State Licensing with NREMT

Students who successfully complete Idaho Medical Academy’s EMT program will be eligible to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification exam. NREMT certification is a prerequisite for obtaining an EMT license in 47 of the 50 U.S. states (exceptions include Alaska, New York, and Hawaii).

Many states permit individuals who completed EMT training outside their jurisdiction to obtain licensure through a process known as reciprocity. This means that students residing outside Idaho can complete Idaho Medical Academy’s EMT program and, upon earning NREMT certification, apply for licensure in their home state via reciprocity. All prospective students are strongly encouraged to review their state’s reciprocity requirements prior to enrolling in the program.

Complete IMA's EMT Program

Complete either an In-Person course or complete our Online course with skills week.

Pass your NREMT Exam

Students have 3 attempts to pass their NREMT exam!

State Licensure through Reciprocity

See below for a step by step on how to work as an EMT in your state!

NREMT Reciprocity Pathways

  1. Meet Eligibility Requirements
      • Age: Minimum 18 years old.
      • Education: High school diploma or GED.
    • CPR Certification: Healthcare Provider level.
    • Background Check: Fingerprint-based through Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.
  2. Complete a State-Approved EMT Training Program
    • Enroll in an Idaho-approved EMT course that meets National EMS Education Standards
  3. Pass Required Examinations
    • National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) Exams:
      • Cognitive Exam: Computer-based, adaptive test at Pearson VUE centers.
      • Psychomotor Exam: Hands-on skills assessment (usually part of the course or scheduled separately).
  4. Apply for Idaho State Licensure
    • Create an account in IGEMS (Idaho EMS licensing system).
      • Submit:
        • Proof of course completion.
        • NREMT certification.
        • Background check clearance.
    • Pay applicable fees.
    • Idaho licenses are valid for 3 years for EMT level. [healthandw....idaho.gov]
  5. Maintain Certification
    • Renew every 3 years (state) and every 2 years (NREMT).
    • Complete continuing education and skills verification. [healthandw....idaho.gov]
    1. Meet Eligibility Requirements
      • Age: Minimum 18 years old.
      • Education: High school diploma or GED.
      • CPR Certification: Healthcare Provider level.
      • Background Check: Fingerprint-based (DOH and FBI).
      • Affiliation: Must be affiliated with a licensed EMS agency and endorsed by a Medical Program Director (MPD). [app.leg.wa.gov]
    2. Complete a Washington-Approved EMT Training Program (Information on reciprocity below)
      • Minimum 150 hours classroom + hands-on skills + clinical/field experience.
      • Includes 7 hours HIV/AIDS training.
      • Programs offered by community colleges, EMS councils, or fire departments. [healthcare...athway.com]
    3. Pass Required Examinations
      • National Registry of EMTs (NREMT):
        • Cognitive exam (Pearson VUE).
        • Psychomotor exam (state-approved practical).
      • Washington uses NREMT as the standard for certification. [healthcare...athway.com]
    4. Apply for Washington State EMT Certification
      • Submit application to Washington State Department of Health.
      • Include:
        • Proof of course completion.
        • NREMT certification.
        • CPR card.
        • Background check clearance.
        • EMS agency affiliation and MPD signature.
      • Pay applicable fees. [doh.wa.gov]
    5. Reciprocity for Out-of-State EMTs
        • Washington accepts current out-of-state or NREMT certification for reciprocity.
        •  Requirements:
          • Complete Reciprocity Application Packet (pages 1–4).
          • Provide verification form from your previous state EMS office (unless only NREMT certified).
          • Maintain EMS agency affiliation and MPD endorsement.

      [kingcounty.gov], [nremt.org], [app.leg.wa.gov]

      1. Meet Eligibility Requirements
        • Age: Minimum 18 years old.
        • Education: High school diploma or GED.
        • CPR Certification: American Heart Association BLS or equivalent.
        • Background Check: Fingerprint-based criminal records check.
        • Legal Status: Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. [healthcare...athway.com], [oregon.public.law]
      2. Complete an Oregon-Approved EMT Training Program (information on reciprocity below)
        • State-approved program meeting National EMS Education Standards plus Oregon-specific content.
        • [emttrainingbase.com]
      3. Pass Required Examinations
        • National Registry of EMTs (NREMT):
          • Cognitive exam (computer-based).
          • Psychomotor exam (skills stations).
      4. Apply for Oregon EMT Licensure
        • Submit application via Oregon eLicense system.
        •  Include:
          • Proof of training completion.
          • NREMT certification.
          • CPR card.
          • Background check clearance.
        • Pay applicable fees. [oregon.gov], [oregon.public.law]
      5. Reciprocity for Out-of-State EMTs
        • Oregon accepts NREMT-certified providers for reciprocity.
        •  Requirements:
          • Complete electronic application and pay fee.
          • Provide documentation of training meeting Oregon standards.
          • If licensed in another state, must be in good standing.
          • Consent to fingerprint-based background check.
        • Oregon Health Authority determines course equivalency for out-of-state applicants. [oregon.public.law], [secure.sos...tate.or.us]
        1.  Hold a Valid NREMT Certification
          • California uses the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) exams as the qualifying standard.
          • If you completed an out-of-state EMT program and passed the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams, you are eligible to apply for California certification. [emsa.ca.gov]
        2. Apply Through a Local EMS Agency (LEMSA)
          • California does not issue EMT licenses directly at the state level; certification is handled by Local EMS Agencies (LEMSAs).
          • Choose the county where you plan to work or reside and apply through that LEMSA.
          • Each LEMSA may have additional local requirements (e.g., expanded scope training). [emsa.ca.gov], [sandiegocounty.gov]
        3. Submit Required Documents
          • Typical requirements include:
            • NREMT card (proof of passing national exams).
            • Out-of-state EMT course completion certificate.
            • Current CPR card (Healthcare Provider level).
            • Government-issued photo ID.
            • Social Security Number (required by California law).
            • Live Scan fingerprint background check (DOJ & FBI). [emsa.ca.gov], [sjgov.org]
        4. Pay Fees
          • Fees vary by county but generally include:
        5. Complete Local Requirements
          • Some counties require expanded scope accreditation or orientation classes (e.g., Orange County).
          • Check with your LEMSA for any additional training or testing. [ochealthinfo.com]
        6. Receive California EMT Certification
          • Once approved, you’ll be entered into the California Central Registry and issued a California EMT card.
          • Certification is valid for 2 years; renewal requires continuing education and skills verification. [emsa.ca.gov]

          States Not Available to Immediately License after IMA

          Additional training needed beyond NREMT certification. "Out-of-state applicants who hold current National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification and show evidence of completing additional training as outlined in the Alaska Scope of Practice are eligible for reciprocity to the EMT-1 level.

          License obtainable after IMA's EMT traditional or Online EMT with additional state requirements.

          Program must meet Hawaii records to obtain license: Course must consist of 180 hours of didactic and 135 hours of clinical experience at the EMT level. These hours are not included in IMA's traditional EMT or Online EMT program.

          Requires at least 50% of the course to be completed In-Person. Not available under our EMT self-paced program.