If you have just completed or are currently enrolled in a Paramedic education program, and you are applying for Paramedic certification, you must meet the following requirements: 
  • Current National Registry certification or state license at the EMT level, or higher
  • Successful completion of a CAAHEP-accredited Paramedic education program (or an education program that has been issued a CoAEMSP "Letter of Review") that meets or exceeds the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards for Paramedic. 
  • Candidates must have completed the course within the past two years and the course Program Director must verify successful course completion on the National Registry website. 
    • After January 1, 2023, candidates are required to meet CoAEMSP Recommended Student Minimum Competency (SMC) Matrix. Note: Program Directors must verify that candidates have an SMC on file for each student.  
  • Successful completion of the National Registry Paramedic  Certification Examination.

Application Process

Follow these easy steps to apply for a National Registry exam:
  1. Create your account/log in to your profile.
  2. Create an application - Select the Paramedic level. Verify your personal information and make any necessary changes. Then, follow the prompts through the application process.
  3. Pay the application fee. The application fee is non-transferable and non-refundable. This fee is charged for each attempt of the cognitive examination.
  4. Monitor the progress of your application from your “Certification Application Status” in case additional actions are needed. Once the National Registry approves your application and your status is “Ready to Test,” you can view your ATT letter and contact Pearson Vue to schedule your exam.

Related Policies

Paramedic Education Program Information

Program Accreditation

Find An Accredited Paramedic Program

Since January 1, 2013 all initial Paramedic applicants seeking National Registry's National EMS Certification at the Paramedic level must have successfully completed education from an accredited program or one that is seeking accreditation sponsored by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

 

Expiration Dates
Initial expiration dates are determined by the date the candidate successfully completes the entire national certification process. Paramedic candidates completing the national certification process between the January 1 and June 30 will receive an expiration date of March 31 two years in the future. Individuals successfully completing the national certification process between July 1 and December 31 will receive an expiration date of March 31 three years in the future.


Initial Certification

If you successfully complete the national certification process between:

January 1 - June 30
July 1- December 31


Initial Cycle

Your initial certification date will be
March 31:

2 years in the future
3 years in the future