How to Become an EMT in Maine

Who can apply

• You must hold a current National Registry (NREMT) EMT certificate. Maine issues new EMT licenses based on current NREMT certification.
• You must complete an EMT licensure class; classes are run by Maine EMS-licensed training centers.
• You must provide state-agency background checks (usually from the State Police) for every state other than Maine you lived in during the past three years. Maine EMS runs the Maine check itself.
• You must verify any previous or current EMS license from another state.
• Maine residency and affiliation with an EMS agency are not required.

Step by step

1. Take an EMT licensure class at a Maine EMS-licensed training center.
2. Pass the NREMT EMT exams. If you took an EMR or EMT class out of state, you must take the psychomotor skills test in that state; it cannot be done in Maine.
3. Create an account in the Maine EMS eLicensing portal and complete the "EMS Clinician & New Vehicle Operator Application".
4. Get background checks from a state agency for each other state you lived in during the past three years, and send them to Maine EMS (upload, mail, fax or email).
5. Submit the application with the $21 fee, which covers the State of Maine background check.
6. Processing can take up to 10 days. Print your license from your eLicensing account; Maine does not issue physical cards.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Maine EMS oversees EMS education but does not teach classes itself. EMT licensure classes are run by Maine EMS-licensed training centers, listed on the Maine EMS education page.

Exam: Maine does not give its own EMT exam. New licenses are based on a current NREMT EMT certificate, so you must pass the NREMT exams. Out-of-state students must take the psychomotor skills test in the state where they took the course.

What it costs in Maine

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

Processing may take up to 10 days after all materials are received.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Maine does not require you to keep NREMT certification, CPR, ACLS, PHTLS or PALS to renew. You renew in the eLicensing portal, where the application opens 30 days before expiration. EMTs need 40 continuing education hours: 20 national component hours (airway 1.5, cardiology 6, trauma 1.5, medical 6, operations 5), 10 state/local hours and 10 individual hours. Courses outside Maine EMS (CAPCE, CPR and similar) must be entered manually with a digital certificate. If you renew based on NREMT, your Maine license matches the NREMT expiration date.

Good to know in Maine

NREMT is not a license: Maine EMS says NREMT certification alone does not allow you to give EMS care in Maine. You must hold and keep a Maine EMS license, and you cannot give care, treatment or transport on an expired license.

Out-of-state EMTs: If you are EMS licensed in another state, apply through the reciprocity page. Send the State EMS Verification Form to every state where you have held a license, provide background checks for states you lived in during the past three years, and pay the fee for your level. Your Maine license matches your other state's expiration date but never runs more than two years.

Reporting changes: You must tell the Licensing Board in writing within 10 days of a name or address change (including personal email), a criminal conviction, discipline on any license in any jurisdiction, or a material change in your application information.

Deployed military: National Guard and reserve members deployed for more than 30 days who have been licensed for more than 30 days may get an automatic license extension under 37-B M.R.S. section 390-A.

Sources

• Maine EMS - New Clinician License
• Maine EMS - Clinician Renewal
• Maine EMS - Clinician Reciprocity
• Maine EMS - CEH Requirements for License Renewal (Nov 1, 2023)
• Maine EMS - Licensure Classes