Texas Health and Human Services provides guidance on certification and recertification for EMS Providers. We’ve outlined the recertification process for Texas, provided some helpful links, and answered frequently asked questions.
Information on this page was accurate at time of publishing (May 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 If you notice any inaccurate or out-of-date information, please let us know so we can make corrections.
TEXAS EMS RECERTIFICATION GUIDE
Does Texas follow the NREMT’S NCCP Model?
Texas does allow the NREMT NCCP model as a pathway to recertification of EMS providers although it is not technically required. Texas also allows for 4 other pathways to recertification that can be found here. Information regarding the NREMT recertification can be found at the following: EMR | EMT | AEMT | Paramedic.
Get started now with Code One’s Online EMT Recertification Program
Does Texas have any additional requirements for EMS recertification?
As of June 01, 2020, Texas requires all EMS providers to complete a fingerprint-based background check before their renewal application can be approved. If an EMS provider has NOT completed a fingerprint-based background check. Please schedule your appointment through IdentoGO using DSHS’ code at https://uenroll.identogo.com/.
EMS providers attempting to renew their certifications must also complete an EMS jurisprudence examination approved by the Department before submitting a renewal application. An EMS jurisprudence examination is a CE course covering information about Texas EMS Laws and regulations. The EMS jurisprudence examination is offered by Department approved continuing education (CE) programs. If you are employed or volunteer with an EMS organization, talk to your administrator or leadership and they may direct you to a CE program. For a list of CE programs offering the EMS jurisprudence examination can be found here.
**Due to the Texas additional requirements, it is recommended you begin the recertification process three to four months prior to your expiration date**
NREMT ONLINE RECERTIFICATION WITH CODE ONE:
Code One offers Online NREMT Recertification courses for each level of EMS Provider:
- 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.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE LIMITS ON DISTRIBUTIVE EDUCATION?
EMT Recertification limits distributive education (pre-recorded) course hours. Virtual instructor-led training (VILT) courses are conducted in real-time via webinar and are approved in the F5 category by the NREMT. There is no limit for hours that can be obtained through VILT.
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. The EMT can easily submit their updated NREMT certification through the state licensing portal to obtain updated state EMT certification.
Helpful Links:
NREMT: EMR | EMT | AEMT | Paramedic
