How to Become an EMT in Texas

Who can apply

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have a high school diploma or GED.
• You must complete a DSHS-approved EMS training course.
• You must pass the National Registry (NREMT) exam.
• You must submit fingerprints for a Texas and FBI criminal history check.

Step by step

1. Complete a DSHS-approved EMT course. Your course approval number starts with a 6 and is on your completion document.
2. Apply to the National Registry, pay NREMT's fee, and pass the NREMT EMT exam.
3. Create an account in the DSHS online licensing system and submit the Initial EMT application with your NREMT number and expiration date, your course approval number and completion date.
4. Pay the non-refundable $64 state fee.
5. Schedule fingerprinting with IdentoGO using DSHS's service code.
6. Processing can take up to 4 weeks. Your certificate and ID go to your DSHS account secure mailbox within two weeks after issue.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: You must finish a DSHS-approved EMT course. DSHS field offices around the state approve and monitor EMS training programs. The state page does not list a minimum hour count for the initial EMT course.

Exam: DSHS uses the National Registry exam as the state-approved exam. You schedule it with NREMT and pay NREMT's testing fee ($104 per EMT attempt) on top of the state fee. If you fail, you may retake it, but you cannot get certified through any other option. The state and NREMT applications are separate.

What it costs in Texas

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

DSHS says processing can take up to 4 weeks after you submit.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Texas EMT certification lasts four years. Before renewing you must complete a DSHS-approved EMS jurisprudence exam (a CE course on Texas EMS law). Then pick one option: pass the NREMT assessment exam (70 percent or higher); complete 72 CE hours over four years (at least 54 in set content areas, including 6 pediatric); hold current NREMT certification; complete a 48-hour EMT recertification course; or, if eligible, an approved Comprehensive Clinical Management Program. Keep CE records for five years for possible audit. DSHS suggests starting 3 to 4 months before expiration. If expired one year or more, you cannot renew and must certify again.

Good to know in Texas

Moving from another state: Apply by reciprocity ($126) with a current out-of-state EMT certification or current NREMT certification. You must take the Texas jurisprudence CE course with exam, send Verification Form A to every state where you were certified, and get fingerprinted. If you are state-certified only (no NREMT), you must pass the NREMT assessment exam for Texas.

Military and veterans: Service members, veterans and military spouses with military EMT training and current NREMT certification can get a Texas EMT certification through the reciprocity process. Attach military ID or DD214 to receive a fee exemption.

Inactive status: You can hold an inactive certification for four years ($30), but you may not do any regulated EMS work while inactive, paid or volunteer.

Fingerprints once: After your first fingerprinting you do not need to repeat it for renewal, unless your certification has been expired more than one year.

Late renewal: Your certification does not extend past its expiration date. If you renew late (within one year after expiration), you must also submit the EMS Skills Verification Form for Late Renewal with your application.

Sources

• DSHS - Initial Certification-Licensure
• DSHS - Renewals, EMS Personnel Certification and Licensure
• DSHS - CE Hour and Content Area Requirements
• DSHS - EMS Application Fees
• DSHS - EMS Reciprocity Certification
• NREMT - EMT Candidate Handbook, Certification Process