How to Become an EMT in Kentucky

Who can apply

• You must complete a board-approved EMT education program that follows the National EMS Education Standards (refresher or transition courses alone do not count).
• You must hold NREMT EMT certification.
• You must pass a background check through Viewpoint Screening, the only KBEMS-approved vendor for new applicants. It must be less than six months old when you apply.
• You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or otherwise lawfully present, shown by a Social Security card, birth certificate, green card or other work authorization.
• You cannot be certified if you are disqualified under KRS 311A.050 or 311A.090.

Step by step

1. Complete a board-approved EMT course at a KBEMS-certified EMS Training and Educational Institution (EMS-TEI). The course has a board-issued course number.
2. Pass the NREMT EMT exams and get your NREMT EMT certification.
3. Order your background check through the KBEMS-specific Viewpoint Screening link (www.viewpointscreening.com/kbems).
4. Gather your NREMT card, course completion certificate and proof of lawful presence.
5. Submit the Initial Certification/License application through your KEMSIS account. There is no fee for initial EMT certification.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: You must finish a board-approved EMT education and training program that follows the NHTSA National EMS Education Standards EMT Instructional Guidelines and meets the standards in 202 KAR 7:601. Courses are taught by KBEMS-certified EMS Training and Educational Institutions and carry a board-issued course number.

Exam: Kentucky does not give its own EMT exam. You must obtain NREMT EMT certification, which means passing the NREMT exams.

What it costs in Kentucky

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

Your background check must be less than six months old when you submit your application.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: EMT renewal is every two years for a $25 fee through KEMSIS. You must keep proof of KBEMS-approved HIV/AIDS training (once since certification), Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma training and Sexual Violence Awareness training (each once per two-year cycle). You also need either current NREMT EMT certification or the 20-hour NREMT EMT national component (airway 4, cardiology 5, trauma 3, medical 6, operations 2 hours, with 2 hours of pediatric content) from KBEMS-approved CE entities. If audited, you must send proof within 10 business days or your certification is summarily revoked.

Good to know in Kentucky

Out-of-state and military EMTs: If you hold current, unrestricted NREMT EMT certification or another state's EMT certification, or completed a board-approved military medical course with NREMT-EMT, you can apply by reciprocity. You also need the background check and the HIV/AIDS, Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma and Sexual Violence Awareness courses, and you pay $100. Before you start work for a licensed Kentucky agency, you must also complete Kentucky's supplemental EMT curriculum (202 KAR 7:701) and keep proof of competency for at least three years.

Lapsed certification: To reinstate a lapsed Kentucky EMT certification you need proof of your prior certification, the three required KRS 311A.120 courses, a new background check, the 20-hour NREMT EMT national CE component completed within the 12 months before applying, and a $100 fee.

Military duty: An EMT in good standing who is called to active duty with the National Guard or a reserve unit is renewed under KRS 12.355 after submitting the Military Extension Application.

Sources

• KBEMS - Certification & Licensure (EMT Certification Checklist)
• 202 KAR 7:301 - Emergency Medical Technician (Kentucky LRC)
• 202 KAR 7:301 - Emergency Medical Technician (Cornell LII)
• KBEMS - EMT Renewal Requirements (rev. 2026-05-26)
• KBEMS - Continuing Education
• 202 KAR 7:030 - Fees of the board