Pennsylvania EMR, EMT, AEMT & Paramedic Certification Renewal Requirements

Pennsylvania EMS certifications are regulated by the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (Bureau of EMS), under the PA Department of Health. Pennsylvania has its own certification system — NREMT is optional but not required for state renewal. Pennsylvania also has unique provider levels including Prehospital Registered Nurse (PHRN) and Prehospital Physician Extender (PHPE).

At a Glance

Detail	Information
Regulatory Body	PA Department of Health, Bureau of EMS
EMR/EMT Renewal Cycle	Every 3 years
AEMT/Paramedic Renewal Cycle	Every 2 years
NREMT Required	No (optional)
Online System	PA EMS Registry
CE Tracking	TRAIN PA

Continuing Education Requirements

Level	CE Credits	Cycle	Clinical/Core Minimum
EMSVO	2–3 credits	2–3 years	Driving-specific
EMR	16 credits	3 years	12 credits (75%)
EMT	24 credits	3 years	18 credits (75%)
AEMT	36 credits	2 years	27 credits (75%)
Paramedic	36 credits	2 years	27 credits (75%)
PHRN	36 credits	2 years	27 credits (75%)

75% rule: At least 75% of total CE credits must be in clinical patient care and core education courses as specified by the Bureau.

Pennsylvania-Specific Notes

• State certification is primary. NREMT is optional — you can maintain both, but PA state certification is what authorizes practice.
• Split cycles by level. EMR/EMT renew every 3 years from initial certification. AEMT and above renew every 2 years by December 31.
• 75% clinical/core requirement. Not all CE counts equally — at least 75% must be in clinical patient care and core topics.
• EMSVO separate certification. EMS Vehicle Operators have their own CE requirement (2-3 credits) in addition to any provider-level CE.
• CPR required biennially. All registered EMS providers must complete a PA DOH-approved CPR course every 2 years.
• 3-hour child abuse recognition and reporting training required for initial licensure (since January 2015).
• Reregistration within 90 days of expiration. Must complete electronic application within 90 days of expiration date.
• CAPCE-accredited courses accepted.
• TRAIN PA is the online learning platform for PA-approved CE courses.
• PA EMS Registry is used to track CE and submit renewal applications.

How to Renew

1. Complete required CE credits for your level (75%+ in clinical/core)
2. Maintain current PA DOH-approved CPR certification
3. Log CE hours in the PA EMS Registry
4. Submit electronic renewal application through the EMS Registry
5. Pay the renewal fee

Contact Information

Pennsylvania Department of Health — Bureau of EMS

• Website: health.pa.gov
• EMS Registry: pehsc.org / PA EMS Registry System
• TRAIN PA: train.pa.gov
• Phone: (717) 787-8740

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This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the PA Bureau of EMS before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.

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