How to Become an EMT in Utah

Who can apply

• You must be 18 or older to be licensed. You may take the NREMT exam before 18, but Utah will not license you until you turn 18.
• You must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
• You must complete a BEMS-approved EMT course.
• You must pass the National Registry (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor exams.
• You must pass a one-time FBI fingerprint background check (Utah Code 53-2d-410).
• You must hold a current BLS Provider CPR card.

Step by step

1. Enroll in a state-approved EMT course (find one on the BEMS license management site).
2. Apply at emslicense.utah.gov within the first 30 days of the course. Upload a passport-type photo, government ID and proof of BLS Provider CPR, and pay the fees.
3. After payment, BEMS sends you a LiveScan (DACS) form. Take it to a DACS LiveScan location for fingerprinting.
4. Finish the course. BEMS will not clear initial applicants to test with NREMT until the background check clears.
5. Pass the NREMT EMT cognitive and psychomotor exams.
6. BEMS reviews and emails approval. Finish all requirements within two years after the course ends.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: You must complete a BEMS-approved EMT course. The BEMS EMT Student Handbook says the course is at least 120 hours (150 recommended under national standards) and includes ten patient assessments plus field experience approved by the medical director.

Exam: Utah uses the National Registry (NREMT) cognitive and psychomotor exams as its state-approved exams. NREMT charges $104 per EMT exam attempt. Initial applicants are not cleared to test until their background check clears.

What it costs in Utah

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

BEMS estimates 2-4 weeks for forms review and 2-8 weeks for the background check; after NREMT testing, about 1-2 weeks for review.

Keeping your certification

Renewal: Utah renews EMT licenses for two years (or a shorter period to line up renewal cycles). You must recertify with NREMT (40 hours under the NREMT NCCP model) and file a separate Utah re-licensing application with a $30 renewal fee, photo, ID and BLS CPR proof. Under rule R911-5-204(1), all renewal items are due at least 30 days before the license expires; for licenses expiring March 31, 2027, the deadline is February 28, 2027. A lapsed license carries a $75 late fee.

Good to know in Utah

NREMT must stay current: Utah renewal runs through NREMT recertification. If your NREMT certification has expired, you must regain it before Utah will consider a reinstatement application.

Moving from another state: Out-of-state providers apply by reciprocity with current NREMT certification ($45), plus photo, ID, BLS CPR proof and fingerprints. If you are not NREMT-certified, you must complete the NREMT exam process.

Challenge route: Under R911-5-500, people with military medical training or a Utah RN, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or physician license may challenge the EMT exam without the course.

Fingerprints once: Fingerprinting is a one-time requirement while your license stays continuous. If your license lapses, especially for more than a year, you may need new fingerprints.

Renewal timeline: For renewal, complete your CME verification on NREMT.org by March 31. Renewal also includes a recertification background check that BEMS estimates takes 2 to 8 weeks from payment, followed by about 2 to 4 weeks of review, so apply early.

Sources

• Utah BEMS - EMS Professional Licensure
• Utah BEMS - EMT Student Handbook (December 2024)
• Utah BEMS - Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2024
• Utah BEMS - Laws, Rules & Fees
• NREMT - EMT Recertification
• NREMT - EMT Candidate Handbook, Certification Process