How to Become an EMT in Connecticut

Who can apply

• You must be at least 16 years old. Applicants under 18 need a signed Parental Consent Form.
• You must complete an OEMS-approved EMT training program in Connecticut of at least 150 hours.
• You must pass the NREMT EMT cognitive (written) exam and a Connecticut OEMS-approved psychomotor (practical) exam.
• DPH may deny certification to applicants who committed or were found guilty of acts contrary to public health and safety, such as a felony. Each case is reviewed individually.

Step by step

1. Complete an OEMS-approved EMT course in Connecticut (at least 150 hours, including written and practical exams).
2. Pass a Connecticut OEMS-approved EMT psychomotor (practical) exam; OEMS posts a yearly practical exam schedule.
3. Pass the NREMT EMT cognitive exam.
4. Apply online for EMT certification on Connecticut eLicense.
5. Have your instructor send the EMT Training Program Completion Form directly to OEMS, plus license verification forms from any state where you have held an EMT credential.
6. OEMS makes an eligibility decision within 4 to 6 weeks after it has all documents, and emails you your certification number.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: You must complete an OEMS-approved EMT training program in Connecticut with at least 150 hours, including its written and practical exams. Your instructor sends the course completion form directly to OEMS. OEMS lists approved initial and refresher courses on its Licensing/Certification/Exams page.

Exam: You must pass the National Registry EMT cognitive (written) exam and a Connecticut OEMS-approved EMT psychomotor (practical) exam. NREMT charges $104 per cognitive exam attempt.

What it costs in Connecticut

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

How long it takes

OEMS says it makes an eligibility determination within 4 to 6 weeks after all required documents arrive.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: EMT certification is renewed every two years, on or before the expiration date; apply on eLicense during the final 6 months. You qualify by holding current NREMT EMT certification or by completing 40 hours of CE as NREMT requires: 20 hours of set topics (airway 4, cardiovascular 5, trauma 3, medical 6, operations 2) and 20 hours of other approved CME, plus a skills validation by an EMS instructor. Since January 1, 2022, renewal also requires youth suicide prevention (QPR) training or approved PTSD and suicide prevention training at least once in the previous six years. Keep CE records for four years. There is a 3-month grace period after expiration; after that you must reinstate.

Good to know in Connecticut

Moving from another state: You can apply by endorsement if you hold current NREMT EMT certification, or a current EMT credential from a state with equal or higher requirements. A separate route accepts a current out-of-state EMT license plus at least four years of practice without NREMT certification. Credentials from a state that did not require the NREMT exam must meet the by-exam requirements. Your other state must send a verification form directly to OEMS.

Documents from the source: OEMS only accepts supporting documents sent directly by the source (instructor, state or territory), not by the applicant. Email to dph.emslicensing@ct.gov is preferred.

Pending investigations: DPH cannot issue a certification to anyone who is the subject of an unresolved complaint in any state until it is resolved.

Incomplete applications: An incomplete application that stays inactive for one year is destroyed, and you must start over.

Exam deadlines: You must pass both the NREMT cognitive exam and the psychomotor exam within two years of finishing your course. You get six tries at the written exam in that two-year period, and before the fourth try you must complete 40 hours of NREMT continued competency (NCCR) education.

Sources

• CT DPH OEMS - EMS Licensure/Certification/Exams
• CT DPH OEMS - EMT Certification by Examination
• CT DPH OEMS - EMT Endorsement of an Out-of-State Certification
• CT DPH OEMS - EMT Renewal/Recertification
• CT DPH OEMS - 2025 EMS Recertification Requirements (effective July 1, 2025)
• CT DPH OEMS - EMS Certification/Licensure General Policies and Procedures
• Conn. Gen. Stat. Chapter 384d - Emergency Medical Services Personnel