How to Become an EMT in Michigan

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
• You must finish an EMT education program approved by MDHHS. A course the department has not approved does not qualify you for the NREMT exam or a Michigan license.
• You must pass the National Registry (NREMT) EMT exams at least once.
• You need a valid BLS for Healthcare Provider CPR card.
• You must list all criminal charges, including misdemeanors, on your application. MDHHS runs a Michigan State Police ICHAT background check and reviews all criminal matters.

Step by step

1. Complete an MDHHS-approved EMT course (at least 194 hours, including 32 clinical hours) and get a BLS for Healthcare Provider card.
2. Register with the NREMT, get your Authorization to Test, and pass the NREMT cognitive exam through Pearson VUE.
3. Create an account on the Michigan EMS eLicensing Portal (mi-emsis.org).
4. Submit the Michigan Initial Licensure Application and pay the $40 EMT fee.
5. Watch your email for 3 to 5 business days in case MDHHS asks for more documents.
6. MDHHS emails you when your license is approved; your license is then searchable on the portal's Lookup tool.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: MDHHS must approve the program. Michigan's 2026 education standards set an EMT course minimum of 194 hours: 162 hours of classroom, skills and exam time plus 32 clinical hours with a BLS, LALS or ALS transporting ambulance agency. Programs must teach Michigan-specific objectives (such as Michigan medical-legal topics) on top of the national standards. There are no prerequisites for EMT students, but the program must provide or require a BLS for Healthcare Provider course.

Exam: State law requires a written exam and a practical exam, both proctored by the department or its designee; the exams are NREMT evaluations (or equivalent) approved by the department. Michigan requires a passing score on the NREMT exams at your level at least once. EMT applicants may apply for a Michigan license once NREMT tells them they passed the cognitive exam. You pay the written exam fee directly to the NREMT ($104 per attempt).

What it costs in Michigan

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: A Michigan EMT license lasts three years. To renew, earn 30 Michigan-approved or CAPCE-approved continuing education credits by category (including pediatric and emergency preparedness credits), or complete a Michigan-approved 30-hour EMT refresher course, and hold a current in-person BLS card. The renewal window opens 60 days before expiration. The renewal fee is $25 (state law). If you renew late, you have a 60-day grace period with a $50 late fee. You do not have to keep National Registry certification to renew.

Good to know in Michigan

NREMT does not have to stay current: Michigan requires you to pass both NREMT exams once. You do not have to maintain current National Registry status after that, and state law says it is not a condition of renewal.

Coming from another state: Out-of-state providers need a passing score on both NREMT exams at the level they are applying for (the NREMT card does not have to be current), an out-of-state verification form, and the Michigan Initial Licensure Application with the $175 reciprocity fee.

Military health care specialists: State law lets an applicant for an EMT license qualify through service as a military health care specialist instead of a Michigan course, if honorably discharged within the two years before applying (DD214 or DD215 required). The exams are still required.

Lapsed license: If you do not renew within the 60-day grace period, the license lapses and working as an EMS provider without one is a felony. Re-licensure within three years costs $175 for EMT. After more than three years, you must take another EMS education course and the initial exams.

Temporary license: MDHHS may grant a nonrenewable one-year temporary license to an applicant who has met every requirement except the exams. A temporary licensee may practice only under direct supervision.

Sources

• MDHHS - EMS Requirements (licensing process and CE chart)
• MDHHS - EMS Personnel Licensing FAQs
• MDHHS - Applying for your Michigan EMS License (instructions)
• MDHHS - Initial Education Requirements and Objectives (3.2026)
• MCL 333.20950 - Licensing requirements, term and fees
• MCL 333.20952 - Temporary license
• MCL 333.20954 - Renewal fees and late renewal
• NREMT - EMT Candidate Handbook, Certification Process