Colorado EMS providers have two paths to renew their state license: maintain National Registry (NREMT) certification, or follow Colorado state CE requirements. The NREMT path requires more hours but is widely portable across states. The state-only path requires fewer hours but is specific to Colorado.
Your Two Recertification Paths in Colorado
Hour Requirements at a Glance
The quick reference table below shows the CE hour requirements for each Colorado certification level on both recertification paths.
Which Path Should You Choose?
It is almost always easier to keep your NREMT current than to regain an expired NREMT. If you let NREMT lapse, getting it back typically requires retesting and additional steps. For most Colorado EMS providers, maintaining NREMT alongside your Colorado certification is the simpler long-term path.
That said, the state-only path is a legitimate option, especially if you have no plans to work outside Colorado or already let your NREMT lapse and don’t want to test back in. Pick the path that fits your career.
Completing an NREMT recertification package through CE Solutions satisfies both NREMT and Colorado recertification in one process. Every course is CAPCE-accredited and accepted for NREMT recertification.
The Colorado OATH Portal
Colorado uses the OATH portal for EMS providers to track and submit continuing education hours. All CE certificates and hour documentation flow through OATH as part of your renewal process.
If your CE hours are coming from a CAPCE-accredited provider like CE Solutions, your agency or education program can approve those hours directly in the OATH system. Your agency administrator or education program coordinator logs into OATH and approves your CE Solutions hours for your record.
100% Online CE for Colorado Providers
Colorado allows EMS providers to complete 100% of their CE hours through distributive (online) outlets unless otherwise limited by your specific agency, education program, or medical director. Every CE Solutions course is delivered online, which means a Colorado provider can complete a full recertification cycle through our platform without ever attending an in-person training session.
If your agency or medical director has imposed additional in-person requirements beyond the state rule, check with them directly before relying on 100% online CE.
Colorado EMS Continuing Education Through CE Solutions
CE Solutions is a CAPCE-accredited EMS continuing education provider serving Colorado EMRs, EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics since 1997. Make sure your CE is from a CAPCE-accredited provider. CE Solutions is CAPCE-accredited, and our courses are accepted for both NREMT and Colorado state recertification through the OATH portal.
- NREMT recertification packages structured for each Colorado provider level
- CAPCE-accredited courses accepted for both NREMT and Colorado state recertification
- 100% online delivery, qualifying as distributive CE under Colorado rules
- Direct email support with responses within 24 hours
- Automatic CE certificate generation that flows easily through the Colorado OATH portal
Browse our Colorado EMS continuing education courses or view NREMT recertification packages to get started.
Colorado EMS Recertification FAQs
Do I have to maintain NREMT to recertify in Colorado?
No. Colorado offers a state-only recertification path with lower total hour requirements. But maintaining NREMT is usually easier than recovering an expired NREMT later, so most Colorado providers keep their National Registry active.
How many CE hours do I need for Colorado state recertification?
Colorado state path requires 12 hours for EMR, 36 hours for EMT, 36 hours for AEMT, and 50 hours for Paramedic. NREMT path requires 16, 40, 50, and 60 hours respectively.
Can I complete all my Colorado CE hours online?
Yes. Colorado allows 100% of CE hours to be completed through distributive (online) outlets, unless your agency, education program, or medical director has additional requirements. Every CE Solutions course is delivered online.
How do I get my CE Solutions hours approved in OATH?
Your agency or education program needs to approve your CAPCE-accredited CE Solutions hours in the OATH system. This is a quick administrative step that your agency admin or education coordinator can complete on your behalf.
Where do I submit my Colorado EMS renewal?
Colorado EMS renewals are processed through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment EMTS Section using the OATH portal. Contact them directly for application instructions, status questions, or licensure inquiries.
