Tennessee EMS recertification works on a state-only path. The state does not require you to maintain NREMT certification. Tennessee is distinct: 50% of all required CE hours must be completed in a classroom setting, which includes F5 (live virtual instructor-led) courses. The other 50% can be self-paced online. Tennessee also has category-specific CE hour requirements that must be met.
Tennessee EMS Hour Requirements by Certification Level
The Tennessee 50/50 Classroom Rule
Tennessee requires that at least 50% of your CE hours be completed in a classroom setting. F5 courses (live virtual instructor-led training, also called VILT) count as classroom hours. The remaining 50% can be completed through self-paced online CE.
CE Solutions offers F3 self-paced courses that can cover up to half of your Tennessee state path requirement. The other half must be completed through in-person training or F5/VILT courses from another approved Tennessee provider.
50/50 Split at Each Certification Level
Tennessee Category-Specific CE Requirements
Tennessee requires that your CE hours be distributed across specific category requirements. Make sure you’re meeting both your total hour requirement AND the category-specific minimums for your certification level. The official board-approved CE hour breakdown is the authoritative reference.
The official Tennessee Department of Health document covers category-specific CE hour requirements by certification level. This is the authoritative source for category breakdowns.
The Simplest Way to Recertify in Tennessee
For most Tennessee EMS providers, the practical approach is to complete the self-paced (F3) half of your hours through CE Solutions, and complete the classroom (F5 or in-person) half through your local Tennessee EMS service, fire department, or approved training center.
Alternatively, if you maintain NREMT, you’ll follow NREMT recertification guidelines and meet most of Tennessee’s CE requirements through that route. NREMT recertification can be completed entirely through CAPCE-accredited online courses.
Our CAPCE-accredited library covers the self-paced (F3) portion of your Tennessee state path requirements. Complete up to half of your hours online through our courses, then handle the classroom portion locally.
NREMT and Tennessee Recertification
Tennessee does not require NREMT certification for state license renewal. You can recertify in Tennessee using state CE requirements alone.
If you choose to maintain NREMT certification, you will follow the NREMT recertification requirements separately. NREMT operates on its own cycle and uses the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) structure. For complete details on NREMT recertification by level, visit the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians website.
Maintaining NREMT alongside your Tennessee cert offers portability if you ever work in another state. Going the NREMT route also avoids the Tennessee state path’s 50% classroom requirement.
Tennessee EMS Continuing Education Through CE Solutions
CE Solutions is a CAPCE-accredited EMS continuing education provider serving Tennessee EMRs, EMTs, AEMTs, Paramedics, and Critical Care Paramedics since 1997. Make sure your CE is from a CAPCE-accredited provider. CE Solutions is CAPCE-accredited, and our courses are accepted by the Tennessee Department of Health.
- NREMT recertification packages for providers maintaining National Registry
- F3 self-paced courses covering up to half of Tennessee state path requirements
- Full EMS continuing education library covering all Tennessee CE categories
- CAPCE-accredited courses accepted by the Tennessee Department of Health
- 100% online delivery for the online-eligible portions of your requirements
- Direct email support with responses within 24 hours
- Automatic CE certificate generation accepted for Tennessee EMS renewal
Browse our Tennessee EMS continuing education courses or view NREMT recertification packages to get started.
Tennessee EMS Recertification FAQs
What EMS continuing education does Tennessee accept?
Tennessee accepts CAPCE-accredited EMS continuing education and Tennessee Department of Health-approved courses. Make sure your CE is from a CAPCE-accredited provider. CE Solutions is CAPCE-accredited, and our courses are accepted by the Tennessee Department of Health for the self-paced portion of state path recertification and for full NREMT recertification.
Does Tennessee require NREMT certification?
No. Tennessee offers both an NREMT path and a state-only recertification path. Many Tennessee providers maintain NREMT for portability across state lines, but it’s not required.
How many CE hours do I need for Tennessee recertification?
Tennessee requires 10 hours for EMR, 20 hours for EMT, 25 hours for AEMT, 32 hours for Paramedic, and 42 hours for Critical Care Paramedic. 50% of these hours must be completed in a classroom setting (F5/VILT counts) and 50% can be completed through self-paced online CE.
What is the Tennessee 50% classroom rule?
Tennessee requires at least half of your CE hours be completed in a classroom setting. This includes F5 courses (live virtual instructor-led training, also called VILT). The other half can be completed through self-paced online (F3) CE. The NREMT pathway does not have this restriction.
Can CE Solutions cover all of my Tennessee state path requirements?
Up to half. CE Solutions offers F3 self-paced courses that can satisfy up to 50% of your Tennessee state path hour requirement. The other half must be completed through in-person training or F5/VILT courses from another approved Tennessee provider. Alternatively, you can complete the full NREMT pathway through CE Solutions, which satisfies Tennessee through the NREMT route.
What are Tennessee’s category-specific CE requirements?
Tennessee requires CE hours distributed across specific categories at each certification level. The official Tennessee Department of Health document outlines the complete category breakdown. Review the board-approved CE hours document for full category details.
Where do I submit my Tennessee EMS renewal?
Tennessee EMS renewals are processed through the Tennessee Department of Health EMS Division. Contact them directly or review the board-approved CE hours document for application instructions, status questions, or licensure inquiries.
