How to Become an EMT in Massachusetts

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must not abuse drugs in a way that impairs professional judgment or practice.
• You must be free of any physical or mental impairment that could reasonably be expected to impair your ability to work as an EMT or put patients at risk.
• You must finish EMT-Basic training at a DPH-accredited EMT training institution.
• You must hold National Registry (NREMT) EMT certification before you apply to the state.

Step by step

1. Complete an initial EMT-Basic course at a DPH-accredited EMT training institution. Check that the course has an OEMS registration number.
2. Pass the Massachusetts psychomotor (practical) exam and the NREMT cognitive (computer-based) exam to earn NREMT EMT certification.
3. Get a current BLS CPR card from a course with an in-person, hands-on skills check.
4. Complete a signed and notarized CORI (criminal record) form.
5. Create an account on the Health Professions Licensing (eLicensing) portal and apply for a new license under the Office of Emergency Medical Services.
6. Upload your documents and pay the $150 fee. If you have ever been certified in another state, also send the state verification form.
7. OEMS emails your certification. A complete application typically takes 3 to 4 weeks.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Only EMT training institutions accredited by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health can give initial EMT training that leads to state certification. The course follows the National EMS Education Standards published by NHTSA. OEMS issues a registration number for every course held in Massachusetts.

Exam: You must earn NREMT certification by passing a Massachusetts psychomotor (practical) exam and the NREMT cognitive (computer-based) exam. NREMT charges $104 per cognitive exam attempt, and an initial course is valid for NREMT testing for two years from the month of course completion.

What it costs in Massachusetts

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

OEMS says a complete online application typically takes 3 to 4 weeks to process.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Recertify every two years. EMT-Basics need 40 hours of continuing education: 20 national (NCCP), 10 local and 10 individual hours, all of which may be distributive (online) education. Courses must be approved by OEMS or CAPCE. Recertification has two steps: submit your training profile on NREMT.org ($29 submission fee) for your Training Officer's approval, then file the state application on eLicensing ($125 fee). Late submissions add a $50 NREMT fee and a $50 state fee. You do not have to hold current NREMT certification to renew your Massachusetts certification, but all EMTs submit their education through NREMT.org.

Good to know in Massachusetts

Out-of-state EMTs: If you hold or held EMT or other health care certification in another state, you must send a state verification of certification form with your application. You still need NREMT certification at the EMT level.

No paper cards: OEMS no longer issues paper certifications or mails renewal reminders. It uses email, so keep your email address current in eLicensing.

If your certification lapses: If your Massachusetts certification expired under two years ago and your NREMT is current, file a Late Recertification Application. If it expired over two years ago and your NREMT is current, file a new initial application. If both are expired, you must regain NREMT certification (re-entry) and file a Reinstatement Application with the $150 fee.

Returning veterans: OEMS has a separate administrative requirement (AR 2-238) for EMT certification and recertification of returning veterans and EMTs in active military service.

Sources

• Mass.gov - Apply for an Initial EMT, Advanced EMT, or Paramedic Certification
• Mass.gov - Learn about initial training requirements for EMS Personnel
• Mass.gov OEMS - Massachusetts EMT-Basic recertification instructions (2026)
• Mass.gov - Reinstate your expired EMT certification
• Mass.gov - AR 2-238 EMT certification for returning veterans and EMTs in active military service
• NREMT - EMT Candidate Handbook, Certification Process