Colorado Paramedic Renewal: CE Hours & OATH Guide

Planning your Colorado paramedic renewal starts with choosing your renewal path. You can use current National Registry certification or meet Colorado's state education and skills requirements.

That choice affects how you organize your CE, which approvals you need, and the deadlines you track. Start by reviewing your credentials before selecting courses.

Choose Your Colorado Paramedic Renewal Path

Option 1: Renew Using Current NREMT Certification

Colorado accepts current, valid NREMT certification at the appropriate level as a renewal pathway. For paramedics renewing NREMT through continuing education, the NCCP requires 60 credits:

• National component: 30 credits.
• Local or state component: 15 credits.
• Individual component: 15 credits.

Follow the current NCCP content requirements when selecting courses. For active NREMT status, agency affiliation and skills verification by your training officer and medical director are also required. See the official NREMT paramedic recertification guidance.

Option 2: Renew Through Colorado's State Requirements

Without current NREMT certification, Colorado requires at least 50 hours through an approved refresher-plus-CE pathway or the topic-based CE pathway below. A Colorado-recognized EMS education program must conduct or approve the education. Skills competency must also be verified by a medical director or recognized education program representative.

Use this table to identify gaps before enrolling. Ask the program approving your education to confirm how your planned courses fit the required categories.

Can Colorado Paramedics Complete CE Online?

NREMT allows all recertification CE credits to be completed online through accepted education sources, including CAPCE-accredited education. Course content must still meet the applicable requirements.

For Colorado's state-only route, confirm acceptance of your online courses with the recognized EMS education program approving your renewal education. Arrange skills verification separately.

CE Solutions offers online EMS continuing education with self-paced access and course completion certificates. Save those certificates as you finish each course so your documentation stays organized.

How to Prepare Your OATH Renewal Application

Colorado uses the Online Application Tracking Hub, or OATH, for EMS credential applications. Completing your CE or renewing NREMT does not submit your Colorado renewal application.

1. Check your expiration date. CDPHE allows providers to apply for renewal within six months of their credential's expiration. Set a personal submission target early enough to address missing information.
2. Confirm your pathway. Review your NREMT status or coordinate your state-route education approval and skills verification.
3. Gather supporting documents. Standard paramedic renewal requires current professional-level CPR/BLS and ACLS documentation from approved organizations. Follow CDPHE instructions for any applicable background check and endorsement documentation.
4. Complete the application. Access OATH through the CDPHE EMS provider certification page and follow the instructions for your renewal method.
5. Review your application status. Check for requests for additional information, confirm approval, and retain your updated credential.

Build a CE Plan Around Your Remaining Hours

Before purchasing a package, make a short list of completed courses, remaining categories, and required approvals. Share it with the person reviewing your education. This gives you a clear starting point for choosing the courses you still need.

Keep one folder for certificates and a simple course log with completion dates, hours, and topics. Reserve time for document review as well as coursework. A finished course is easier to use when its supporting records are ready.

For information covering other certification levels, visit our Colorado EMS recertification requirements guide.

Colorado Paramedic Renewal FAQs

Do I have to keep my NREMT certification?

Colorado offers a state renewal method for providers who do not maintain NREMT. Review your employer's requirements before deciding which credentials to maintain.

Does purchasing a CE package renew my credential?

No. A CE package supplies education. You remain responsible for completing the applicable requirements and submitting the necessary renewal applications.