South Carolina EMT, AEMT & Paramedic Certification Renewal Requirements
South Carolina EMS certifications are regulated by the EMS & Trauma Section, under the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH, formerly DHEC). South Carolina requires current NREMT certification for all levels. The state certification cycle is 4 years, but NREMT must be maintained on a 2-year cycle within that period.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | SC Department of Public Health, EMS & Trauma Section |
| State Certification Cycle | Every 4 years |
| NREMT Required | Yes — must maintain current NREMT throughout |
| Online System | SC EMS Credentialing System (LMS) |
| emscertifications@dph.sc.gov |
Continuing Education Requirements (NREMT NCCP — 2-year cycle)
| Level | Total CE Hours (per NREMT 2-year cycle) |
|---|---|
| EMR | 16 hours |
| EMT | 40 hours |
| AEMT | 50 hours |
| Paramedic | 60 hours |
South Carolina requires maintaining current NREMT certification, which follows the standard NCCP model on a 2-year renewal cycle.
Additional Requirements
- Current CPR/BLS (hands-on skills evaluation required — online-only CPR courses not accepted)
- Current ACLS for Paramedics
- State and federal criminal background check required for certification and recertification
- Skills verification by Medical Control Director
South Carolina-Specific Notes
- 4-year state certification, 2-year NREMT. SC state certification is issued for 4 years, but you must maintain current NREMT throughout. Losing NREMT jeopardizes your state certification.
- NREMT required for all levels. No state-only CE pathway available.
- Background check at every recertification. Both state (IdentoGO) and federal background checks required.
- Must carry certification card. State law requires DPH-issued EMT certification card on your person at all times when functioning as an EMT.
- Accepted CPR courses are limited. ARC Professional Rescuer, MTN BLS for Healthcare Provider, AHA ACLS, and ASHI BLS for Healthcare Providers only. Online-only CPR courses not accepted.
- SC "State Only" EMTs who don't complete CE must obtain NREMT credential to renew.
- Apply for recertification at least 30 days before expiration.
- Processing time: 7-10 business days.
- SC EMS Continuing Education Program (CEP) guidelines govern local agency CE delivery with specific topic areas and skills verification requirements.
- EMS Compact: SC participates in the EMS Compact.
How to Renew
- Maintain current NREMT certification (complete NCCP CE every 2 years)
- Maintain current CPR/BLS (and ACLS for Paramedics)
- Complete state and federal criminal background check
- Submit recertification through the SC EMS Credentialing System
- Apply at least 30 days before expiration
Contact Information
South Carolina DPH — EMS & Trauma Section
- Website: dph.sc.gov — EMS
- Certification Links: dph.sc.gov — EMT Certification Links
- Email: emscertifications@dph.sc.gov
- LMS Portal: scemsportal.org
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with SC DPH EMS before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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