How to Become an EMT in North Dakota

Who can apply

• You must be at least 16 years old (N.D. Admin. Code 33-36-01-03).
• You must hold current National Registry (NREMT) EMT certification.
• You must be affiliated with a North Dakota licensed EMS operation, or have medical direction from a North Dakota licensed physician.
• You must answer the criminal conviction questions on the state registration form. The Department may run a criminal history background check and may deny a license for crimes that bear on your ability to serve the public, or for any crime that requires sex offender registration.

Step by step

1. Enroll in a Department-authorized EMT course offered by a North Dakota licensed EMS training institute. Your course coordinator registers you with the EMS Unit as an EMT student.
2. Complete the course. A North Dakota EMS instructor or training institute must verify your knowledge and skills before you can test with NREMT.
3. Pass the NREMT EMT exam and earn NREMT EMT certification.
4. Submit the 2026 EMS Registration form (SFN 52195), both pages, to the EMS Unit by mail, email or fax. Have your squad leader sign it if you are joining an agency roster.
5. The EMS Unit issues your North Dakota EMT license. You can print it from the Big Picture registry.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Your EMT course must be authorized by the Department and offered by a North Dakota licensed EMS training institute. It must follow the national EMS education standards for EMTs. As a registered EMT student, you may practice EMT skills in class and in clinical or field internships under direct supervision. The rules do not set an hour count.

Exam: North Dakota has no state EMT exam. You must be certified as an EMT by the National Registry (NREMT). NREMT charges $104 per attempt for the EMT exam.

What it costs in North Dakota

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: To renew your North Dakota EMT license you must keep your NREMT EMT certification and follow NREMT's recertification requirements. Then submit a new EMS Registration form. You must still be affiliated with a North Dakota licensed EMS operation or have medical direction from a North Dakota licensed physician. Online renewal in the Big Picture system is not available yet.

Good to know in North Dakota

NREMT must be maintained: Unlike some states, North Dakota ties your license to NREMT. If you let your NREMT EMT certification lapse, you cannot renew your North Dakota license.

Moving from another state: Because licensure is based on NREMT certification, an out-of-state EMT with current NREMT EMT certification and North Dakota affiliation or medical direction can apply with the EMS Registration form. North Dakota is also in the EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (N.D.C.C. 23-27.1).

No Social Security number?: Giving your SSN on the form is voluntary. If you do not give it, you must supply an official current criminal history background check.

Report charges within two business days: Once licensed, you must report to the Department within two business days if you are indicted for or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, required to register as a sex offender, or your NREMT or other health care credential is encumbered (N.D. Admin. Code 33-36-01-05).

Sources

• ND HHS - EMS Personnel Certification and Licensure
• N.D. Admin. Code 33-36-01 - Emergency Medical Services Personnel Training, Testing, Certification, and Licensure
• ND HHS - 2026 EMS Registration form (SFN 52195)
• ND HHS - EMS Personnel Renewal Requirements
• ND HHS - Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System
• N.D.C.C. 23-27.1 - EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact
• NREMT - EMT Recertification