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How to Become an EMT in Rhode Island

Checked against Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Center for Emergency Medical Services ·

Exam
Required
Training
Required
Term
The rules do not state how long a license lasts. Renewal is tied to keeping your NREMT certification, which runs two years.
State fee
$120 initial EMT license application; $120 to renew. Non-refundable. City, town, fire district, volunteer and nonprofit EMS providers are exempt from the fee (R.I. Gen. Laws 23-4.1-10).
Certified by
Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Center for Emergency Medical Services
Take the free EMT practice test →

Who can apply

  • You must be at least 18 years old (216-RICR-20-10-2).
  • You must be a high school graduate or have a GED.
  • You must hold current NREMT EMT certification.
  • You must provide a biometric (fingerprint) background check done within the last month. The application asks for an original Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) report from the Rhode Island Attorney General's office, or from your home state if you live elsewhere.

Step by step

  1. Complete an EMT training program at a RIDOH-licensed EMS training institution.
  2. Pass the NREMT EMT exams and get your NREMT EMT certification.
  3. Get your background check (BCI report) and a current signed Healthcare Provider-level CPR card.
  4. Fill out the RIDOH Application for License as an EMS Practitioner. Attach your NREMT card, CPR card, high school diploma or GED and EMT course certificate.
  5. Mail the application with a $120 cashier's check or money order payable to the General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island. Applications cannot be hand delivered or faxed.
  6. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing. Check status with RIDOH's Verify a License tool.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: You must finish an EMT training program at an EMS training institution licensed by RIDOH at the EMT level or higher, and send a copy of its diploma or certificate. The rules do not set a course hour count.

Exam: Rhode Island has no state EMT exam. You must hold current NREMT EMT certification, which requires passing the NREMT exams. NREMT charges $104 per attempt for the EMT cognitive exam.

Practice for the NREMT EMT exam free — airway, cardiology, trauma, medical and EMS operations →

What it costs in Rhode Island

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

  • $120
  • $104
  • $
  • $
  • $120
Estimated total in Rhode Island$224Plus 2 items with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.
Cost details from the state
  • NREMT EMT cognitive exam: $104 per attempt.
  • BCI or fingerprint background check fee (set by the Attorney General's office or your home state).
  • EMT course tuition varies by training institution.
  • NREMT recertification fee every two years ($29 from October 1, 2026).

Pay in Rhode Island

Before you compare job offers, see what a paycheck takes home in Rhode Island after taxes.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Renew before your license expires with a renewal application and the $120 fee. EMTs licensed after January 1, 2012 must keep NREMT EMT certification. EMTs licensed before then may instead complete the Rhode Island Continued Competency Program (RI-CCP). If your license lapses less than a year, you can renew with proof of the renewal requirements. If it lapses one to two years, you also need to pass the NREMT exam or show current NREMT certification. After two years, you must meet the initial license requirements again.

Good to know in Rhode Island

NREMT must be maintained: Rhode Island ties EMT license renewal to NREMT. If your NREMT EMT certification lapses, you cannot renew your Rhode Island EMT license.

Moving from another state: Out-of-state EMTs apply with the same form. Include a copy of your other state license, your NREMT card and an Interstate Verification Form completed by every state where you have been licensed.

Military and veterans: Active-duty service members, reservists, honorably discharged veterans and military spouses can ask for expedited processing on the application, with documentation.

Work only with a licensed service: A Rhode Island EMT may only perform EMT functions while affiliated with a currently licensed ambulance service, except when giving care as a Good Samaritan (216-RICR-20-10-2.5(E)(1)).

State taxes must be paid: On the application you must attest that you have filed all Rhode Island tax returns and paid all state taxes owed. Your Social Security number is sent to the Division of Taxation to check.

Sources

Other states

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General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Center for Emergency Medical Services before you apply.