EMS & Fire Certifications

Frequently Asked Questions – Certifications

---

When will my certification card be mailed after I renew my certification?

Certification cards are mailed after they become effective on the certificate holder’s birthday. Most people receive their new cards within 7-10 days after their birthday.

How do I request a replacement card?

Click HERE to access the Request Replacement Card form. Print, complete the form, and send via email to EMS & Fire Certifications, fax to 614-466-9461, or mail to: Ohio Division of EMS, P.O. Box 182073, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2073.

How do I get an extension for my EMS and/or Fire certification?

Extensions are granted to complete continuing education and/or instructional requirements to renew an EMS and/or fire certification. Extensions are for 90 days. If an extension of greater than 90 days is needed, a written request may be submitted in accordance with rules 4765-19-03 and 4765-20-13 of the Ohio Administrative Code. Requests exceeding 90 days are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Only one extension per certification period is permitted. Click HERE to access the Request for Extension of EMS and/or Fire Certificate forms.

Pursuant to rule 4765-19-03 and 4765-20-13, to be eligible for an extension to complete continuing education and/or instructional requirements, you must apply prior to the expiration date of the certification for which you are requesting the extension.

How much continuing education do I need?

Click HERE for EMS certificate continuing education requirements.

Click HERE for fire certificate continuing education requirements.

How does the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) affect my Ohio EMS certification renewal requirements?

Ohio EMS certificate holders who also hold a valid certification with the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) were recently notified of NREMT's new renewal requirements to utilize the National Continued Competency Program (NCCP). This requirement is for NREMT re-certification only; there have been no changes to Ohio's renewal requirements.

In accordance with the Ohio Administrative Code, an Ohio EMS certificate holder who holds a current/valid certification at the same or equivalent level with the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) at the time the Ohio certificate expires, may use proof of the NREMT certification as a method to renew the Ohio certification. EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic certificate holders also need to complete the Ohio Trauma Triage course during the renewal cycle.

Ohio's renewal requirements are outlined in the following chapters of the Ohio Administrative Code

• EMR: OAC 4765-12-03 (A) (3) http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/4765-12-03v1
• EMT: OAC 4765-15-03 (A) (3) http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/4765-15-03v1
• AEMT: OAC 4765-16-03 (A) (3) http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/4765-16-03v1
• Paramedic: OAC 4765-17-02 (A) (3) http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/4765-17-02

How do I reinstate my certification?

Reinstatement requirements vary by the type of certification and the length of time since expiration. Click HERE to see reinstatement requirements.

What do I need in order to apply for certification through reciprocity?

Reciprocity requirements vary by the type of certification and require completion of a reciprocity packet. Click HERE to find the packet you need.

I completed an Ohio EMS course (EMR/EMT/AEMT/Paramedic) and passed National Registry; now what do I do to get my Ohio certification?

The next step is to contact your program director to advise you have passed the National Registry. Confirm that your program director has your correct email address. If it is a different email address than the one you are now using, please give your current email address to your program director, then email our Certifications Section at ems-firecertifications@dps.ohio.gov asking us to correct your email in our system. When your program director does the final approval in our database, an email will be sent to you and your program director with the information on how to apply, including the Course ID and password. If for some reason you don't receive this email, please contact your program director and ask him/her to forward the copy to you.