How to Become an EMT in Illinois

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate.
• You must complete an IDPH-approved EMT education program run by (or under) an Illinois EMS System.
• You must pass the National Registry (NREMT) cognitive exam and an EMS System-approved psychomotor exam.
• You must disclose all felony convictions. A Class X, Class 1 or Class 2 felony (or out-of-state equivalent) can lead to denial, and IDPH may require a criminal history report at your cost.

Step by step

1. Enroll in an IDPH-approved EMT course offered by an EMS System or a school working under one.
2. Complete the course, including clinical and field internship hours, and get a recommendation to test from the EMS System medical director.
3. Register with the NREMT within 90 days after finishing the course and pass the NREMT cognitive exam and the EMS System-approved psychomotor exam.
4. Within 24 months of NREMT certification, apply for your Illinois EMT license through the EMS System that sponsored your course and pay the $45 fee.
5. IDPH issues a four-year EMT license. Keep earning approved CE through your EMS System.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Illinois EMT courses must be pre-approved by IDPH and run by an EMS System or an academic institution under an EMS System. They must follow the national EMS education standards with Illinois changes and include at least 125 hours of didactic education and 25 hours of clinical experience (hospital or other facility plus a field internship).

Exam: You take the NREMT cognitive exam and an EMS System-approved psychomotor exam after the EMS medical director recommends you to test. You must register within 90 days of finishing the course and follow the NREMT rule of testing within 12 months of your first authorization to test. You must pass the NREMT exam to be licensed.

What it costs in Illinois

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

Register for testing within 90 days after finishing the course, and apply for the Illinois license within 24 months of NREMT certification.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: EMT licenses last four years. Apply to renew at least 30 days before expiration and pay the $20 renewal fee. You need at least 60 IDPH-approved CE hours (adult and pediatric topics, no more than 20 percent in one subject), current CPR for Healthcare Providers, and, for renewals on or after January 1, 2023, at least one hour of training on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias each renewal period. Your EMS System medical director verifies your CE; EMTs not in a system renew independently through IDPH. NREMT does not have to be kept up for an Illinois license.

Good to know in Illinois

Out-of-state EMTs: You can apply by reciprocity with proof of a current license or NREMT registration, proof of an education program that meets Illinois standards, a letter of good standing from your EMS medical director, and current CPR. IDPH allows immediate provisional system status for holders of an unencumbered NREMT certification who have applied, unless they have a Class X, 1 or 2 felony.

Expired license: You may not work on an expired license. Within 60 days after expiration you can still relicense by meeting all requirements and paying the fees, including a $100 late fee. After 60 days you must redo the education program and licensing exam, unless you qualify for reinstatement.

Fee waivers: Illinois National Guard members, Illinois State Troopers, and volunteers who serve only areas with fewer than 5,000 people can apply for a fee waiver before licensing. Honorably discharged veterans pay no initial license fee and half the renewal fee.

Felony reporting: Licensees must report any new felony conviction to IDPH by letter within seven days.

Sources

• IDPH - EMS Licensing
• 77 Ill. Adm. Code 515.500 - EMS System Education Program-EMT (Cornell LII)
• 77 Ill. Adm. Code 515.530 - EMT, A-EMT, and Paramedic Testing (Cornell LII)
• 77 Ill. Adm. Code 515.540 - EMT, A-EMT, EMT-I and Paramedic Licensure (Cornell LII)
• 77 Ill. Adm. Code 515.590 - EMS Personnel License Renewals (Cornell LII)
• 77 Ill. Adm. Code 515.610 - Reciprocity (Cornell LII)
• 77 Ill. Adm. Code 515.460 - Fees (Cornell LII)
• 77 Ill. Adm. Code 515.190 - Felony Convictions (Cornell LII)