How to Become an EMT in Georgia

Who can apply

• You must hold current, full National Registry (NREMT) EMT certification.
• You must pass a fingerprint-based criminal history check through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and FBI, submitted only through the Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS).
• You must submit a notarized Verification of Lawful U.S. Residency form with a copy of the document you showed the notary.
• You must hold a current, signed CPR card from a DPH-accepted provider.

Step by step

1. Complete an approved initial EMT education program (which includes the national Traffic Incident Management training and Georgia's Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia course).
2. Pass the NREMT EMT exams and get full NREMT EMT certification.
3. Submit the Initial EMT License application in the Georgia OEMST License Management System (LMS) and pay the $75 fee. Paper applications are not accepted.
4. Register for the fingerprint background check with GAPS/IdentoGO using service code 2TGJY5. OEMST approves the GAPS registration only after your application fee is paid.
5. Get fingerprinted after you receive the GAPS approval email.
6. If you have ever held any healthcare license in another state, have that state send an Out-of-State Verification Form directly to OEMST.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: You need to complete a DPH-approved initial EMT education program and pass the NREMT exam. Initial programs must include the national Traffic Incident Management (TIM) training, and courses starting on or after June 1, 2022 must include the Georgia OEMST Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia course on TRAIN Georgia.

Exam: Georgia has no separate state EMT exam. You must pass the NREMT EMT exam and hold full NREMT EMT certification before applying. DPH says graduates who have not passed the NREMT cognitive exam cannot work as licensed EMS professionals in Georgia. NREMT charges $104 per cognitive exam attempt.

What it costs in Georgia

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: EMT licenses run on a two-year cycle ending March 31 (for example, the current cycle ends March 31, 2027, with regular renewal from October 1, 2026). Your first license expires in the same year as your NREMT certification. You do not have to keep NREMT to renew: you need 40 hours of State- or CAPCE-approved CE (for licenses expiring on or before March 31, 2028: 8 pediatric, 4 cardiovascular, 4 trauma, 24 general) and a current BLS card. For licenses expiring on or after March 31, 2029, the 40 hours must include airway 4, cardiovascular 5, medical/stroke 6, operations 2, pediatric 8 and trauma 3, and BLS recertification hours may count. Enter CE in the LMS before renewing. Late renewal (April 1 to September 30 after expiration) costs an extra $75.

Good to know in Georgia

No reciprocity: Georgia has no reciprocity process. Out-of-state EMTs need current NREMT registration and must apply online with the same documents as other applicants. People who are not nationally registered, or whose out-of-state license has expired, cannot get a Georgia license.

Recently discharged military medics: Army medics, Air Force medical technicians and Navy or Coast Guard corpsmen honorably discharged within the past 12 months who live in Georgia can apply for a one-year provisional EMT-Responder license ($25 fee) under O.C.G.A. 31-11-53.

Incomplete applications: Incomplete applications expire 45 days after OEMST receives them. You would then need a new application, new fee and new fingerprint check.

Audits: Keep all CE transcripts. Failing to provide them in an audit can lead to suspension or revocation of your license.

EMS Compact: Georgia participates in the EMS Compact. If you hold a current, unrestricted EMT license from another participating Compact state, you can work in Georgia 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 Georgia's scope of practice and protocols.

Sources

• Georgia DPH - EMS Personnel Licensure
• Georgia DPH - Renew EMS License with LMS (updated 10/1/2026)
• Georgia DPH - Continuing Education
• Georgia DPH - Required EMS Training
• Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 511-9-2 - Emergency Medical Services
• NREMT EMT Candidate Handbook - Certification Process
• Georgia DPH – EMS Compact
• EMS Compact - Participating States