Psychomotor Exam Testing

1. What happens if your EMT certification lapses?

EMT certifications are good for two years from the date issued. Lapsed certifications requirements are outlined below:

For lapses of less than 6 months: 24 hours of CE or a 24 hour approved refresher course and completion of the EMT Skills form is required.  A new background check is required if you change certifying entities, using their agency form.

For lapses of 6 months to less than 12 months: 36 hours of CE and completion of the EMT Skills form is required.  A new background check is required if you change certifying entities, using their agency form.

For lapses of 12 months or more: 48 hours of CE, completion of the EMT Skills form, and passing a new background check.  Additionally required is proof of passing the cognitive and psychomotor (NREMT) exams within 2 years of application OR current  EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic NREMT certificate OR current & valid AEMT certificate or Paramedic license.

Apply for reinstatement at a local EMS agency.

 2. Your a paramedic and you wish to get your expired EMT certificate reinstated – what do you need to do?

Depending on the expiration date of your EMT certificate, requirements vary.  Please see the section above on lapsed EMT certification requirements. Your paramedic license is separate from the EMT certification and is not used to reinstate an EMT certificate automatically.  The EMS Authority is the licensing agency with oversight for Paramedic licenses; the local EMS agencies and other approved certifying entities have oversight and jurisdiction over EMT certification.

 3. You’ve been overseas deployed on active duty and your EMT certification has expired. What can you do?

A California certified EMT who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and whose certification expires while deployed on active duty, or whose certification expires less than six (6) months from the date they return from active duty deployment, with the Armed Forces of the United States shall have six (6) months from the date they return from active duty deployment to complete the renewal requirements found on the EMT page. Verification of the individual’s active duty is required. Also, for certified individuals whose military duty required them to use their EMT or AEMT skills, credit may be given for documented training they received while on active duty, if it meets CA state continuing education requirements. These individuals would need to provide documentation from their Commanding Officer(s) attesting to classes attended and successful completion.  Please contact your local EMS agency should you need further guidance.

Also see Military Veteran Pathways to EMS Certification and Licensure.