California EMS continuing education works differently than most states. California does not require you to maintain NREMT certification, but if you do keep it, you'll follow NREMT recertification rules. The most important thing California EMTs need to know: California requires instructor-based CE providers, and there are specific state-only courses every EMT must complete.
California EMS Hour Requirements by Certification Level
California's Instructor-Based CE Requirement
California requires CE from instructor-based providers approved by the California EMS Authority. CE Solutions is recognized as an instructor-based provider by California EMSA, which means every course in our library qualifies for California EMS recertification with no extra paperwork to file.
Complete your hours, get your certificate, send it to your LEMSA. That's the entire process.
Required California State-Specific Course
Every California EMT must complete Naloxone, Epinephrine, and Glucometer training as part of their EMT certification. This is a state-mandated course covering the administration of these three interventions as part of California's EMT scope of practice.
This is a one-time requirement. Once you've completed Naloxone, Epinephrine, and Glucometer training, you do not need to retake it during future recertification cycles.
Who Handles California EMT Certification
This trips up a lot of new California EMTs: the State of California does not certify, renew, or reinstate EMT certifications. All of that happens through your Local EMS Agency (LEMSA).
California has multiple LEMSAs that each cover specific counties or regions. Your LEMSA is determined by where you work or where you live, depending on the agency. CE Solutions provides the courses and certificates; your LEMSA processes the actual recertification.
Find the Local EMS Agency that handles your California EMS certification renewal.
View LEMSA Directory →NREMT and California Recertification
California does not require you to maintain National Registry (NREMT) certification. You can recertify in California using state CE requirements alone.
If you choose to maintain your NREMT certification alongside your California cert, you will follow the NREMT recertification requirements. NREMT operates on a separate recertification cycle and uses the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) structure. NREMT recertification details can be found on the National Registry's website.
California EMS Continuing Education Through CE Solutions
CE Solutions is a CAPCE-accredited EMS continuing education provider serving California EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics since 1997. Make sure your CE is from a CAPCE-accredited and California EMSA-recognized provider. CE Solutions meets both requirements, and our courses are accepted by every California LEMSA.
- Recognized as instructor-based by the California EMS Authority
- Full EMS continuing education library covering all required topics at EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic levels
- Required Naloxone, Epinephrine, and Glucometer course available for $35
- CAPCE-accredited courses accepted by every California LEMSA
- 100% online delivery, accessible from anywhere in California
- Direct email support with responses within 24 hours
- Automatic CE certificate generation accepted by every California LEMSA
Browse our California EMS continuing education courses and get your recertification hours handled.
California EMS Recertification FAQs
How often do California EMTs recertify?
California EMT certification is a two-year cycle. AEMT and Paramedic cycles are also two years, though specific renewal dates depend on your LEMSA's schedule and your original certification date.
What EMS continuing education does California accept?
California accepts CE from CAPCE-accredited and California EMSA-recognized instructor-based providers. Make sure your CE is from a provider that meets both requirements. CE Solutions is CAPCE-accredited AND recognized as instructor-based by California EMSA, and our courses are accepted by every California LEMSA.
Does California require NREMT?
No. California is a state-only path. You can hold and renew your California EMT certification without ever maintaining NREMT. Many California EMS providers choose to keep NREMT for reciprocity with other states, but it's not required.
Do I have to take the Naloxone, Epinephrine, and Glucometer course every recertification?
No. Naloxone, Epinephrine, and Glucometer training is a one-time requirement. Once you have completed it, you do not need to retake it for future California EMT recertifications.
Can I take all my California EMS continuing education hours online?
Yes. CE Solutions is recognized as an instructor-based provider by the California EMS Authority, so you can complete your entire California recertification online through our course library.
Where do I submit my CE certificates for California renewal?
Your CE certificates go to your Local EMS Agency (LEMSA), not to the state directly. Each LEMSA has its own submission process. Check your LEMSA's website or contact them directly for their specific requirements.
