How to Become an EMT in Kansas

Who can apply

• You must be at least 17 years old.
• You must complete a Kansas-approved initial EMT course.
• You must pass the NREMT cognitive (knowledge) exam and the Kansas BLS psychomotor (skills) exam.
• You must submit a fingerprint card and waiver for a state and national criminal history record check (not needed if you were ever EMS certified in Kansas).

Step by step

1. Find and complete a Kansas-approved initial EMT course.
2. Within 24 months after the course, pass the NREMT cognitive exam and the Kansas BLS skills exam, both within 12 months of each other. Your instructor schedules your first exam.
3. In the KBEMS licensing portal (kemsis.org), apply for the Criminal History Records Check Waiver, then send your fingerprint card, waiver and fee.
4. In the same portal, submit the Initial EMS Provider Certification Application and pay the $50 EMT application fee.
5. Fix or pay any incomplete application within 15 days, or it will be denied.
6. KBEMS issues your certificate once the criminal history results are in.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: You must successfully complete a Kansas-approved initial EMT course of instruction before taking the certification exams.

Exam: Under K.A.R. 109-8-1 the cognitive exam is the NREMT EMT cognitive exam, and you must also pass the board's psychomotor (BLS skills) exam. You may retest the skills exam up to three times (KBEMS lists up to 4 skills attempts and up to 6 knowledge attempts). Both exams must be passed within 12 months of each other and no later than 24 months after your course ends. Re-exams are found through the KBEMS public portal.

What it costs in Kansas

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

Pass both exams no later than 24 months after your course, and within 12 months of each other. Incomplete applications are denied after 15 days.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Renew online between August 1 and December 1 of the year your certificate expires. The EMT renewal fee is $30 if received by December 1, or $60 if received after December 1 but before expiration. You need 28 clock-hours of board-approved CE each two-year period, or you can pass a board-approved EMT cognitive assessment plus a psychomotor assessment (or medical director validation) within 11 months before expiration. Keep CE records for at least three years.

Good to know in Kansas

Out-of-state EMTs: Apply for "Recognition of Non-Kansas Credentials" with the $50 EMT application fee, verification from your state, proof of equivalent coursework and exams (current NREMT registration counts for coursework), and a fingerprint card with the criminal history fee. Kansas also takes part in the Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice (EMS Compact).

Expired certificate: Reinstatement costs $120 for EMT. If you apply more than 31 days after expiration you need twice the normal CE hours; after two years you must pass cognitive and psychomotor assessments and hold healthcare-provider CPR, or take a full initial course.

Inactive status: Kansas offers an inactive certificate ($10 application, $25 renewal, $20 to reinstate).

Sources

• KBEMS - Steps to Initial Certification (revised March 1, 2026)
• KBEMS - Certification FAQ
• KBEMS - Examination
• K.A.R. 109-8-1 - Examination (Cornell LII)
• K.A.R. 109-7-1 - Schedule of fees (Cornell LII)
• K.A.R. 109-5-1b - EMT renewal CE (Cornell LII)
• K.A.R. 109-6-2 - Renewal of EMS provider certificate (Cornell LII)
• K.A.R. 109-15-1 - Reinstatement (Cornell LII)
• K.A.R. 109-15-2 - Recognition of non-Kansas credentials (Cornell LII)