Arizona EMT & Paramedic Certification Renewal Requirements
Arizona Emergency Medical Care Technician (EMCT) certifications are regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Bureau of EMS and Trauma System. Arizona recognizes EMT and Paramedic levels. The AEMT level is not currently offered for new certifications in Arizona.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Arizona DHS, Bureau of EMS and Trauma System |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years from date of initial issuance |
| NREMT Required | Required for initial certification; not required for state renewal |
| Late Period | 30-day extension after expiration |
| Online Renewal | Yes — ADHS EMS Online Services Portal |
Important: Arizona Does Not Require NREMT for Renewal
Unlike many states, Arizona does not require you to maintain NREMT certification for state recertification. However, if you plan to work in another state or want to keep your NREMT active, you'll need to complete NREMT NCCP requirements separately.
Continuing Education Requirements by Level
EMT
- Total CE Hours: 24 hours every 2 years
- Must include: Minimum 5 hours in pediatric emergency topics
- 50% Live education required: At least 12 hours must be instructor-based
- Current CPR card required
Renewal options:
- Complete a 24-hour EMT refresher course, OR
- Obtain 24 hours of CE meeting content requirements, OR
- Hold current NREMT certification at EMT or higher level
Paramedic
- Total CE Hours: 48 hours every 2 years
- Must include: Minimum 5 hours in pediatric emergency topics
- 50% Live education required: At least 24 hours must be instructor-based
- Current CPR and ACLS cards required (competency-based, mirroring AHA standards)
Renewal options:
- Complete a 48-hour traditional refresher using National Certification organization content, OR
- Obtain 48 hours of CE meeting content requirements, OR
- Hold current NREMT certification at Paramedic level
Arizona-Specific Notes
- AEMT not currently available in Arizona. The state does not certify new AEMTs. If you hold an out-of-state AEMT, contact the Bureau for reciprocity options.
- Certification expires every 2 years from your original issue date, not on a fixed calendar date.
- No documentation upload at renewal. You attest that you have completed the requirements and must maintain documentation for 3 years in case of audit.
- If certification lapses more than 30 days: You must apply as an initial applicant and may need current NREMT certification.
- If certification lapses more than 2 years: You must complete an initial training course.
How to Renew
- Log in to the ADHS EMS Online Services Portal
- Complete the renewal application
- Attest to CE completion and CPR/ACLS currency
- Submit application (no documentation upload required)
- Maintain CE records for 3 years
Fees
Contact the ADHS Bureau of EMS for current fee schedules. Applications submitted after the 30-day grace period require re-application as an initial applicant.
Contact Information
Arizona Department of Health Services — Bureau of EMS and Trauma System
- Website: azdhs.gov/ems
- Online Portal: ems.azdhs.gov
- Phone: (602) 364-3150
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the Arizona Bureau of EMS before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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