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Can I do EMT recertification online?
For National Registry renewal, yes. The National Registry says you can gather continuing education through online or in-person courses. As of 2022 it sets no limit on how much of it is online. A state license may have its own renewal rules.
By State Cert GuideChecked against the sources listed below.
The steps, in order
Pick your route
Continuing education or the exam
Take courses that count
Online or in person, tied to patient care
Finish before expiration
Late filing does not extend the education deadline
Apply for renewal
Keep proof of attendance
Decision steps: choose courses or the exam, take online or in-person courses that relate to patient care, finish before your expiration date, then apply.
What the source says
How often do I renew?
The National Registry says NREMTs must renew every two years. You can take its cognitive exam or complete continuing education.
How many credits is that?
The National Registry's EMT program requires forty credits in total. They split into a national part, a local or state part and an individual part.
What goes in the local or state part?
Any specific courses your agency or State EMS Office requires. If none is named, the ten credits are flexible but must relate directly to EMS patient care.
And the individual part?
Also ten credits, flexible, and also tied directly to EMS patient care.
How much can be online?
As much as you like. The National Registry says that as of 2022 you face no limit on online courses on your application.
Which courses count?
The National Registry says it accepts courses that a State EMS Office accepted, CAPCE accredited courses, courses from EMS training programs, and U.S. accredited academic credit or college courses. It also accepts credit under its Alternative Recertification Credits Policy. All of it must relate directly to EMS patient care.
Does my state follow the same rules?
Check. The National Registry encourages you to read the license renewal rules of every state where you are licensed to practice.
Where people go wrong
- You assume any course counts. The National Registry says every course must relate directly to EMS patient care.
- You finish the hours after the deadline. The National Registry says all your continuing education must be done before March 31, even when you file late.
Questions
Can I skip the continuing education and take the exam?
The National Registry says the exam route lets you show continued competency without documenting continuing education. You get one attempt, between April 1 one year before your expiration date and March 31, your expiration date.
What does not count toward the credits?
Among the courses the National Registry says cannot be applied are duplicate courses, clinical rotations, instructor courses and management or leadership courses.
What if I file after the deadline?
The National Registry says you may pay a $50 late application fee and submit until April 30.
How long do I keep my course records?
At least 36 months, the National Registry says. You must keep proof of attendance for every course you submit.
Your next step
Read the National Registry's EMT page, and your state EMS office's rules for a state license.
Sources we read
- www.nremt.org › Recertification · read Nov 13, 2026
Who publishes this guide
State Cert Guide is an independent guide to what each state requires. If a fact on this page is wrong, tell us and we fix it.