Texas EMS Recertification Requirements

Texas EMS continuing education requirements vary based on two things: your certification level and whether you’re recertifying through NREMT or directly through TDSHS (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.

Here’s everything you need to know about Texas EMS CE requirements, broken down by certification level and recertification path.

Texas EMS Continuing Education Requirements by Certification Level

Texas EMS providers can recertify through one of two paths. The NREMT option requires fewer total hours but follows the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) structure. The State option (recertifying directly through DSHS) requires more total hours but offers flexibility in how those hours are distributed.

NREMT Recertification Path

  • EMR: 16 hours
  • EMT: 40 hours
  • AEMT: 50 hours
  • Paramedic: 60 hours

If you maintain NREMT certification alongside your Texas certification, you only need to meet the NREMT hour requirements. Texas accepts NREMT recertification as proof of CE compliance.

Texas State EMS Recertification Path

  • ECA (Emergency Care Attendant): 36 hours
  • EMT: 72 hours
  • AEMT: 108 hours
  • Paramedic: 144 hours

The state path requires roughly double the NREMT hours, but it doesn’t require you to maintain national registry status. This path makes sense for providers who want to keep their certification strictly through Texas.

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.

Texas EMS Jurisprudence Requirement

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 and not interchangeable with general legal or ethics CE from another state. If you recertify without completing the jurisprudence requirement, your recertification will not be approved.

How Often Do Texas EMS Providers Recertify?

Texas EMS certifications are issued for four-year cycles. All required CE hours, including Texas EMS Jurisprudence, must be completed before the certification expiration date listed on your TDSHS record.

NREMT recertification follows a two-year cycle but is managed separately through the National Registry’s system.

What Counts as Approved Texas EMS Continuing Education?

For CE hours to count toward Texas EMS recertification, courses must be provided by:

    • A CAPCE-accredited provider (Commission on Accreditation for Pre-Hospital Continuing Education)

OR:

  • A DSHS-approved Texas EMS education program
  • An equivalent provider recognized by DSHS

CE Solutions is CAPCE-accredited, and our courses are accepted for both NREMT recertification and Texas state recertification.

Get Your Texas EMS CE Hours Done with CE Solutions

Browse our Texas EMS continuing education courses and start knocking out your hours before the renewal rush.

Texas EMS Continuing Education FAQs

Do Texas EMS providers need to recertify every year?

No. Texas EMS certifications are issued on a four-year cycle. All CE hours and the jurisprudence requirement must be completed before the expiration date on your DSHS record.

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 cycle.

Does CE Solutions offer Texas EMS Jurisprudence?

Yes. Our Texas EMS Jurisprudence course satisfies the DSHS requirement and is available as a standalone purchase for $25. It can be completed online at your own pace and the CE certificate is generated automatically when you finish.