How do you renew an EMS certification in Texas?
Texas EMS certifications run on a four-year cycle through DSHS, and you can renew either by holding current NREMT or by completing Texas CE hours. On the state path an ECA needs 36 hours, an EMT 72, an AEMT 108 and a paramedic 144 over the four years. The Texas EMS Jurisprudence exam is required every cycle on both paths, along with a fingerprint-based FBI criminal history check.
Open the official Texas renewal page
What each level needs
| Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| ECA (Emergency Care Attendant) | 36 hours |
| EMT | 72 hours |
| AEMT | 108 hours |
| Paramedic | 144 hours |
What else Texas requires
- NREMT path: 16/40/50/60 hours on NREMT's two-year cycle.
- Texas EMS Jurisprudence exam required every cycle on both paths.
- Fingerprint and FBI criminal history check.
- Renewal fee $25 from October 1, 2025.
- CAPCE-accredited education accepted.
- Texas calls its entry level Emergency Care Attendant (ECA).
How this relates to NREMT
In Texas 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
- Texas official renewal page: Renewals - EMS Personnel Certification and Licensure
- Texas DSHS EMS personnel renewals
Compiled from these sources, retrieved September 2026. Renewal rules change; confirm with the issuing agency before you rely on any figure here.