Washington EMT, AEMT & Paramedic Certification Renewal Requirements

Washington EMS certifications are regulated by the Department of Health (DOH), Office of Community Health Systems, EMS and Trauma Care System. Washington does NOT follow the NREMT NCCP model and instead has its own two-pathway system: CME or OTEP. Washington has a 3-year renewal cycle.

At a Glance

Detail	Information
Regulatory Body	Washington DOH, EMS and Trauma Care System
Renewal Cycle	Every 3 years
NREMT Required	No (but many providers maintain it voluntarily)
NCCP Model	No — Washington uses CME or OTEP pathways
Certification Fees	No fees currently for EMS certifications
Phone	(360) 236-4700

Two Renewal Pathways

Pathway 1: Continuing Medical Education (CME)

Level	CME Hours (3-year cycle)
EMR	15 hours
EMT	30 hours
AEMT	60 hours
Paramedic	150 hours

CME requires successful completion of a written and practical skills certification examination as part of recertification.

Pathway 2: Ongoing Training and Evaluation Program (OTEP)

OTEP is a program approved by the Medical Program Director (MPD) and DOH that meets education requirements and core topic content for recertification. Includes cognitive, affective, and psychomotor evaluations following each topic presentation. Content requirements are specified in WAC 246-976-163.

Washington-Specific Notes

• 3-year renewal cycle — longer than most states' 2-year cycle.
• Does NOT follow NCCP. Washington has its own CE framework. NREMT is accepted but not required.
• No certification fees. Washington currently charges no fees for EMS certifications.
• Multiple EMS levels. Washington recognizes 8 levels of EMS service including unique levels like IV Technician, Airway Technician, and ILS Technician.
• OTEP is agency-based. Must be approved by the Medical Program Director and DOH.
• CME requires exams. Unlike many states' CE pathways, the CME pathway in Washington requires written and practical skills exams.
• Certification timing tied to supervisory EMS agency licensure month.
• CAPCE-accredited courses accepted for CE/CME credit.
• Expired certifications: Different requirements based on duration of expiration (less than 1 year, 1-2 years, 2+ years). Expired 2+ years requires completing a full initial training program.
• Paramedic 150 CME hours over 3 years is one of the highest state CE requirements in the US.
• Background check processed for every applicant.

How to Renew

CME Pathway

1. Complete required CME hours for your level
2. Pass written certification examination
3. Pass practical skills certification examination
4. Submit renewal application

OTEP Pathway

1. Complete all required OTEP modules per MPD-approved program
2. Pass cognitive, affective, and psychomotor evaluations
3. Submit renewal through your agency

Contact Information

Washington DOH — EMS and Trauma Care System

• Website: doh.wa.gov — EMS
• Recertification Education: doh.wa.gov — Education Requirements
• Phone: (360) 236-4700
• Email: hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov

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

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