERIFY MY CALIFORNIA EMT STATUS?
California has a Certification and Licensure Verification website where anyone can verify their EMT status.