How do you renew an EMS certification in Iowa?
Iowa's state path is lower than NCCP: EMR and First Responder 8 hours, EMT 20, AEMT 25 and paramedic 30 every two years, under IAC 641 chapter 131. Current NREMT is the alternative pathway. Rulemaking in 2026 may add pediatric CE hours and is pending.
NREMTNREMT is one pathway; a state CE alternative exists
Cycle2 years
Renewal pageEmergency Medical Services
Open the official Iowa renewal page
What each level needs
| Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| EMR / First Responder | 8 hours |
| EMT | 20 hours |
| AEMT | 25 hours |
| Paramedic | 30 hours |
What else Iowa requires
- IAC 641, chapter 131.
- 2026 rulemaking may add pediatric CEHs (pending).
How this relates to NREMT
In Iowa the National Registry is one way to renew; the state CE route above is the other. See the NREMT requirements by level. Logging one CE certificate against both is what the CE tracker is for.
Sources
Compiled from these sources, retrieved September 2026. Renewal rules change; confirm with the issuing agency before you rely on any figure here.