How to Become an EMT in New Hampshire

Who can apply

• You must hold current, valid National Registry (NREMT) EMT certification. NREMT certification is required for every level of New Hampshire EMS provider license.
• You must complete a state and FBI criminal history records check through New Hampshire Criminal Records before licensure (RSA 153-A:10-a). The Bureau accepts only New Hampshire background checks.
• You must complete the Division's Protocols Program for EMTs, and a Scope of Practice program if one is currently required for your level.
• You do not need to be affiliated with an EMS unit to get a license, but you must be affiliated with a New Hampshire-licensed EMS unit to give patient care.

Step by step

1. Complete an EMT course and pass the NREMT written and practical exams to earn NREMT EMT certification.
2. Book a fingerprint and criminal record check appointment online with NH Criminal Records, choosing "Emergency Medical Service Provider Licensing" as the agency type. The appointment includes LiveScan fingerprinting.
3. Self-enroll in and complete the EMT Protocols Program (and any required Scope of Practice program) on the Division's Online Learning Academy.
4. Fill out the NH EMS New or Lapsed EMS Provider License Application.
5. Email the application and supporting documents to emslicensing@dos.nh.gov, or mail them. Faxes are not accepted.
6. Background check results go straight to the Bureau of EMS, usually within about 3 business days.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: You must complete an EMS education course to earn NREMT certification. On top of that, New Hampshire requires its own online Protocols Program at the EMT level, and a Scope of Practice program when one is listed for your level on the Division's Online Learning Academy.

Exam: New Hampshire does not give its own EMT exam. You must hold current NREMT certification, which requires passing the NREMT practical and written exams. NREMT charges $104 per cognitive exam attempt.

What it costs in New Hampshire

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

Background check results usually reach the Bureau in about 3 business days, and the license application takes about 5 business days on average to process (longer if anything is missing).

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Renew every two years through the RespondNH online portal. To renew, you must hold current NREMT certification at the EMT level or higher and complete the Protocols Program (and any required Scope of Practice program) for your level. Licenses for nationally registered EMTs expire April 30. If your license lapses, you must start the licensing process over, including a new criminal history check.

Good to know in New Hampshire

You must keep NREMT current: New Hampshire requires current NREMT certification both to get and to renew an EMS provider license.

Moving from another state: An out-of-state license does not carry over. You must apply for a New Hampshire license, with current NREMT certification and a New Hampshire fingerprint check. Out-of-state LiveScans are not accepted; contact the Bureau if you cannot reach a New Hampshire site.

Grandfathered state EMTs: A small group of non-nationally registered EMTs grandfathered into the state system relicense every year by December 31. If they lapse, they must become nationally registered to relicense.

Grounds for denial: The application lists grounds for license action that include illegal drug use, giving care while impaired, and willful or repeated violations of RSA 153-A or the Saf-C 5900 rules.

CHRI release form: New and lapsed applicants must also send a completed Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) authorization release form to NH Criminal Records (not to the Bureau of EMS), as required by RSA 153-A:10-a.

Apprentice license: The application also offers an Apprentice license type. Apprentice applicants need a current AHA Healthcare Provider-level CPR card and an Apprentice Affiliation form from the head of their EMS unit, and a parent or legal guardian signs for them.

Sources

• NH FSTEMS - EMS Provider Licensing
• NH FSTEMS - New or Lapsed EMS Provider License Application (revised September 2025)
• RSA 153-A:10-a - Criminal history record checks for provider licensure
• NREMT - EMT Candidate Handbook, Certification Process