Texas EMS continuing education and recertification requirements vary based on two things: your certification level and whether you’re recertifying through NREMT or directly through DSHS (Texas Department of State Health Services). The hour totals are significantly different between the two paths, and choosing the wrong path can mean doing more CE than you actually need.
Compare Both Paths
Both paths are shown below side-by-side so you can compare hours at your certification level.
Find Your Hours at a Glance
Use the table below to quickly see how many CE hours you need based on your certification level and chosen path.
Which Path Should You Choose?
Most Texas EMS providers benefit from maintaining NREMT certification because the lower CE requirement saves significant time. The state-only path is typically chosen by providers who have no interest in working outside Texas, or who let their NREMT lapse and don’t want to test back in.
Regardless of which recertification path you choose, every Texas EMS provider must complete Texas EMS Jurisprudence training during each recertification cycle. This is a state-specific requirement covering Texas EMS laws, regulations, and the rules governing EMS practice in the state.
Texas EMS Jurisprudence is not optional. If you recertify without it, your recertification will not be approved.
How Often Do Texas EMS Providers Recertify?
Texas state EMS certifications are issued for four-year cycles. All required EMS continuing education hours, including Texas EMS Jurisprudence, must be completed before the certification expiration date listed on your DSHS record.
NREMT recertification operates on a separate two-year cycle managed through the National Registry’s system. If you maintain NREMT alongside your Texas certification, you’ll recertify with NREMT twice during each four-year Texas cycle.
What Counts as Approved Texas EMS Continuing Education?
For CE hours to count toward Texas EMS recertification, courses must be provided by:
CE Solutions is CAPCE-accredited, and our EMS continuing education courses are accepted for both NREMT recertification and Texas state recertification.
Common Mistakes Texas EMS Providers Make at Recertification
Recertify with CE Solutions
CAPCE-accredited and TCFP-approved packages built for Texas EMS providers and firefighters. Choose the package that fits your certification path.
Required for every Texas EMS recertification. Covers Texas EMS rules and statutes. One-time per cycle.
Required annually for every Texas Commission on Fire Protection certified firefighter. Covers TCFP injury reporting requirements.
Texas EMS Continuing Education Through CE Solutions
CE Solutions has been delivering CAPCE-accredited EMS continuing education to Texas EMS providers since 1997. Our Texas providers get:
- Full library of CAPCE-accredited EMS continuing education courses accepted for both NREMT and Texas state recertification
- Texas EMS Jurisprudence courses to satisfy the state-specific requirement
- TCFP-approved Fire continuing education courses for Texas firefighters
- Online access from any device, on your schedule
- Real customer support when you have questions
- Automatic CE certificate generation and tracking
Browse our Texas EMS continuing education courses and start knocking out your hours before the renewal rush.
Texas EMS Recertification FAQs
What EMS continuing education does Texas accept for recertification?
Texas accepts CE from CAPCE-accredited providers, DSHS-approved Texas EMS education programs, and equivalent providers recognized by DSHS. CE Solutions is CAPCE-accredited and our courses are accepted by both NREMT and DSHS.
How often do Texas EMS providers recertify?
Texas state EMS certifications operate on a four-year cycle. NREMT certification operates on a separate two-year cycle. If you maintain NREMT alongside your Texas certification, you’ll complete two NREMT recertifications during each four-year Texas cycle. All Texas CE hours and the jurisprudence requirement must be completed before the expiration date on your DSHS record.
Can I use the same CE hours for both NREMT and Texas state recertification?
Yes, as long as the courses are CAPCE-accredited. CAPCE-accredited hours count toward both NREMT and DSHS recertification, which is why most providers go with CAPCE-accredited providers like CE Solutions.
What happens if I miss my Texas EMS recertification deadline?
Your certification expires. DSHS offers a grace period for late renewals, but the process becomes more complicated and may require additional steps including testing. Don’t let it lapse.
Is the Texas EMS Jurisprudence course the same every cycle?
The core content covers Texas EMS rules and statutes, but the course is updated as laws change. You must complete a current, approved jurisprudence course during each four-year Texas recertification cycle.
Does CE Solutions offer Texas EMS Jurisprudence?
Yes. Our Texas EMS Jurisprudence course satisfies the DSHS requirement and can be completed online at your own pace for $25.
Does CE Solutions offer Fire CE for Texas firefighters?
Yes. We offer TCFP-approved Fire continuing education packages: a 20 CEU package for $109 and an 80 CEU package for $249. Both include access to our TCFP Injury Report course required annually for every TCFP certified firefighter.
Do I need the TCFP Injury Report course every year?
Yes. The TCFP Injury Report is a required annual course for every Texas Commission on Fire Protection certified firefighter. CE Solutions offers it as a standalone $25 course.
