Texas EMT, AEMT & Paramedic Certification Renewal Requirements
Texas EMS certifications are regulated by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), EMS and Trauma Systems Section. Texas has a 4-year certification cycle with multiple renewal options including CE hours, NREMT exam, refresher course, or a comprehensive clinical management program.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Texas DSHS, EMS and Trauma Systems |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 4 years |
| NREMT Required | No (but accepted as a renewal option) |
| Jurisprudence Exam | Yes — required every renewal cycle |
| Online System | DSHS Online Licensing System |
| EMSCert@dshs.texas.gov |
Renewal Option 1: CE Hours (4-year cycle)
| Level | CE Hours | Content Areas |
|---|---|---|
| ECA | 36 hours | Distributed across required content areas |
| EMT | 72 hours | Distributed across required content areas |
| AEMT | 108 hours | Distributed across required content areas |
| Paramedic / Licensed Paramedic | 144 hours | Distributed across required content areas |
CE must be DSHS-approved and meet minimum content area requirements.
Other Renewal Options
- Option 2: Pass the NREMT Assessment Exam at your level
- Option 3: Maintain current NREMT certification (choose NREMT option at renewal)
- Option 4: Complete a formal recertification course (24–96 hours depending on level)
- Option 5: Comprehensive Clinical Management Program (CCMP)
Texas-Specific Notes
- 4-year certification cycle. One of the longest renewal periods among states.
- Texas Jurisprudence Exam required every renewal. All certified/licensed EMS personnel must pass this exam each cycle.
- High state CE hours. Texas requires 144 Paramedic CE hours over 4 years — significantly more than NREMT's 60 hours per 2 years.
- NREMT is optional. Maintaining NREMT is one of several renewal pathways but is not required for Texas state certification.
- CE is one of several options, not a requirement. Texas rules make CE accrual an option for renewal, not a mandate.
- CAPCE-accredited courses accepted along with DSHS-approved CE programs.
- College courses accepted within EMS or emergency health care degree frameworks.
- Authorship credit available for published manuscripts in periodicals.
- Application processing takes 4-6 weeks.
- Late fees apply: Basic level $94 (includes late fee); Advanced level $141 (includes late fee). After 90 days, reentry fees apply.
- Cannot renew after 1 year past expiration without reentry process.
- Inactive status available with same expiration date as current cert.
How to Renew
- Complete one of the renewal options (CE hours, NREMT, refresher, etc.)
- Pass the Texas EMS Jurisprudence Exam
- Apply online through DSHS Online Licensing System
- Pay the renewal fee
- Processing takes approximately 4-6 weeks
Contact Information
Texas DSHS — EMS and Trauma Systems
- Website: dshs.texas.gov — EMS Certification
- Renewals: dshs.texas.gov — Renewals
- CE Info: dshs.texas.gov — Continuing Education
- Email: EMSCert@dshs.texas.gov
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with Texas DSHS before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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