Kentucky EMS Recertification Requirements
CE hours by topic, the three mandatory Kentucky courses, NREMT vs. National Component renewal, and audit rules for Kentucky EMRs, EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics
Last updated October 15, 2026 · Checked against KBEMS renewal requirement documents (revised May 26, 2026), 202 KAR Chapter 7, and KRS 311A.120
Kentucky EMS certifications and licenses renew every two years through KBEMS. You can renew by holding a current NREMT certification at your level, or by completing only the NREMT National Component without keeping NREMT: 8 hours for EMR, 20 for EMT, 25 for AEMT, and 30 for Paramedic. Either way, you must also complete Kentucky's mandatory courses: HIV/AIDS (once), plus Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma and Sexual Violence Awareness every cycle.
Two Ways to Renew Your Kentucky EMS Certification
Kentucky does not have its own separate CE curriculum. Instead, KBEMS builds renewal around the National Registry's 2025 National Continued Competency Program (NCCP). You either keep your full NREMT certification, or you complete just the National Component of the NCCP and renew with KBEMS without holding NREMT. KBEMS does not require the NCCP's State/Local or Individual components.
Keep NREMT
National Component Only
| Certification Level | Keep NREMT | National Component Only | Hours Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMR | 16 hrs | 8 hrs | 8 fewer |
| EMT | 40 hrs | 20 hrs | 20 fewer |
| AEMT | 50 hrs | 25 hrs | 25 fewer |
| Paramedic | 60 hrs | 30 hrs | 30 fewer |
Both options also require Kentucky's mandatory courses. Since January 1, 2026, KBEMS accepts only the NREMT 2025 NCCP model.
Kentucky National Component Hours by Topic
If you renew without NREMT, your hours must hit the National Component minimums in each topic, not just the total. These are the 2025 NCCP numbers KBEMS publishes in its renewal requirements.
| Topic | EMR | EMT | AEMT | Paramedic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airway, Respiration, Ventilation | 1.5 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Cardiology | 2 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Trauma | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Medical | 2.5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Operations | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Total | 8 | 20 | 25 | 30 |
| Pediatric content (within the total) | 1 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 |
Pediatric hours are not extra. At least 10% of your National Component hours must be pediatric content, counted inside the topics above. One contact hour equals 50 minutes of instruction.
Mandatory Kentucky EMS Courses
Kentucky law (KRS 311A.120) requires three trainings on top of your CE hours. KBEMS says all three are free online through KBEMS-approved courses, and they apply whether you renew with NREMT or with the National Component.
| Course | How Often |
|---|---|
| HIV/AIDS Training | Once since obtaining your KBEMS certification or license |
| Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (PAHT) | At least once every two-year renewal cycle |
| Sexual Violence Awareness Training | At least once every two-year renewal cycle |
Find the approved versions through the KBEMS Continuing Education page.
Which Kentucky Recertification Path Should You Choose?
The National Component option cuts your hours in half at every level, so the decision really comes down to portability.
Keep NREMT if you might work EMS in another state, your service requires National Registry, or you want the easiest path if you ever move.
Go National Component only if you plan to work only in Kentucky and want the fewest hours. Just track your hours by topic and keep your certificates.
What Continuing Education Counts in Kentucky
CE must come from a KBEMS-approved education entity, and online courses must be CAPCE accredited unless taken through another approved entity. Approved sources include:
- CAPCE-accredited courses
- KBEMS-certified EMS Training and Educational Institutions (EMS-TEIs)
- Kentucky Board of Nursing, Board of Medical Licensure, and Board of Respiratory Care
- American Academy of Family Physicians
- Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its components (such as FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration
- Courses approved by any NREMT state
A few rules that trip people up:
- Timing: CE must fall between the issue date and expiration date on your current KBEMS card. Hours from before your current cycle do not count.
- Proof: Only a course completion certificate from an approved entity counts. Sign-in sheets are not accepted.
- Categories are on you: You are responsible for making sure each course is counted in the correct topic, even if the provider categorized it.
- Online is fine: KBEMS states all CE may be taken online.
Kentucky CE Audits and Record Keeping
If KBEMS selects you for a CE audit, you have 10 business days from the request to submit proof through the CE Audit application in your KEMSIS account. Keep all CE documentation for three years from the course completion date.
KBEMS publishes a free CE Tracker spreadsheet to help you log hours by topic, but it is a planning tool only. Do not submit it in place of your certificates during an audit. Your current card, issue date, and expiration date are in the Documents section of your KEMSIS account.
Advanced Practice Paramedic Renewal
Kentucky Advanced Practice Paramedics (Community, Critical Care, Flight, Tactical, and Wilderness) must keep a current KBEMS paramedic license, renewed under 202 KAR 7:401, plus either a current IBSC certification in their specialty or at least 50 CE hours mapped to that specialty's IBSC content outline.
The older Paramedic Critical Care Endorsement is being retired. Existing endorsements stop being valid on January 1, 2027.
Buy Your Kentucky EMS CE From CE Solutions
CE Solutions has offered online EMS continuing education since 1997. Our EMS courses are CAPCE accredited, which is one of the approved sources KBEMS lists and meets KBEMS's requirement that online CE be CAPCE accredited. Pick the package that matches your level and renewal path.
Renewing with the National Component only
The NREMT National Component hours KBEMS requires: 8 for EMR or 20 for EMT.
The NREMT National Component hours KBEMS requires: 25 for AEMT or 30 for Paramedic.
Keeping NREMT? Full NREMT recertification
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.
Not sure which package fits? Compare NREMT recertification packages or see our EMS recertification guide for other states.
Kentucky EMS Recertification FAQs
How many CE hours do I need to renew my Kentucky EMS certification?
If you renew without NREMT, you need the NREMT National Component: 8 hours for EMR, 20 for EMT, 25 for AEMT, and 30 for Paramedic. If you keep NREMT, the full NCCP is 16, 40, 50, and 60 hours. Both paths also require Kentucky's mandatory courses.
Does Kentucky require NREMT certification to renew?
No. KBEMS accepts either a current NREMT certification at your level or successful completion of the NREMT National Component of the NCCP. You do not need to hold NREMT to use the National Component option.
What are the mandatory Kentucky EMS courses?
Under KRS 311A.120: HIV/AIDS training once since obtaining your KBEMS certification or license, plus Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma and Sexual Violence Awareness Training at least once every two-year renewal cycle. KBEMS offers approved versions free online.
Does Kentucky require pediatric CE?
Yes. At least 10% of your National Component hours must be pediatric content: 1 hour for EMR, 2 for EMT, 2.5 for AEMT, and 3 for Paramedic. Those hours count inside your total, not on top of it.
Can I do all my Kentucky EMS CE online?
Yes. KBEMS states that all CE may be taken online. Online courses must be CAPCE accredited unless taken through another KBEMS-approved entity.
How often do Kentucky EMS providers recertify?
Every two years. Your CE must be completed between the issue and expiration dates on your current KBEMS card, which you can find in your KEMSIS account.
What happens if I am audited by KBEMS?
You must submit proof of your CE within 10 business days of the board's request, using the CE Audit application in KEMSIS. Only course completion certificates from approved entities are accepted, so keep them for three years from each completion date.
Does KBEMS still accept the 2016 NCCP model?
No. KBEMS accepted both models through December 31, 2025. Since January 1, 2026, only the NREMT 2025 NCCP model is accepted.
Official Sources
- KBEMS: Continuing Education and renewal requirement documents
- KBEMS: EMR Renewal Requirements (202 KAR 7:201)
- KBEMS: EMT Renewal Requirements (202 KAR 7:301)
- KBEMS: AEMT Renewal Requirements (202 KAR 7:330)
- KBEMS: Paramedic Renewal Requirements (202 KAR 7:401)
- National Registry of EMTs: Recertification
