How to Become an EMT in Delaware

Who can apply

• You must be 18 years old.
• You must be a member in good standing of a Delaware fire department, ambulance company, private ambulance provider, or other organization recognized by the Commission to provide BLS ambulance service. The head of that organization must sign your initial application.
• You must hold current NREMT certification (EMT or higher).
• You must pass a State of Delaware and federal criminal history background check through the Delaware State Bureau of Identification (SBI), as required by 16 Del. C. 6712.

Step by step

1. Join a Delaware fire company, ambulance company or other recognized BLS service that will sponsor you.
2. Complete a state-approved EMT course (the Delaware State Fire School EMT full course, or another state-approved provider).
3. Pass the NREMT EMT exam and get your NREMT card.
4. Complete the state and federal background check at an SBI location, listing the purpose as "EMT Certification"; SBI sends results to the Commission.
5. Get a BLS CPR/AED card from an approved provider and complete Delaware EMS protocol training.
6. Send the Commission your application, course certificate, NREMT card, CPR card, protocol certificate, a color face photo, and the $25 processing fee.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: You must complete a state-approved EMT course. The Commission's instructions point to the Delaware State Fire School EMT full course; people trained by another state-approved provider must meet all Commission requirements. You also need Delaware EMS protocol training and a Commission-approved BLS CPR/AED healthcare provider card.

Exam: Delaware certification requires passing the NREMT EMT exam; there is no separate state exam for in-state graduates. NREMT charges $104 per cognitive exam attempt. Out-of-state applicants must pass the Delaware reciprocity course, which includes a Delaware protocols exam, a practical exam and a written exam.

What it costs in Delaware

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

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Your Delaware certification lasts two years and expires on the same date as your NREMT certification (March 31 of the expiring year). You must keep your NREMT card to keep Delaware certification. To recertify, complete the NREMT National Continued Competency Program or an approved Delaware EMT refresher (Delaware State Fire School or equivalent), stay a member in good standing of a recognized Delaware BLS service, and submit the application, renewed NREMT card, CPR card and $25 fee. If you lapse, you can reinstate with a current NREMT card, CPR card, a reciprocity course certificate and a $50 fee; after 24 months you also need a new background check.

Good to know in Delaware

Moving from another state: Out-of-state EMTs need current NREMT certification, membership in a recognized Delaware service, a Commission-approved CPR/AED card, a passed background check at their own expense, and the Delaware State Fire School reciprocity course (protocols exam, practical exam and written exam). If your state did not require NREMT, you must get NREMT certification first.

Arrests during training: If the Commission is notified of an arrest while you are an EMT student, you may finish training, but your Delaware EMT card will not be issued until the arrest is resolved in your favor by the courts and the Commission.

Revocation: You cannot be recertified if your Delaware EMT certification was previously revoked. A previous suspension may be grounds for denial.

EMS Compact: Delaware participates in the EMS Compact. If you hold a current, unrestricted EMT license from another participating Compact state, you can work in Delaware under a Privilege to Practice with no separate application or fee, as long as you work for an authorized EMS agency under a medical director and follow Delaware's scope of practice and protocols.

Sources

• Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission - Application for EMT License and EMT Certification information (2026)
• Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission - Reinstate Lapsed EMT Certification Requirements (rev. Feb 2026)
• 1 DE Admin. Code 710 - Ambulance Service Regulations (Commission copy)
• NREMT EMT Candidate Handbook - Certification Process
• Delaware State Fire Commission – Certifications (2026 fees)
• EMS Compact - Participating States