2024 Illinois EMS Recertification Process

Illinois Department of Health plans for and oversees licensing of, emergency medical services in the state. We’ve outlined the recertification process for Illinois, provided some helpful links, and answered frequently asked questions.

Information on this page was accurate at time of publishing (February 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 If you notice any inaccurate or out-of-date information, please let us know so we can make corrections.

ILLINOIS EMS RECERTIFICATION GUIDE

Does Illinois follow the NREMT’S NCCP Model?

The State of Illinois does not follow the NREMT’s NCCP model. Upon completion of the course and the successful passing of the NREMT practical and cognitive exams, you will receive an NREMT certificate which you can use to apply for licensure in the state of Illinois. Certification’s last a total of 4 years and notices will be sent out at least sixty (60) days prior to expiration in the state of Illinois and those who are eligible can renew on Illinois Department of Health’s website. Additional recertification options can be found here.

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

WHAT ARE THE LEVELS OF EMS PROVIDERS IN ILLINOIS?

Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency Medical Technician-I / Advanced Emergency Medical Technician

Paramedic 

Scope of practice of each level of EMS provider can be found on Illinois Statewide Emergency Medical Services Protocols.

WHAT ABOUT CE REQUIREMENTS:

Illinois does not follow the NCCP model for renewing EMS licenses.

In a 4 year period, Paramedics are required to complete 8 hours of preparatory core content, 12 hours of Airway management & ventilation, 8 hours patient assessment,  12 hours of Trauma and 16 hours of cardiology.  Calculating hours for AEMT/EMT-I: Multiply required hours for Paramedics by 0.8 (80 hours in 4 years). EMT: Multiply required hours for Paramedics by 0.6 (60 hours in 4 years)

Paramedics shall have a minimum of 100 approved continuing education hours. A-EMTs and EMT-Is shall have a minimum of 80 approved continuing education hours.  EMTs shall have a minimum of 60 approved continuing education hours.  Illinois defines continuing education hours shall consist of EMS System-approved in-services, Department-recognized college health care courses, online continuing education courses, seminars and workshops, addressing both adult and pediatric care.  The System shall define in the Program Plan the number of continuing education hours to be accrued for relicensure.  No more than 20 percent of those hours may be in the same subject.

ONLINE RECERTIFICATION WITH CODE ONE:

Code One offers Online Recertification courses for each level of EMS Provider (these courses are also approved for recertification use in Illinois):

• Online EMT Recertification Course – Consists of 40 hours of online content which satisfies all continuing education requirements. Participants attend 16 hours (or more if desired) of training as live (F5) virtual instructor-led courses in an online webinar. Live courses are scheduled weekdays between 10am and 6pm with 5 courses offered per day (additional evening and weekend sessions are scheduled during February and March). The remaining 24 hours are pre-recorded distributive education (F3) which may be completed anytime. Register Here
• Online AEMT Recertification Course – Consists of 50 hours of online content which satisfies all continuing education requirements. Participants attend 21.5 hours (or more if desired) of training as live (F5) virtual instructor-led courses in an online webinar. Live courses are scheduled weekdays between 10am and 6pm with 5 courses offered per day (additional evening and weekend sessions are scheduled during February and March). The remaining 28.5 hours are pre-recorded distributive education (F3) which may be completed anytime. Register Here
• Online Paramedic Recertification Course – Consists of 60 hours of online content which satisfies all continuing education requirements. Participants attend 25 hours (or more if desired) of training as live (F5) virtual instructor-led courses in an online webinar. Live courses are scheduled weekdays between 10am and 6pm with 5 courses offered per day (additional evening and weekend sessions are scheduled during February and March). The remaining 35 hours are pre-recorded distributive education (F3) which may be completed anytime. Register Here

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN I COMPLETE ALL OF MY CONTINUING EDUCATION ONLINE?

Yes. Code One’s Online EMT Recertification course provides all required continuing education hours in a flexible virtual format. Participants complete a combination of scheduled live courses in a virtual conference room and distributive pre-recorded courses which may be completed at any time. Online courses may not exceed 20% of the total minimum required hours in one subject area.

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR LIVE VIRTUAL INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING THROUGH THE ONLINE EMT RECERTIFICATION COURSE?

Live courses are scheduled on weekdays from 10am to 6pm with five courses offered per day. There are additional evening and Saturday sessions scheduled during February and March. Most classes are one hour in length.

IF I RENEW MY NREMT CERTIFICATION, DO I STILL NEED TO GET A STATE CERTIFICATION?

EMTs need a state certification to practice. 

Helpful Resources:

• Get Licensed or New License in Illinois
• Renewal Requirements
• Renewal Brochure
• State Statute 

NREMT Recertification Information for EMR | EMT | AEMT | Paramedic