How do you renew an EMS certification in California?
In California, EMS certifications renew every two years on a state continuing-education pathway that does not require NREMT. EMTs need 24 hours of CE per cycle, AEMTs 36 hours and paramedics 48 hours, plus a current CPR-for-Healthcare-Provider card and a completed EMSA skills-competency verification form. EMT and AEMT renewals are processed by the county LEMSA; paramedic renewals go through the state EMS Authority.
Open the official California renewal page
What each level needs
| Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| EMT | 24 hours |
| AEMT | 36 hours |
| Paramedic | 48 hours |
What else California requires
- At least 50% of CE must be instructor-based in some LEMSAs.
- EMTs renewing for the first time after July 1, 2019 need one-time naloxone, epinephrine and glucometer training.
- An EMSA skills-competency verification form (EMSA-SCV) is required.
- A CPR-for-Healthcare-Provider card is required.
- Lapsed up to 4 years: reinstatement with escalating CE. Lapsed more than 4 years: full course again. Reinstatement requires a DOJ/FBI Live Scan.
How this relates to NREMT
California runs its own pathway. National Registry certification is not required to renew, though many providers keep it for portability. See the NREMT requirements by level.
Sources
- California official renewal page: EMT/AEMT Certification - EMSA
- CCR Title 22 §100167 (Paramedic) and §100080 (EMT)
Compiled from these sources, retrieved September 2026. Renewal rules change; confirm with the issuing agency before you rely on any figure here.