2026 Colorado EMS Recertification Guide

2026 Colorado EMS Recertification Guide

Colorado’s EMS office oversees the recertification process for EMT, Advanced EMT (AEMT), and Paramedic credentialed providers. This guide summarizes the common NCCP renewal pathway, points you to official resources, and shows how Code One can help you complete your renewal efficiently.

Information on this page is reviewed regularly. Always confirm the rules, required topics, and submission steps with your Colorado EMS office.

Colorado EMS Recertification Overview

Many states use the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) framework. NCCP organizes continuing education into three components: National, State/Local, and Individual. Your state may add documentation requirements, approved topic lists, or portal submission steps.

Guide to Colorado EMT Recertification

• Complete 40 hours of approved continuing education (typical NCCP total for EMT).
• Follow the state’s renewal instructions and submit your renewal application using the official state process.

Get started now: Code One’s Online EMT Recertification Program

Guide to Colorado Advanced EMT (AEMT) Recertification

• Complete 50 hours of approved continuing education (typical NCCP total for AEMT).
• Follow the state’s renewal instructions and submit your renewal application using the official state process.

Get started now: Code One’s Online AEMT Recertification Program

Guide to Colorado Paramedic Recertification

• Complete 60 hours of approved continuing education (typical NCCP total for Paramedic).
• Follow the state’s renewal instructions and submit your renewal application using the official state process.

Get started now: Code One’s Online Paramedic Recertification Program

NCCP Hour Breakdown (Common Model)

The NCCP framework splits required hours into three components. Exact topic lists and any limits on distributive (online) education can vary by state and by provider level—confirm details with your state EMS office.

• EMT: 40 hours total
  • National Component: 20 hours
  • State / Local Component: 10 hours
  • Individual Component: 10 hours
• Advanced EMT (AEMT): 50 hours total
  • National Component: 25 hours
  • State / Local Component: 12.5 hours
  • Individual Component: 12.5 hours
• Paramedic: 60 hours total
  • National Component: 30 hours
  • State / Local Component: 15 hours
  • Individual Component: 15 hours

Recertification Requirements in Colorado

Emergency medical technicians in Colorado must renew their state certification every three years. Colorado accepts a current valid NREMT number as proof of the required continuing education and skills competency. EMS providers who are not registered with the NREMT can renew their certification using the state renewal method. All of your continuing education can be completed through Prodigy. As part of your recertification, you must contact and choose one recognized program to verify your CE and perform a skills test. The following are the required hours per level: EMR – 12, EMT/ Advanced EMT – 36, EMT Intermediate-99/ Paramedic – 50.

Accepted EMS Continuing Education

Colorado accepts CAPCE accredited courses and directly accepts all Prodigy credit classes.

Register for EMS Recertification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NCCP and how does it apply in Colorado?

The National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) is the framework many states use to organize recertification education into National, State/Local, and Individual components. Your state EMS office sets the final rules for what counts. For the final word, check official guidance from Colorado’s EMS office.

What kind of continuing education is accepted for renewal in Colorado?

CAPCE-accredited continuing education is widely accepted. Some states also accept state-approved education. Keep completion certificates in case your state requests documentation. For the final word, check official guidance from Colorado’s EMS office.

Where do I submit my renewal application in Colorado?

Submission steps vary by state. Use the state EMS office website and instructions referenced on this page for the most current renewal process and portal links. For the final word, check official guidance from Colorado’s EMS office.

Can I complete all of my continuing education online in Colorado?

In many cases, yes. Most states accept CAPCE-accredited continuing education and allow a significant portion of renewal education to be completed online. Always confirm any live/skills or distributive limits with the state EMS office. For the final word, check official guidance from Colorado’s EMS office.

How many hours do I need for Colorado EMS recertification?

Typical NCCP totals are about 40 hours for EMR/EMT, 50 hours for AEMT, and 60 hours for Paramedic per recertification cycle. Your state or agency may require additional topics or documentation. For the final word, check official guidance from Colorado’s EMS office.

Helpful Resources

• Colorado EMS Office Website
• NREMT Recertification Information

State EMS Department Contact

• Phone: 303-691-4932
• Email: cdphe.emtcert@state.co.us
• Website: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/ems