Arizona EMS Recertification Requirements
CE hours, all three ADHS renewal routes, CPR and ACLS rules, deadlines, and the new EMS Compact for Arizona EMTs, AEMTs, EMT-I(99)s, and Paramedics
Last updated October 15, 2026 · Checked against Arizona Administrative Code R9-25-404 (effective December 31, 2024), the ADHS EMCT recertification chart, and Laws 2026, Chapter 159
Arizona EMS recertification through the state attestation route requires 24 CE hours for EMTs and 48 hours for AEMTs, EMT-I(99)s, and Paramedics, including at least 5 hours of pediatric emergency care. Paramedics keeping a critical care endorsement need 60 hours, with 8 on critical care topics. You can instead recertify with a refresher course or by holding current national certification (such as NREMT) at your level or higher. Apply up to 90 days before your certification expires.
Arizona gives EMS providers three ways to recertify with ADHS: complete a refresher course, show current national certification, or attest to your continuing education. The state CE route requires far fewer hours than keeping NREMT at every level, which makes it the lighter option for Arizona providers who do not need a National Registry card.
Arizona EMS CE Hour Requirements by Certification Level
| Certification Level | Arizona State CE Route | National Certification Route |
|---|---|---|
| EMR | No ADHS EMR certification | 16 hours (NREMT EMR) |
| EMT | 24 hours, plus 240 hours worked as an EMT | 40 hours (NREMT) |
| AEMT | 48 hours | 50 hours (NREMT) |
| EMT-I(99) | 48 hours | National certification at your level or higher |
| Paramedic | 48 hours | 60 hours (NREMT) |
| Paramedic, critical care endorsement | 60 hours, including 8 on critical care topics | National paramedic certification plus a national critical care certification, such as FP-C or another BCCTPC credential |
At every level, at least 5 of your state route hours must be in pediatric emergency care, and they count inside your total. State route totals come from Arizona Administrative Code R9-25-404 and the ADHS EMCT certification and recertification requirements. NREMT totals follow the National Continued Competency Program.
Arizona's Three Recertification Routes
Under R9-25-404(C), your recertification application must include one of these:
| Route | What You Submit |
|---|---|
| 1. Refresher course or challenge exam | A certificate from the training program director showing you completed an approved refresher course or refresher challenge exam within two years of your application. |
| 2. National certification | Proof of current registration with a national certification organization, such as NREMT, at your level or higher. Paramedics keeping a critical care endorsement also need current national critical care certification. |
| 3. Attestation (state CE route) | A signed ADHS attestation that you meet the CE, CPR, pediatric, and (for EMTs) work experience requirements below. |
Arizona Attestation Route Checklist
If you recertify by attestation, ADHS requires all of the following:
- Current CPR for adults, children, and infants, consistent with American Heart Association recommendations.
- Current advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) if you are an EMT-I(99) or Paramedic.
- Your CE hours completed within the previous two years and consistent with refresher course content: 24 for EMT, 48 for AEMT, EMT-I(99), or Paramedic, or 60 for Paramedic with critical care endorsement (8 on critical care topics).
- At least 5 hours of pediatric emergency care, counted within those hours.
- EMTs only: at least 240 hours working as an EMT in the previous two years.
- Keep your proof for three years after your application date. You attest rather than upload, so your certificates are your evidence.
48 CEU Package for Arizona AEMTs and Paramedics
48 CAPCE-accredited EMS CEUs, matching the 48 hour Arizona attestation requirement for AEMTs and Paramedics. Pick courses that include at least 5 hours of pediatric emergency care.
Arizona EMS Recertification Deadlines and Late Renewal
| When You Apply | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Up to 90 days before expiration | Standard recertification window under R9-25-404. |
| Within 30 days after expiration | You can still apply with a nonrefundable $150 certification extension fee. If you file in this window, you may keep working as an EMCT until ADHS makes a final decision. |
| More than 30 days after expiration | You are no longer certified and must apply for initial certification under R9-25-403. |
| Approved extension | If ADHS grants an extension under R9-25-405, you can apply within that extension period. |
Finishing your CE early in the 90 day window leaves time to fix missing CPR or ACLS cards before your expiration date.
Arizona Joins the EMS Interstate Compact
In 2026, Arizona enacted the EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact through Senate Bill 1235, signed June 19, 2026 (Laws 2026, Chapter 159). The compact lets EMTs, AEMTs, and paramedics licensed in a member state practice in other member states under a "privilege to practice," with shared adverse-action reporting between states.
What it does not change: your Arizona recertification requirements. The bill leaves the Arizona CE hours in place, so you still recertify with ADHS using one of the three routes above. Ask ADHS when Arizona's compact participation becomes active and how it applies to you before relying on it for cross-state work.
Recertifying Through NREMT in Arizona
If you keep National Registry certification, it covers your Arizona recertification at your level or higher. NREMT recertifies every two years under the 2025 NCCP model: 16 hours for EMR, 40 for EMT, 50 for AEMT, and 60 for Paramedic. CE Solutions offers NREMT packages for each level that bundle the national, local, and individual components into one purchase. See our NREMT recertification guide.
Buy Your Arizona EMS CE From CE Solutions
CE Solutions has provided EMS continuing education since 1997 and is a CAPCE-accredited provider (CESL1000) for EMS. One-time purchase, no subscription.
Arizona state attestation route
100 EMS CEUs plus 36 fire CEUs. Far more than Arizona's 24 hour EMT requirement, including pediatric hours.
Exactly the 48 hours Arizona requires for AEMTs and Paramedics on the attestation route.
160 EMS CEUs plus 36 fire CEUs, enough for the 60 hour critical care endorsement requirement. Choose 8 hours on critical care topics.
Keeping NREMT
All NCCP components in one package for EMRs and EMTs renewing with the National Registry.
All NCCP components in one package for AEMTs and Paramedics renewing with the National Registry.
- CAPCE-accredited online EMS courses with instant completion certificates for your three-year records
- 100% online delivery, accessible from any device
- Packages stay active one year or until you finish, whichever comes first
- Direct email support with responses within 24 hours
Read our guide to Arizona EMS continuing education online, or view all state recertification packages. Recertifying in another state? See EMS recertification requirements by state.
Arizona EMS Recertification FAQs
How many CE hours do I need for Arizona EMS recertification?
On the Arizona attestation route, EMTs need 24 hours and AEMTs, EMT-I(99)s, and Paramedics need 48 hours, including at least 5 hours of pediatric emergency care. Paramedics keeping a critical care endorsement need 60 hours, with at least 8 on critical care topics. On the NREMT route, EMTs need 40 hours, AEMTs 50, and Paramedics 60 every two years.
Does Arizona require NREMT certification to recertify?
No. Arizona lets you recertify with a refresher course, with current national certification such as NREMT at your level or higher, or by attesting to the state CE hours. The state route requires fewer hours, while keeping NREMT gives you portability to other states.
What are the three ways to recertify in Arizona?
Under R9-25-404, you can submit proof of an approved refresher course or refresher challenge exam completed within two years, proof of current national certification at your level or higher, or an ADHS attestation covering your CE hours, CPR, pediatric hours, and for EMTs, 240 hours of work experience.
Do Arizona EMTs need work experience to recertify?
On the attestation route, Arizona EMTs need at least 240 hours of work as an EMT in the previous two years. EMTs with fewer than 240 hours must complete a refresher course instead.
Do I need CPR or ACLS to recertify in Arizona?
On the attestation route, all levels need current adult, child, and infant CPR consistent with American Heart Association recommendations. EMT-I(99)s and Paramedics also need current advanced cardiac life support.
When can I submit my Arizona EMS recertification?
ADHS accepts recertification applications up to 90 days before your certification expires. You can also apply within 30 days after expiration with a $150 certification extension fee. After 30 days, you must apply for initial certification.
Is pediatric CE required for Arizona recertification?
Yes. On the attestation route, at least 5 of your CE hours must be in pediatric emergency care at every level.
Did Arizona join the EMS Interstate Compact?
Yes. Senate Bill 1235, signed June 19, 2026, enacted the EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact in Arizona. It does not change Arizona's recertification CE hours. Check with ADHS on when Arizona's participation becomes active.
Is there a lower-cost package for Arizona AEMTs and Paramedics?
Yes. The CE Solutions 48 CEU package is $149 and is available to Arizona AEMTs and Paramedics. It matches the 48 hour Arizona attestation requirement. Paramedics with a critical care endorsement need 60 hours, and Arizona EMTs can choose the $159 State EMS Recertification package.
Where do I submit my Arizona EMS renewal?
Arizona EMS recertifications are processed by the Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of EMS and Trauma System. Contact ADHS for application instructions, status questions, or certification inquiries.
