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EMT-P Frequently Asked Questions

Updated 1/28/2008

1.         What are the eligibility requirements for becoming a paramedic in California? 

(If you are a paramedic licensed or certified in another state refer to Question 9, or if you are a physician (MD), physician assistant (PA), registered nurse (RN), or mobile intensive care nurse (MICN), refer to Question 10 for further information.)

To be eligible for a paramedic license in California an individual must:

• successfully complete an approved paramedic training program; 

Please note: to be eligible to enroll in a paramedic training program, you must possess a current EMT I or EMT II certificate or be currently registered as an EMT-Basic or EMT-Intermediate with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).  Refer to the statewide list of training programs [Excel] [HTML] for individual program requirements.

The minimum number of hours required for training is 1090:

Didactic and skills	450 hours
Hospital and clinical training	160 hours
Field internship (which must include a minimum of 40 advanced life support (ALS) patient contacts)	480 hours

           

• Pass the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) written and practical examinations; (NREMT test dates) Results from your NREMT examination will be sent to the EMS Authority, your paramedic training program and you.

• Submit fingerprints for a California Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal history check or if you have resided in California less than seven years, submit fingerprints for a DOJ and FBI criminal history check; Refer to the Paramedic Regulations, Chapter 4, Section 100173 for any criminal offenses that may preclude you from getting a paramedic license.  If you have any questions regarding a prior criminal offense, contact the EMS Authority’s Enforcement Unit at (916) 322-4336.

• Submit the Paramedic License Application - Initial California Graduate Applicant;

• Submit a Statement of Citizenship, Alienage, and Immigration Status for State Paramedic License Application/Renewal (Form IS-01) with one piece of documentation as described on the form; (Please note, the required documentation must be an original document, a certified copy, or a copy of the original document with a statement signed by you and notarized by a Notary Public stating, “This is a true and correct copy of the original.”)  Please be aware that Notaries cannot notarize statements for photocopies of birth certificates; and

• pay the applicable fees:

$  50	Application Fee
$125	Licensure Fee
$    5	State Licensing Match Fee
$180	Total Initial License Fee

Check or money order should be made payable to the EMS Personnel Fund.

2.         How do I apply for Paramedic Licensure?

If you are currently enrolled in a California paramedic training program, you may obtain an application packet, which includes the Paramedic License Application - Initial California Graduate Applicant; Statement of Citizenship, Alienage, and Immigration Status for State Paramedic License Application/Renewal (Form IS-01) with instructions; and a Request for Live Scan Service Applicant Submission form with instructions directly from your training program, or you may call the Paramedic Program at (916) 323-9875, or write to the EMS Authority, Paramedic Program, 1930 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814-7043, or e-mail your request to shawna.mccabe@emsa.ca.gov or lashawn.pettit@emsa.ca.gov, and an application packet will be sent to you. You may also download the required forms from our website.  Include your name, address and social security number on all correspondence.

If you are a licensed paramedic in another state or registered with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), please refer to question 9 for the requirements to become licensed in California. 

If you are a MD, PA, RN, or MICN refer to question 10 for the requirements to challenge to become licensed as a paramedic in California.

Complete the application and submit it to the EMS Authority with the documentation as noted on the application, and the appropriate application fees.

The application fees for an initial paramedic license are:

California Graduate	$180	($50 application fee, $125 license fee and $5 state licensing match fee)
Out-of-State EMT-P	$230	($100 application fee, $125 license fee and $5 state licensing match fee)
Challenge Candidate	$230	($100 application fee, $125 license fee and $5 state licensing match fee)

Check or money order should be made payable to the EMS Personnel Fund.

3.         What happens if I don’t pass the licensing exam?  How many times may I retake it?

The EMS Authority uses the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) written and practical paramedic exam as the state licensing exam. 

Candidates are allowed three full opportunities to pass the written examination, provided all other “Entry Requirements” listed in the NREMT brochure are met.  Candidates applying for the fourth time must submit official documentation verifying they have successfully completed 48 hours of remedial training that overviews the EMT-Paramedic curriculum with a particular emphasis on areas of identified weakness.  This training must be completed after the third unsuccessful attempt of the written examination.  Should a candidate fail the sixth and final attempt of the written examination, the candidate must complete a new, entire, state approved Paramedic Training Program.

Candidates are allowed three full attempts to pass the practical examination (one “full attempt” is defined as completing all 12 skills stations and two retests if so entitled).  Candidates who fail a full attempt or any portion of a second retest must submit official documentation of remedial training over all skills before starting the next full attempt of the practical examination.  Should a candidate fail the third full and final attempt of the practical examination, the candidate must complete a new, entire, state-approved Paramedic Training Program.  Click here to view the NREMT-Paramedic open practical exam dates and locations in California.

For more specific information on the NREMT exam process or to check your status with NREMT you can visit the NREMT website at www.NREMT.org or call them at (614) 888-4484.

4.         How often must I renew my paramedic license and how do I apply for renewal?

To maintain your paramedic license it must be renewed every two years.  You will automatically be sent a license renewal application approximately six months before your current license expires.  If you have not received your application by this time you should contact the EMS Authority to request one.  Failure to receive a renewal application is often due to a licensee failing to notify the EMS Authority of an address change.  By law, you must notify the EMS Authority in writing within 30 days of a change in address.

Complete and return your application at least 30 days before your expiration date.  Applications postmarked less than 30 days before the expiration date of the current license will be assessed a $50 late fee and will not be processed until the fee is paid.  Be sure to list your continuing education (CE) hours on the back of the application (see below for CE requirements).    

Include a check or money order for the application fee in the amount listed below:

$130	Application postmarked at least 30 days before the expiration date of the current license.  ($125, license fee, and $5 state licensing match fee)
$180	Application postmarked less than 30 days before the expiration date of the current license or a lapsed license.  ($125 license fee, $50 late fee/ verification of additional CE fee, and $5 state licensing match fee)

Incomplete applications that are returned to the applicant must be sent back to the EMS Authority with the requested information 30 days before the expiration date of the current license in order to avoid the $50 late fee.

5.         What are the eligibility requirements for renewal of my paramedic license?

A currently licensed paramedic must complete a minimum of 48 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years.  The CE requirements can be found on our website in the EMS Continuing Education Regulations.  A list of approved prehospital CE providers can also be found on the EMS Authority website.

If your license has lapsed (expired) you must meet the following additional requirements in order to renew your license.

• For a lapse of less than six months you must complete a minimum of 48 hours of CE as described above and submit copies of certificates or other documentation for all CE completed.

• If your license has lapsed six months or more, but less than one year, you must complete an additional 12 hours of CE (total 60 hours) and submit copies of certificates or other documentation for all CE completed.

• If your license has lapsed one year or more, but less than two years, you must complete an additional 24 hours of CE (total 72 hours) and submit copies of certificates or other documentation for all CE completed.  You must also pass the NREMT written and practical examinations (for licensure purposes the written and practical examinations are only valid for one year), and you must submit fingerprints to DOJ for a criminal history check.

• If your license has lapsed two years or more, you must complete an additional 24 hours of CE (total 72 hours) that includes Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) or Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).  You must also pass the NREMT written and practical examinations (for licensure purposes the written and practical examinations are only valid for one year), and you must submit fingerprints to DOJ for a criminal history check.

Because paramedic license renewal applications are due to the EMS Authority thirty days prior to the expiration date of a paramedic license, a CE course(s) taken in the last month of a paramedic’s license cycle, may be applied to the paramedic’s subsequent license cycle, if the CE course(s) was not applied to the licensure cycle during which the CE course(s) was taken.   

In the case of a lapsed license CE may only be counted for 24 months prior to the time of application.

6.         How long will it take to receive my paramedic license?

For a license renewal you can expect to receive your new paramedic card in most cases in 10 to 15 working days from the time it is received at the EMS Authority if the application is complete.  An initial application may take longer to process because of the processing time for the DOJ criminal history check and NREMT test results.  However, once the application is complete, including results from NREMT, DOJ, and receipt of your course completion certificate, you will receive your card in most cases within 10 to 15 working days.

7.         How do I submit a name or address change to the Paramedic Program?

All name changes must be submitted in writing along with documentation of the name change, such as a copy of a marriage certificate, divorce agreement, court documents of name change, old and new social security cards or old and new driver’s licenses.  These should be submitted to the EMS Authority, Paramedic Program, 1930 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814-7043, or you may fax them to (916) 324-2875.

Address changes may be submitted in writing to the above address or fax number, by calling the EMS Authority at (916) 323-9875, or by e-mail to shawna.mccabe@emsa.ca.gov or lashawn.pettit@emsa.ca.gov   

8.         How do I find out about county accreditation?

Your paramedic license is valid throughout the state of California; however, you must be accredited to practice in the county in which you work.  You may be accredited in more than one county.  Contact the local EMS Agency having jurisdiction over the county in which you will work. 

 9.        If I am a certified paramedic in another state or country or registered with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), how do I become a licensed paramedic in California?

To become a California paramedic, you must possess or have possessed a valid EMT-P certification from another state, territory, country and/or be registered with the NREMT.  You may call the EMS Authority at (916) 323-9875, or e-mail  shawna.mccabe@emsa.ca.gov or lashawn.pettit@emsa.ca.gov to request an application.  You may also download the Paramedic License Application - Initial Out of State Applicant, the Statement of Citizenship, Alienage, and Immigration Status for State Paramedic License Application/Renewal (Form IS-01), and the Verification of EMT-Paramedic Status form from our website; however, unless you are already residing in California, you must request that a fingerprint card for a criminal history check be mailed to you. 

Along with your completed application you must include the following information:

• provide documentation that your NREMT registration is current;

• provide a copy of your paramedic training program completion record;

• provide documentation of training hours that meet California requirements which include:  Didactic - 450 hours, Clinical - 160 hours, and Field Internship - 480 hours which includes at least 40 ALS field contacts.  If training hours do not meet California requirements, provide evidence that your training program meets or exceeds the U. S. Dept. of Transportation’s (US DOT) EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum requirements which can be accessed at www.ems.gov/index.html then click on Education;

• provide documentation that 40 ALS patient contacts in a field setting were included as part of initial training or you may submit a letter from an employer, training program or medical director verifying that you have successfully performed 40 ALS field contacts through employment or other training.  An ALS contact is the performance of one or more ALS skills, except cardiac monitoring and basic CPR, on a patient.

• provide documentation of current or prior state paramedic licensure or certification (not mandatory for California State Licensure, however, many training programs do not meet California requirements, and if you haven’t worked as a paramedic you may need additional training hours in a field internship);

• submit a completed Applicant Fingerprint Card (FD-258)  for a state and federal criminal history check to the California Department of Justice (DOJ), or if you are already residing in California you must submit your fingerprints by using a Live Scan Agency for submitting your fingerprints for the criminal background check. (forms and instructions)

• submit a Statement of Citizenship, Alienage, and Immigration Status for State Paramedic License Application/Renewal (Form IS-01) along with one piece of documentation as described on pages 4-8 of the Form IS-01;

• complete the top portion of the Request for Verification of EMT-Paramedic Status and send a copy to each state in which you are or were certified/licensed.  Have them complete the bottom portion of the form and return it directly to the EMS Authority at the address on the bottom of the form;

Return your application and the documentation listed above to the EMS Authority with a check or money order made payable to EMS Personnel Fund in the amount of $230. 

Fees include:

Initial Application	$100
License	$125
State Licensing Match Fee	$    5

Individuals who are currently enrolled in a paramedic training program which meets or exceeds the U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum or who are new paramedic training program graduates are not eligible to apply for licensure until they have become registered with the National Registry of EMTs.

10.       How do I become a paramedic if I am currently a MD, RN, MICN, or PA?

In order to apply for a paramedic license, the following documentation must be submitted to the EMS Authority for review:

• copy of current MD, RN, MICN, or PA license;

• documentation that training is equivalent to a U. S. DOT EMT-Paramedic National Standard Curriculum, a copy of which can be accessed at www.ems.gov/index.html then click on Education.  A suggested way to provide this documentation is to submit a copy of your transcripts from your MD, RN, MICN or PA training, and it is highly recommended that you have also completed one of the following training courses:
• EMT I Certification
• MICN Course
• EMT-P Refresher Course
• documentation of successful completion of a field internship through an approved paramedic training program which includes 40 ALS patient contacts in a field setting.  An ALS contact is the performance of one or more ALS skills, except cardiac monitoring and basic CPR, on a patient (each contact must be documented and signed by a county approved preceptor). Field contacts as a Flight Nurse, EMT II, or other prehospital ALS contacts may apply toward the 40 required contacts;

• in addition, it is highly recommended that training in the following (or equivalent) be completed:
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• BCLS - Basic Cardiac Life Support
• PHTLS or BTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support or Basic Trauma Life
Support
• PEPP or PALS – Pediatric Education for Prehospital Personnel or Pediatric Advanced Life Support

The knowledge and skills from these courses will assist you in passing the licensure exam.

Once the EMS Authority has reviewed and approved the above documentation, you will be sent verification to submit with your National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Application that you have completed the equivalent training of a paramedic program.  In addition, you will be sent a Paramedic License Application – Initial Applicant,  and a Statement of Citizenship, Alienage, and Immigration Status for State Paramedic License Application/Renewal (Form IS-01) to complete and return to the EMS Authority with a check or money order made payable to EMS Personnel Fund in the amount of $230.00.  Fees include:

Initial Application Fee	$100
License Fee	$125
State Licensing Match Fee	$    5

You will also be sent a Request for Live Scan Service Applicant Submission form and instructions for a Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal history check (see instructions on our website for submission of fingerprints).

Once you have submitted the documentation listed above and we have received the results of your criminal history check and NREMT test results you, will be issued a California paramedic license in most cases within 10 to 15 days.