EMS Certification Renewal

Once you’ve successfully completed EMS training and received your certification from the state of Ohio, renewal is required every three years. The Ohio Department of Public Safety, Emergency Medical Services Division establishes and maintains renewal requirements.  Learn more.

Upcoming Premier Health EMS Academy recertification courses can be found on our PREMIER HEALTH EMS COURSES webpage.

EMR and EMT Refresher courses are not in demand and will be scheduled on an as needed basis. Free EMS CE is available on our Distance Learning webpage.

AEMT / Paramedic Refresher courses are scheduled twice-a-year in the 1st and 3rd trimesters and rotate amongst our campuses as needed. 1st trimester is historically south of US 35, 3rd is north of US 35. Subject to change.

Per the OAC an accredited or approved institution offering a refresher program shall provide for regular evaluation of student performance and achievement through written and practical examinations, prior to issuance of a certificate of completion.

Note: Ohio does not allow combined refresher courses.

Ohio EMS Recertification Requirements

There are 4 ways to renew your EMS certification/license in Ohio.

  1. You must possess a current and valid NREMT license and submit it to the state, Or
  2. Complete a refresher course plus additional continuing education (CE) requirements in accordance with state standards for your level of certification, Or
  3. Using CE only complete the Ohio minimum CE requirements in accordance with state standards based on the length of the certification cycle, Or
  4. Testing in Lieu of CE. The examination must be at your level of certification, taken within the last six months of the certification cycle, and successfully completed within three attempts.

The continuing education (CE) hours listed below are based on a 3-year cycle (36 months) or more between the effective date and expiration date:

  • EMR - 15 continuing education hours.
  • EMT - 40 continuing education hours (or 30-hour refresher + 10 CE).
  • AEMT - 60 continuing education hours (or 40-hour refresher + 20 CE).
  • Paramedic - 86 continuing education hours (or 48-hour refresher + 38 CE).
  • If your certificate expires before 36 months, please look for your different continuing education hour requirements here.
  • For the mandatory Ohio Trauma Triage (every renewal cycle) and /or Ohio Rescue Task Force (RTF) course (mandated once) go here.

To renew your certification, please fill out the application by following this link.

Additional Information

Ohio EMS Provider Levels: EMR, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic

State Contact Info: (800) 233-0785  Go to State Website

Course List Recommendation: Depending on your EMS level, and the number of months between your license effective date and expiration date, please find out what courses you need within what topic click here.

Advice for Recertifying Students: All individuals must maintain their records, do not depend on your agency to maintain them for you. 10% of individuals are randomly selected for auditing statewide each month. If audited, you must provide all relevant documents including CE certificates to the state DPS EMS Education Division auditor. It is recommended that you keep your records for 2 recertification cycles, or 6 years. FAQ for certification audits click here.

NREMT NCCP Model: Ohio does not follow the NREMT's NCCP model.

3rd Party Records Collection: Ohio does not use a 3rd party records collection to track CE hours. Ohio does have

Rules On Accepted CE Course Length: The minimum length of a course accepted in Ohio is 0.5 hours.

Accepted State Approved CE Providers: Ohio does not have a list of approved CE providers; however, they accept all CAPCE accredited courses in addition to CE’s promulgated by an Ohio accredited or approved institution.