Arizona EMS Recertification Requirements
CE hours, renewal options, and deadlines for Arizona EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics
Quick answer: Arizona EMS recertification through the state route requires 24 CE hours for EMTs and 48 hours for AEMTs and Paramedics, including at least 5 hours of pediatric emergency care. Paramedics with a critical care endorsement need 60 hours. You can instead recertify by holding current National Registry (NREMT) certification at your level or higher.
Arizona gives EMS providers two ways to recertify with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS): complete the state continuing education hours, or show current NREMT certification. The state route requires far fewer hours than NREMT at every level, which makes it the lighter option for most Arizona providers who do not need to keep their National Registry card.
Arizona EMS CE Hour Requirements by Certification Level
| Certification Level | Arizona State Route | NREMT Route |
|---|---|---|
| EMT | 24 hours | 40 hours |
| AEMT | 48 hours | 50 hours |
| Paramedic | 48 hours | 60 hours |
| Paramedic, critical care endorsement | 60 hours (8 on critical care topics) | 60 hours |
State route totals come from Arizona Administrative Code R9-25-404 and the ADHS EMCT certification and recertification requirements. At every level, at least 5 of your state route hours must be in pediatric emergency care. NREMT route totals follow the National Continued Competency Program.
Arizona's Two Recertification Routes
State route (CE attestation). You attest to completing your CE hours and submit proof of current CPR certification. Arizona EMTs using this route must also have at least 240 hours of EMS work experience within the certification period. EMTs below 240 hours complete a refresher course instead. AEMTs and Paramedics can complete either their CE hours or a refresher course.
NREMT route. You submit documentation of current National Registry certification at your level or higher. Arizona accepts this in place of the state CE hours, so providers who keep NREMT can recertify in Arizona without a separate set of hours.
48 CEU Package for Arizona AEMTs and Paramedics
48 CAPCE-accredited EMS CEUs, matching the 48-hour Arizona state route requirement for AEMTs and Paramedics. Paramedics with a critical care endorsement need 60 hours, and Arizona EMTs should choose a State EMS Recertification package instead.
Whichever package you use, make sure at least 5 of your hours are in pediatric emergency care to meet Arizona's state route requirement.
Arizona EMS Renewal Window
Under R9-25-404, ADHS accepts recertification applications within 90 days before your certification expires. Arizona also allows applications within the 30-day period after expiration. Finishing your CE early in the 90-day window leaves time to fix any missing documentation before your expiration date.
Recertifying Through NREMT in Arizona
If you maintain National Registry certification, completing your NREMT recertification satisfies Arizona as well. CE Solutions offers NREMT recertification packages for each level, bundling the national, local, and individual components into one purchase. See our NREMT recertification guide or view NREMT recertification packages.
Arizona EMS Continuing Education Through CE Solutions
CE Solutions has provided EMS continuing education since 1997 and is a CAPCE-accredited provider (CESL1000).
- A 48 CEU package for Arizona AEMTs and Paramedics on the state route
- State EMS Recertification packages for Arizona EMTs
- NREMT recertification packages structured for each provider level
- CAPCE-accredited online courses with instant completion certificates
- 100% online delivery, accessible from any device
- Direct email support with responses within 24 hours
View Arizona EMS recertification packages, or read our guide to Arizona EMS continuing education online. 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 state route, EMTs need 24 hours and AEMTs and Paramedics need 48 hours, including at least 5 hours of pediatric emergency care. Paramedics with 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.
Does Arizona require NREMT certification?
No. Arizona lets you recertify by completing the state CE hours or by showing current NREMT certification at your level or higher. The state route requires fewer hours, while keeping NREMT gives you portability to other states.
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 state route requirement. Paramedics with a critical care endorsement need 60 hours, and Arizona EMTs should choose a State EMS Recertification package.
Do Arizona EMTs need work experience to recertify?
On the state CE route, Arizona EMTs need at least 240 hours of EMS work experience within the certification period. EMTs with fewer than 240 hours complete a refresher course instead.
When can I submit my Arizona EMS recertification?
ADHS accepts recertification applications within 90 days before your certification expires, and within the 30-day period after expiration.
Is pediatric CE required for Arizona recertification?
Yes. On the Arizona state route, at least 5 of your CE hours must be in pediatric emergency care at every level.
Can I complete my Arizona CE hours online?
Yes. CE Solutions delivers all courses online through CAPCE-accredited coursework, accessible from any device with an internet connection.
Where do I submit my Arizona EMS renewal?
Arizona EMS renewals are processed through the Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of EMS and Trauma System. Contact them directly for application instructions, status questions, or licensure inquiries.
