NREMT Paramedic Recertification Requirements: The Complete Guide

Nationally Registered Paramedics must renew their National Registry certification every two years. Paramedics generally have two options for demonstrating continued competency: completing the required continuing education under the National Continued Competency Program, or completing Recertification by Examination.

For Paramedics using the continuing education pathway, the current NCCP requirement is 60 total credits, divided among the national, local or state, and individual components.

Education used for National Registry recertification must meet National Registry requirements and be directly related to EMS patient care. Accepted sources include education recognized by a U.S. State EMS Office or Designated Authorizing Agency, CAPCE-accredited education, and other education accepted under National Registry policies, including certain academic and alternative recertification credits.

The Two Pathways to Paramedic Recertification

Nationally Registered Paramedics can maintain their certification through either continuing education or Recertification by Examination.

Option 1: Recertification by Continuing Education

This is the pathway many Paramedics use. Under the National Continued Competency Program, Paramedics complete 60 credits of qualifying continuing education during their certification cycle.

The 60 credits are divided into:

• National Component: 30 credits
• Local or State Component: 15 credits
• Individual Component: 15 credits

Option 2: Recertification by Examination

Paramedics may also choose Recertification by Examination instead of documenting the full continuing education requirement.

According to the National Registry, a Paramedic may make one attempt to pass the recertification examination between April 1 of the year before the current expiration date and March 31 of the expiration year.

If the examination is passed, the Paramedic is recertified with Inactive Status. A Paramedic who wants to return to Active Status must complete the appropriate active-status process through an affiliated EMS agency.

If the Paramedic does not pass the recertification examination, continuing education may still be used for recertification as long as all required education is completed by the certification expiration date.

For the most current information, review the National Registry Paramedic recertification requirements.

How the 60 NCCP Credits Are Divided

The National Continued Competency Program divides Paramedic continuing education into three components. This allows the National Registry to establish national priorities while still giving states, agencies, and individual clinicians flexibility.

National Component: 30 Credits

The national component accounts for 50 percent of the Paramedic continuing education requirement.

Paramedics must complete 30 credits that satisfy the National Registry's national component requirements for the applicable NCCP model.

The national component focuses on nationally identified areas of EMS practice and continued competency. Required topics can change when the National Registry updates the NCCP model, so Paramedics should use the National Registry's current national component guide rather than assuming that requirements from a previous certification cycle still apply.

Local or State Component: 15 Credits

The local or state component accounts for 25 percent of the total continuing education requirement.

Paramedics must complete 15 credits in this component.

A State EMS Office, region, medical director, or local EMS agency may establish specific education requirements for these credits. Local education may address subjects such as:

• State or regional EMS protocols
• Local treatment guidelines
• Agency-specific clinical needs
• Quality assurance or quality improvement findings
• Areas of specialization
• Skills or patient care topics needing additional attention

If no specific local or state topics are required, these credits are considered flexible. The education must still qualify for National Registry recertification and be directly related to EMS patient care.

Individual Component: 15 Credits

The individual component accounts for the remaining 25 percent of the Paramedic continuing education requirement.

Paramedics must complete 15 credits in this component.

These credits are flexible and may be used for qualifying EMS education selected by the clinician. This can be an opportunity to study clinical subjects that are particularly relevant to your practice, strengthen areas where you want additional training, or complete other qualifying EMS patient care education.

The 2025 NCCP Model

The National Registry began implementing the 2025 NCCP Model on April 1, 2025 for EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic recertification.

The overall Paramedic requirement remains 60 credits:

• 30 National Component credits
• 15 Local or State Component credits
• 15 Individual Component credits

However, the specific education assigned within the national component can change as the NCCP model is updated.

Because certification cycles overlap, Paramedics should confirm the NCCP requirements displayed in their National Registry account and compare them with the current National Registry guidance before selecting courses.

For a plain-language explanation of the updated requirements, see our 2025 NCCP Model breakdown.

What Continuing Education Counts for NREMT Recertification?

The National Registry accepts continuing education from several recognized sources.

Accepted education may include:

• Education accepted by a U.S. State EMS Office or Designated Authorizing Agency
• CAPCE-accredited continuing education
• Education from qualifying EMS education programs
• Certain U.S. accredited academic credit or college coursework
• Education accepted through applicable National Registry alternative recertification credit policies

Education submitted for recertification must be directly related to the knowledge, skills, or abilities involved in providing clinical patient care in emergency medical services.

The National Registry itself does not accredit continuing education providers. CAPCE accredits EMS continuing education, while State EMS Offices may separately recognize or approve education.

You can learn more about CAPCE and search for accredited continuing education through the Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education.

Can All 60 Paramedic CE Credits Be Completed Online?

Yes. The National Registry permanently removed limits on distributive education beginning with applicable recertification cycles in 2022 and 2023.

As a result, there is no National Registry limit on the amount of qualifying online continuing education that can be submitted for Paramedic recertification.

A Paramedic can therefore complete all 60 continuing education credits online, provided that the education otherwise meets National Registry requirements, such as being CAPCE accredited, accepted by a State EMS Office, or qualifying through another accepted education pathway.

This makes online continuing education especially useful for clinicians who work rotating schedules, live far from classroom training, or prefer to complete CE at their own pace.

Education That Does Not Count Toward Recertification

Not every EMS-related activity can be used as continuing education.

The National Registry identifies several types of activities that generally cannot be applied toward recertification requirements, including:

• Duplicate courses within the same certification cycle
• Performance of normal job duties, whether paid or volunteer
• Clinical rotations that do not qualify under an accepted education pathway
• Instructor methodology courses or courses taken to become an instructor
• Management and leadership courses that are not directly related to EMS clinical patient care
• Preceptor or field training officer hours
• Preceptor methodology courses
• Serving as a skills examiner
• Volunteer service hours by themselves

There are circumstances in which teaching qualifying EMS education may receive credit under National Registry rules, so clinicians should distinguish between teaching eligible EMS content and completing an instructor methodology course.

When in doubt, review the current National Registry Accepted Education and Documentation policy before relying on a course or activity for recertification.

Active Status vs. Inactive Status

This is an important part of Paramedic recertification that is sometimes misunderstood.

Nationally Registered Paramedics may renew their certification with either Active Status or Inactive Status, depending on their circumstances.

Active Status

Active Status is intended for Paramedics who are affiliated with an EMS agency or service and are actively using their Paramedic-level skills in patient care.

To renew as an Active Paramedic, the National Registry requires agency affiliation and verification of continued skills competency.

For Paramedics, the National Registry states that the Medical Director must approve the skills verification. The National Registry's Paramedic recertification information also describes Active Status as requiring affiliation with an EMS agency or service and skills verification through the agency.

This is not the same as requiring every Paramedic to complete a separate standardized National Registry psychomotor examination every two years. Skills competency is evaluated and verified through the clinician's agency and medical oversight process.

Inactive Status

A Paramedic who is not currently affiliated with an EMS agency or who cannot obtain skills verification may still be able to maintain National Registry certification by renewing with Inactive Status.

Skills verification is not required when renewing as unaffiliated and requesting Inactive Status.

Inactive Paramedics must still satisfy the applicable National Registry continuing education requirements during subsequent recertification cycles.

A Nationally Registered Paramedic may later request a return to Active Status after becoming appropriately affiliated with an EMS agency and completing the required verification process.

Documentation and National Registry Audits

The National Registry performs random audits of recertification applications and may also investigate certification or recertification documentation when necessary.

Clinicians should maintain documentation showing that submitted education meets the requirements claimed on the recertification application.

According to National Registry guidance, verification of attendance for submitted education should be retained for at least 36 months.

Documentation may include:

• Course completion certificates
• CAPCE transcript records
• Approved training rosters
• Official academic transcripts
• Records imported from trusted continuing education sources

Records should clearly identify information such as the clinician's name, course completion date, number of credits awarded, course topic or title, and the organization issuing or approving the education.

Using the CAPCE Import Tool

Nationally Registered clinicians can import qualifying CAPCE course records into their National Registry transcript through the CAPCE Import function.

The integration can transfer validated information such as the course name, completion date, provider, and continuing education credit into the clinician's National Registry transcript.

The National Registry has also updated the recertification application so imported CAPCE courses can be automatically assigned toward NCCP requirements.

For the 2025 and 2026 process, CAPCE and the National Registry updated this functionality so credits are assigned to an applicable national component topic. Once a required national component topic is satisfied, remaining applicable credits can flow to the local or state component and then to the individual component as appropriate.

Clinicians should still review their National Registry transcript and recertification application to make sure all required education has been recorded and applied correctly.

NREMT Certification and State Paramedic Licensure Are Separate

National Registry certification and state EMS licensure are separate credentials.

Completing the National Registry's 60-credit Paramedic recertification requirement does not automatically guarantee renewal of your state Paramedic license.

A state may establish additional requirements such as:

• Different continuing education totals
• State-specific mandatory topics
• Trauma, pediatric, airway, or other specialty requirements
• Protocol training
• Skills requirements
• Separate renewal fees
• Separate state renewal applications

Always review the requirements of every state in which you are licensed.

CE Solutions also maintains state-by-state EMS continuing education requirement guides to help clinicians understand common renewal requirements. State EMS authorities remain the final source for state licensing requirements.

When Is NREMT Paramedic Recertification Due?

National Registry Paramedic certifications generally expire on March 31 of the applicable expiration year.

Continuing education used for normal recertification must be completed within the current certification cycle and before the certification expiration date.

The National Registry instructs clinicians to submit their recertification application no later than midnight on the date their certification expires.

What Happens After March 31?

If the recertification application was not successfully completed by the expiration deadline, the period immediately afterward should not simply be treated as an ordinary late renewal period.

The National Registry provides a reinstatement period for eligible clinicians. Additional requirements and a reinstatement fee may apply.

For Paramedics with a March 31 expiration date, National Registry guidance identifies May 1 of the expiration year as the point at which National EMS certification lapses if the required process has not been completed.

Because reinstatement requirements and application status can depend on the circumstances, clinicians approaching or passing the March 31 deadline should review their National Registry account and the current National Registry recertification dates and time periods.

Step-by-Step: How to Recertify Your NRP

1. Check your certification expiration date.

   Log in to your National Registry account and confirm your current expiration date and recertification cycle.

```
2. Confirm which NCCP requirements apply.

   Review the national component requirements displayed for your certification cycle, particularly if your cycle falls under the 2025 NCCP Model.

3. Plan your 60 credits.

   For Paramedics using continuing education, plan for 30 national credits, 15 local or state credits, and 15 individual credits.

4. Complete qualifying continuing education.

   Use education that meets National Registry requirements, such as CAPCE-accredited education or education accepted by a State EMS Office.

5. Import or enter your education.

   Qualifying CAPCE education may be available through the CAPCE Import function in your National Registry account. Review your transcript to make sure your education has been applied correctly.

6. Determine whether you are renewing Active or Inactive.

   If you are renewing with Active Status, make sure your agency affiliation and required skills verification are completed. Paramedics requesting Inactive Status as unaffiliated clinicians do not need skills verification.

7. Check your state license requirements.

   Complete any additional state-specific education or renewal requirements separately.

8. Submit your recertification application by your expiration date.

   Do not assume that the reinstatement period is an extension of the normal CE completion deadline. Finish your continuing education and application requirements before expiration whenever possible.

9. Keep your documentation.

   Maintain supporting education records for at least 36 months in case your application is selected for audit.

```

Using CAPCE-Accredited Online CE for Paramedic Recertification

Online continuing education can be one of the easiest ways for Paramedics to complete recertification requirements while working around shifts, overtime, and family schedules.

Because the National Registry no longer limits the amount of distributive education that may be used for recertification, qualifying online courses can potentially fulfill all 60 required continuing education credits.

CE Solutions provides CAPCE-accredited online continuing education for EMS professionals, including Paramedic-level courses that can be used toward applicable National Registry recertification requirements.

Explore available courses through CE Solutions NREMT Recertification.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many continuing education credits does a Paramedic need for NREMT recertification?

A Nationally Registered Paramedic using the continuing education pathway needs 60 credits. Under the NCCP model, those consist of 30 national credits, 15 local or state credits, and 15 individual credits.

Can I complete all 60 Paramedic CE credits online?

Yes. The National Registry permanently removed limits on distributive education. Qualifying online education can be used for the entire continuing education requirement, provided the courses otherwise meet National Registry recertification requirements.

Does every Paramedic need Medical Director skills verification to recertify?

No.

Paramedics renewing with Active Status must meet the agency affiliation and skills verification requirements. For Paramedics, the National Registry states that the Medical Director approves the skills verification.

Paramedics renewing as unaffiliated clinicians with Inactive Status are not required to provide skills verification.

Do I have to take another NREMT psychomotor examination every two years?

No. Routine Active Status recertification does not mean every Paramedic must return to a National Registry testing site and repeat a standardized psychomotor certification examination.

Active Status involves verification of continued skills competency through the clinician's EMS affiliation and medical oversight process.

Can I recertify by taking the NREMT examination instead of completing 60 CE credits?

Yes. Recertification by Examination is an alternative pathway. Paramedics using that option may make one attempt during the National Registry's specified recertification examination window.

A successful Recertification by Examination results in recertification with Inactive Status. The clinician may subsequently complete the process required to return to Active Status.

What happens if I do not pass the recertification examination?

A Paramedic who does not pass Recertification by Examination may still use the continuing education pathway if all required education and other applicable requirements are completed before the current certification expiration date.

Does NREMT recertification automatically renew my state Paramedic license?

No. National Registry certification and state EMS licensure are separate. Your state may impose additional continuing education, skills, application, or renewal requirements.

What happens if my NRP certification expires?

The National Registry provides a limited reinstatement period following expiration for eligible clinicians. Reinstatement requirements and additional fees may apply.

If certification ultimately lapses, the clinician must follow the National Registry's process for regaining certification rather than completing an ordinary recertification application.

How long should I keep my continuing education certificates?

The National Registry instructs clinicians to retain verification of submitted education for at least 36 months because recertification applications may be selected for audit.

Start Completing Your Paramedic Continuing Education

Planning ahead makes NREMT recertification much easier. Review your National Registry transcript, determine which NCCP requirements remain incomplete, and choose qualifying continuing education that fills those requirements.

CE Solutions offers CAPCE-accredited online EMS continuing education that can help Paramedics complete applicable National Registry continuing education requirements from anywhere with internet access.

Ready to start working toward your 60 credits?

Create your free CE Solutions account and browse the Paramedic continuing education catalog today.