If you hold a National Registry certification, the NCCP is the framework that decides how you keep it. The National Registry moved everyone onto an updated version of this model in 2025, and the questions land in our inbox every week: How many hours do I actually need? What counts? Can I do it all online? Here is the plain-English version, with the numbers pulled straight from the National Registry.
The short version
- NCCP stands for the National Continued Competency Program, the National Registry's continuing education model for recertification.
- The updated 2025 NCCP model took effect April 1, 2025 for EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic, and October 1, 2025 for EMR.
- Your total hours are split into three components: National, State/Local, and Individual.
- Requirements can vary by state, so always confirm your exact hours with the National Registry and your state EMS office.
What is the NCCP?
The National Continued Competency Program is the continuing education pathway the National Registry uses to recertify EMS professionals. Rather than a single flat pile of hours, the NCCP organizes your continuing education into three categories so that some of your learning is standardized nationally, some is tailored to your state or agency, and some is left to you.
Most Nationally Certified providers recertify through the NCCP every two years.
When the 2025 NCCP model takes effect
The National Registry rolled the updated model out on a staggered schedule. It applies to EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic beginning April 1, 2025, and to EMR beginning October 1, 2025. If your recertification cycle started on or after those dates, you are on the updated model.
How many CE hours do you need?
Your total continuing education requirement depends on your certification level. The commonly cited National Registry totals per two-year cycle are below, along with how each total splits across the three components.
| Level | Total hours | National (50%) | State/Local (25%) | Individual (25%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMT | 40 | 20 | 10 | 10 |
| AEMT | 50 | 25 | 12.5 | 12.5 |
| Paramedic | 60 | 30 | 15 | 15 |
EMR requirements are lower and follow the same three-component structure. Because states can adjust these totals, confirm your level's exact hours on the National Registry site before you plan your cycle.
The three NCCP components explained
1. National component (50% of your hours)
This is the standardized, evidence-based portion set at the national level. It covers the core clinical topics the National Registry expects every provider at your level to stay current on, refreshed to reflect current practice and protocols. It is the largest single slice of your requirement.
2. State/Local component (25% of your hours)
This portion is defined by your state, region, or agency. It typically covers local protocols, areas of specialization, or topics flagged through quality assurance. If your state or agency does not specify topics, these hours are flexible and can be completed as EMS-related electives.
3. Individual component (25% of your hours)
These hours are yours to direct. You can take any state-approved or CAPCE-approved EMS education that fits your practice, your interests, or the gaps you want to close.
Which CE package do you need?
Because the NCCP is built from these three components, the package you need depends on how much of the model you want handled for you. CE Solutions offers two options that map directly onto the structure above.
Core
National Component Package
Covers the standardized National component, the largest single slice of your requirement. A good fit if your state or agency already provides your State/Local hours and you handle your own electives.
Full recert
Complete NREMT Recertification
Covers your entire National Registry recertification across all three components. The simplest path if you want every required hour in one place.
Can you complete the NCCP online?
For most providers, yes. Online, or distributive, continuing education can fulfill your NCCP requirements, and the National Registry no longer caps distributive hours the way it once did. That means a large share of your recertification can be completed from a laptop or phone on your own schedule, as long as the courses are properly accredited.
A few states still place their own limits on how many hours can be distributive, so this is another spot worth a quick check with your state EMS office.
Recertify on your schedule
CE Solutions has delivered CAPCE-accredited, National Registry accepted continuing education since 1997. Complete your NCCP hours online, track your CEUs, and recertify with confidence.
What actually counts toward the NCCP
To count toward recertification, your continuing education must be approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) or by a state EMS office. Accreditation is what makes a course eligible for National Registry credit, so confirm it before you enroll.
For a full walkthrough of the recertification process, see our EMS recertification guide.
Frequently asked questions
What does NCCP stand for?
NCCP stands for the National Continued Competency Program, the National Registry's continuing education model for recertifying EMS professionals.
How many CE hours do I need to recertify?
The commonly cited National Registry totals per two-year cycle are 40 hours for EMT, 50 hours for AEMT, and 60 hours for Paramedic, with EMR requiring fewer. Your state may adjust these, so confirm your exact total with the National Registry and your state EMS office.
What are the three NCCP components?
The National component (50%) is standardized nationally. The State/Local component (25%) is defined by your state, region, or agency. The Individual component (25%) covers electives, which can be any state-approved or CAPCE-approved EMS education.
Can I complete my NCCP hours online?
For most providers, yes. Distributive (online) continuing education can fulfill your NCCP requirements as long as it is CAPCE-approved or state-approved. Some states still set their own limits on distributive hours, so check with your state EMS office.
When did the 2025 NCCP model start?
The updated model took effect on April 1, 2025 for EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic, and on October 1, 2025 for EMR.
Does CE Solutions education count toward the NCCP?
Yes. CE Solutions is CAPCE-accredited and has been accepted by the National Registry as a continuing education provider since 1998, so our courses count toward your NCCP recertification in most states.
This article is a general overview and is reviewed regularly for accuracy. Recertification requirements can change and can vary by state and certification level. Always confirm current rules, hours, and required topics with the National Registry and your state EMS office before planning your recertification.
