New York EMT, AEMT & Paramedic Certification Renewal Requirements

New York EMS certifications are regulated by the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems (BEMS), under the New York State Department of Health. New York has unique EMS levels (including AEMT-Critical Care), uses a state-specific exam for initial certification (not NREMT), and has a 3-year (EMT) or 4-year (ALS) renewal cycle.

At a Glance

Detail	Information
Regulatory Body	NYS DOH, Bureau of EMS and Trauma Systems
EMT/CFR Renewal Cycle	Every 3 years
AEMT/AEMT-CC/Paramedic Renewal Cycle	Every 4 years
State Exam	NYS uses its own certification exam (not NREMT)
NREMT Required	Not required for NYS certification
Online Content Limit	50% maximum (unless agency approved for 100%)
Phone	(518) 402-0996

Continuing Education Requirements (CME-Based Recertification)

Level	CE Hours	Cycle
CFR (Certified First Responder)	~24 hours	3 years
EMT	45 hours	3 years
AEMT	50 hours	4 years
AEMT-Critical Care	55 hours	4 years
Paramedic	60 hours	4 years

CE hours are distributed across specific content areas with skills verification requirements.

Additional Card Requirements by Level

• EMR/CFR/EMT: Current CPR card
• AEMT/AEMT-CC/Paramedic: Current CPR, ACLS, and PALS cards

New York-Specific Notes

• State-specific exam. New York uses its own certification exam, not the NREMT. NREMT certification alone does not grant NYS certification.
• Unique EMS levels. New York has AEMT-Critical Care (AEMT-CC), a level not found in most states.
• 50% online content limit. You cannot use more than 50% online/distributive content UNLESS your EMS agency has been approved by BEMS for 100% online content.
• CME Coordinator role. Your EMS agency's CME Coordinator manages much of the recertification paperwork.
• Medical Director signature required for AEMT, AEMT-CC, and Paramedic levels.
• Continuous practice requirement. Applicants must be in continuous practice with their EMS agency.
• Submit 45–120 days before expiration. Applications must be submitted no later than 45 days before and no earlier than 120 days before expiration.
• Skills verification required using approved Practical Skills Evaluation (PSE) skill sheets.
• BEMS may randomly audit continuing education records, including written testing and practical skills evaluation.
• NREMT recertification accepted as an equivalent program for renewal, but must be transferred appropriately.
• Reciprocity available for out-of-state and NREMT-certified providers through a separate application process (can take 60-90 days).

How to Renew

1. Complete required CE hours for your level across content categories
2. Complete skills verification with approved PSE sheets
3. Maintain current CPR (and ACLS/PALS for ALS providers)
4. Obtain Medical Director signature (AEMT and above)
5. Submit recertification form through your EMS agency CME Coordinator
6. Agency submits to BEMS at least 45 days before expiration

Contact Information

New York State Bureau of EMS and Trauma Systems

• Website: health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/certification
• CME Recertification: health.ny.gov — CME Recert
• Phone: (518) 402-0996
• Fax: (518) 402-0985
• Address: 875 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12206

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This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with NYS BEMS before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.

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