Illinois EMT, AEMT & Paramedic License Renewal Requirements
Illinois EMS licenses are regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of EMS and Highway Safety. Illinois has a 4-year renewal cycle with higher CE hour requirements than most states, and uses an EMS System-based model where your local EMS System plays a significant role in renewal.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 4 years |
| NREMT Required | Required for initial licensure (since April 2020); not required for renewal |
| Online Fee Payment | Yes — IDPH online system |
| EMS System Role | Local EMS System Medical Director must verify competency |
Continuing Education Requirements (Per 4-Year Cycle)
| Level | CE Hours Required |
|---|---|
| EMT (EMT-Basic) | 60 hours |
| EMT-Intermediate | 80 hours |
| AEMT (Advanced EMT) | 80 hours |
| Paramedic | 100 hours |
| Pre-Hospital RN | 100 hours |
| First Responder | 24 hours |
CE Content Rules
- No more than 20% of CE in any single subject area (e.g., trauma)
- College health-related courses: 1 college credit = 8 CE hours (must provide transcript and course catalog description)
- PHTLS/BTLS, PALS, ACLS: 16 hours credit (initial); 8 hours credit (renewal)
- Clinical rotations: Hour for hour, but no more than 25% of required hours
- Ambulance ride time: Hour for hour, up to 10% of required hours
- Must include instructor signature on all CE documentation
Mandatory Topic (Since January 2023)
All EMS personnel must complete at least 1 hour on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias per renewal cycle. This training must include assessment/diagnosis, effective communication strategies, and management/care planning.
Illinois-Specific Notes
- 4-year cycle. Illinois is one of very few states with a 4-year EMS renewal cycle. This means higher total CE hours but more time to complete them.
- EMS System model. Illinois operates through regional EMS Systems. Your System's Medical Director must verify your competency as part of renewal. Contact your EMS System Coordinator for System-specific requirements — some Systems have additional requirements beyond IDPH minimums.
- NREMT not required for state renewal. While NREMT is required for initial licensure (since April 2020), you do not need to maintain NREMT for Illinois state license renewal.
- Independent renewal available for providers not affiliated with an EMS System, but requires separate application and all CE documentation.
- CAPCE-accredited courses are accepted.
- Allow at least 4 weeks for renewal processing after submission.
How to Renew
Through an EMS System (Most Common)
- Complete required CE hours during the 4-year cycle
- Complete 1 hour Alzheimer's/dementia training
- Maintain current CPR card (Healthcare Provider level)
- For Paramedics: Maintain current ACLS
- Submit CE documentation and CPR/ACLS cards to your EMS System Coordinator
- EMS Medical Director verifies competency
- System submits renewal to IDPH
- Pay renewal fee through IDPH online system
Independent Renewal
- Complete all CE requirements above
- Submit IDPH Independent Renewal form with all documentation
- Pay renewal fee
- Allow 4+ weeks for processing
Fees
Contact IDPH for current fee schedules. Volunteer EMS personnel and Illinois National Guard/State Police may apply for fee waivers.
Contact Information
Illinois Department of Public Health — Division of EMS
- Website: dph.illinois.gov/ems/licensing
- Phone: (217) 785-2080
- Address: 422 South 5th Street, Springfield, IL 62701
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with IDPH and your EMS System before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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