How to Become an EMT in South Carolina

Who can apply

• You must complete a DPH-approved EMT training program.
• You must pass the NREMT cognitive exam and a DPH-approved psychomotor exam, and hold a current NREMT EMT credential.
• You must pass a state (SLED) and national (FBI) fingerprint-based criminal background check, at first certification and at every renewal (S.C. Code 44-61-80).
• You must hold a current DPH-approved CPR card. Online-only CPR courses and courses without a hands-on skills check are not accepted.

Step by step

1. Complete all parts (lecture, practical and clinical) of a DPH-approved EMT course. These are usually offered at community and technical colleges.
2. Pass the NREMT EMT cognitive exam and the DPH-approved psychomotor exam, and receive NREMT EMT certification.
3. Create a profile in DPH's EMS credentialing system (ImageTrend). Search for an existing profile first, because duplicates are deleted.
4. Submit the EMT Certification Application and upload your current CPR card.
5. Get fingerprinted through IdentoGO for the SLED and FBI background check. Out-of-state residents can use IdentoGO's card scan service.
6. DPH issues your South Carolina EMT certificate, usually 7 to 10 business days after it has all documents.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Your EMT course must be given by a DPH-approved training program at a technical college, other college or university, vocational school, or State Regional EMS training office. Programs must meet or exceed NREMT standards and use DPH-certified instructors (Regulation 60-7, Sections 110-111). The regulation does not set an hour count.

Exam: South Carolina has no separate state written exam. You must pass the NREMT EMT cognitive exam and a DPH-approved psychomotor (skills) exam before you apply. NREMT charges $104 per attempt for the cognitive exam.

What it costs in South Carolina

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: Apply in the credentialing system at least 30 days before your certificate expires (DPH accepts renewals up to 180 days early). You must send proof of a current NREMT EMT credential, a new state and FBI fingerprint background check, and a current DPH-approved CPR card. EMTs certified before October 1, 2006 who have stayed continuously certified may renew without NREMT.

Good to know in South Carolina

NREMT must be maintained: Renewal requires a current NREMT EMT credential (unless you were certified before October 1, 2006 and never lapsed). Keep up your NREMT recertification to keep your South Carolina certificate.

Moving from another state with NREMT: If you hold current NREMT EMT certification, you can apply for direct reciprocity in the credentialing system with an out-of-state verification form, your NREMT card and the background check.

Moving from another state without NREMT: If you hold a current EMT certification from another state but no NREMT credential, you can get a one-year provisional certificate. Your out-of-state certification must have at least six months left when DPH receives all your documents.

Carry your card: State law requires you to carry your DPH-issued EMT card whenever you work as an EMT. Patches from other agencies do not count.

Sources

• SC DPH - Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification Requirements (updated Feb. 26, 2026)
• SC DPH - EMT Certification Links and FAQ (updated July 30, 2026)
• SC DPH - Regulation 60-7, Emergency Medical Services (unofficial copy)
• SC DPH - Criminal Background Checks
• SC DPH - Pathway to Certification (June 2026)
• NREMT - EMT Candidate Handbook, Certification Process