California EMT, AEMT & Paramedic License Renewal Requirements

California has a unique EMS regulatory structure. EMT and AEMT certifications are issued by Local EMS Agencies (LEMSAs), while Paramedic licenses are issued by the state-level California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA). This distinction is critical — where you apply depends on your certification level.

At a Glance

Detail	Information
EMT/AEMT Regulatory Body	Local EMS Agency (LEMSA) in your county
Paramedic Regulatory Body	California EMS Authority (EMSA)
Renewal Cycle	Every 2 years
NREMT Required	Required for initial certification; not required for state renewal
50% Live Education	Required at all levels

Important: Two Separate Systems

• EMTs and AEMTs: Apply for certification and renewal through your county's LEMSA. There is no state-level online system for EMT certification. Each LEMSA may have additional local requirements.
• Paramedics: Licensed by EMSA at the state level, but may also need local accreditation from the LEMSA to practice in a specific county.

Continuing Education Requirements by Level

EMT

• Total CE Hours: 24 hours every 2 years
• 50% Live education required: At least 12 hours must be instructor-based
• Required skills competency verification (form EMSA-SCV) verified by a qualified provider
• Must include training in: Naloxone/opioid antagonist use, epinephrine auto-injector administration, and glucometer use (waived if you hold a current Paramedic license or AEMT certificate)

Renewal options:

1. Complete a 24-hour EMT refresher course from an approved training program, OR
2. Obtain 24 hours of CE from an approved CE provider

AEMT

• Total CE Hours: 36 hours every 2 years
• 50% Live education required
• Skills competency verification required

Paramedic

• Total CE Hours: 48 hours every 2 years
• 50% Live education required: At least 24 hours must be instructor-based (including online courses with instructor access within 24 hours)
• Renewed through EMSA (state-level, not LEMSA)
• Local accreditation may also need to be maintained separately through your county LEMSA

California-Specific Notes

• No single statewide system for EMTs. You must contact your county's LEMSA for specific renewal procedures, fees, and any local requirements. Find your LEMSA at emsa.ca.gov/local-ems-agencies.
• Background checks: Criminal background checks (DOJ and FBI Live Scan) are required for certification and may be required at renewal, especially if you are renewing through a different LEMSA than your original certifying entity.
• CE hour counting: Courses shorter than 1 hour are not accepted. Hours are counted in half-hour increments (a 1.75-hour course counts as 1.5 hours).
• Cross-certification waiver: If you hold a current California Paramedic license or AEMT certificate, you're exempt from the EMT-specific skills training requirements (naloxone, epinephrine, glucometer).
• Lapsed certification (under 12 months): 24 hours of CE, skills competency verification, and new background check.
• Lapsed certification (12+ months): 48 hours of CE, skills competency verification, background check, and proof of passing NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams (or current NREMT/AEMT/Paramedic certification).
• CAPCE-accredited courses are accepted statewide.

How to Renew

EMTs and AEMTs

1. Complete required CE hours (50% live)
2. Complete skills competency verification (EMSA-SCV form)
3. Contact your county LEMSA for their specific renewal application process
4. Submit application and fees to your LEMSA

Paramedics

1. Complete 48 hours of CE (50% live)
2. Apply through EMSA's online system
3. Maintain local accreditation through your county LEMSA separately

Contact Information

California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA)

• Website: emsa.ca.gov
• EMT Info: emsa.ca.gov/emt
• Paramedic Info: emsa.ca.gov/paramedic
• Phone: (916) 322-4336
• Find Your LEMSA: emsa.ca.gov/local-ems-agencies

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This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with EMSA and your county LEMSA before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.

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