How to Become an EMT in Nevada

Who can apply

• You must complete an EMT course at least equivalent to the national standard set by NHTSA (U.S. DOT), or an equivalent standard approved by the Division.
• You must pass an NREMT assessment for EMTs.
• You must hold a CPR certificate from the American Heart Association or an equivalent approved by the Division. Current NREMT registration counts as meeting this requirement.
• You must submit a statement of compliance with NRS 450B.183 (the state's child support statement).
• You must complete a Nevada DPS background check when you apply for your initial certification, and again every 6 years.
• If you will work in Clark County (Las Vegas, Laughlin and nearby), you apply to the Southern Nevada Health District instead of the state program.

Step by step

1. Complete an EMT course that meets the national standard.
2. Pass the NREMT EMT assessment.
3. Create an account on the Nevada EMS online application portal (nevada.imagetrendlicense.com).
4. Submit the EMT certification application with proof of your course, your NREMT result, your CPR card and the child support statement.
5. Complete the Nevada DPS background check required for initial certification (status shows in your ImageTrend account).
6. Pay the state fee set in NAC 450B.700.
7. If you will work in Clark County, apply through the Southern Nevada Health District instead.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Nevada requires an EMT course that is at least equivalent to the national standard prepared by NHTSA of the U.S. Department of Transportation, or an equivalent standard approved by the DPBH Administrator (NAC 450B.360).

Exam: You must pass an assessment developed by the NREMT for EMTs. NREMT charges $104 per cognitive exam attempt. For applicants from another state, the Division may also require a practical skills demonstration or a written exam.

What it costs in Nevada

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

For reciprocity applicants with NREMT certification, DPBH says it issues the Nevada certificate within 30 days after verifying NREMT status.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: EMT certificates expire on the date printed and then every two years. Within the 12 months before expiration you need one skills verification by your service's medical director or a Division-approved instructor. To renew, complete at least 24 hours of continuing training equal to the national EMT refresher, keep a current CPR certificate (a renewed CPR card counts for 4 hours), submit the child support statement, and file the renewal application with the $24 fee before your certificate expires.

Good to know in Nevada

Coming from another state: DPBH has a reciprocity process with all 50 states and the NREMT. You must live in Nevada, plan to move there within 6 months, work for a Nevada-permitted EMS service, or attend a Division-approved course in Nevada. Your out-of-state or NREMT certification must have at least 3 months left. The reciprocity fee is $45 for EMTs.

Out-of-state EMTs without NREMT: If you are certified in another state but not by NREMT, DPBH will verify your certification and then send instructions to take the NREMT cognitive exam. After you pass, Nevada issues your certificate within 30 days.

Clark County is separate: EMS in Clark County is regulated by the Southern Nevada Health District, which has its own application and requires proof of Clark County residency or current EMS employment in Clark County.

Working without a certificate: The Division imposes a $300 administrative penalty on anyone serving as an EMT without a valid certificate.

Ambulance attendant license: An EMT certificate alone does not let you work on an ambulance. To act as an attendant for a permitted EMS service you also need a state attendant license (you must be 18 or older and hold a valid EMT certificate). The attendant license costs $30 initially and $10 to renew, and it expires on the same date as your EMT certificate (NAC 450B.310-450B.350, 450B.700).

Fingerprints: Every applicant for a Nevada EMS license or certificate must submit a full set of fingerprints and permission to send them to the Nevada criminal records repository and the FBI (NRS 450B.800).

Late renewal: If you miss your renewal date, you must request a late renewal and show you met all renewal requirements, pass a skills verification and a written exam, and pay the $50 late fee. Late renewal is denied if more than 3 years have passed since expiration (NAC 450B.375).

EMS Compact: Nevada ratified the EMS Compact (REPLICA) in 2023 (NRS 450B.145). EMTs licensed in another member state may practice in Nevada under the Compact privilege to practice.

Sources

• NAC Chapter 450B - Emergency Medical Services (NAC 450B.360, 450B.363, 450B.380, 450B.700)
• Nevada DPBH EMS - Reciprocity Instructions (6-2025)
• Southern Nevada Health District - EMS Regulations
• NREMT - EMT Candidate Handbook, Certification Process
• Nevada DPBH EMS FAQs
• Nevada DPBH EMS Licensing
• NRS Chapter 450B (NRS 450B.145 EMS Compact; NRS 450B.800 fingerprints)