QUICKLINKS
FEEDBACK
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION & RE-CERTIFICATION
On this page:How Do I Become Certified? | Application Forms & Fees | Certification Policy | FAQs
HOW DO I BECOME CERTIFIED?
Initial Certification: If the applicant is applying for certification for the first time, the following must be submitted to the EMS Agency:
- EMT Certification Application.
- Copy of EMT course completion certificate.
- Copy of National Registry card.
- Copy of National Registry Certificate.
- Copy of current CPR, Professional Rescuer, or Health Care Provider card.
- Copy of a valid state or federal ID.
- Application fee.
- FBI and State of California Department of Justice Live Scan Background Check (must be completed no more than 90 days prior to submission of your Application).
- EMT Certification Application.
- Copy of valid EMT certificate.
- Copy of current CPR, Professional Rescuer, or Health Care Provider card.
- Copy of a valid state or federal ID.
- Application fee.
- FBI and State of California Department of Justice Live Scan Background Check (must be completed no more than 90 days prior to submission of your Application).
- EMT Certification Application with Affidavit.
- Copy of 24 hours of continuing education certificate(s).
- Completed original EMT skills verification sign-off form.
- Copy of current CPR, Professional Rescuer, or Health Care Provider card.
- Copy of a valid state or federal ID.
- Application fee.
- If the applicant does not already have a State of California Department of Justice Live Scan Background Check on file for the EMS Agency the applicant must obtain one that includes the FBI Live Scan Background Check.
APPLICATION FORMS & FEES
Application and Related Forms
- EMT Certification Application (PDF)
- Live Scan Request Form*
- EMT Skills Competency Verification Form (PDF)
- Credit Card Authorization Form (PDF)
- Submit a Change of Address
All fees are non-refundable.
| Application Fee: | Initial $150.00* (effective July 1, 2010)
Re-Certification $112.00* (effective July 1, 2010) |
| Late Fee: | $25.00 (effective July 1, 2010) for an application submitted after lapse |
| Rush Fee: | $25.00 (effective July 1, 2010) for an applicant that would like to have the card issued within 5 business days of a complete application being submitted |
| Replacement Card: | $25.00 (effective July 1, 2010) |
* This fee includes a $75 county fee and additional fees imposed by the State of California: Initial applicants $75 and recertification applicants $37.
Acceptable payment methods are cash, Debit, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or money order. Personal checks are no longer accepted.
Live Scans processed more than 90 days in advance of submitting the EMT Certification Application will have to be repeated at the applicants cost.
CERTIFICATION POLICY
View the EMT Certification Policy >>
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How old do I have to be to become a certified EMT?
You must be eighteen years of age or older.
Q: Can I become certified if my EMT has expired?
Yes, but requirements vary as follows depending on the length of the lapse period:
- If the applicant's certification has lapsed less than 6 months the applicant must submit all the items required for re-certification along with the late fee.
- If the applicant's certification has lapsed beyond 6 months BUT less than 12 months the applicant must submit all items required for re-certification plus 12 additional hours of EMS Continuing Education (for a total of 36 hours of CE). Additionally, they must pay the late fee.
- If the applicant's certification lapsed beyond 12 months BUT less than 24 months the applicant must submit all items required for re-certification plus 24 additional hours of EMS Continuing Education (for a total of 48 hours of CE) and proof of passing the written and skills examination required for initial certification (National Registry). Additionally, they must pay the late fee.
- If the applicant's certification has lapsed beyond 24 months the applicant must complete all requirements of initial certification including successful completion of an approved EMT training course.
You need 3 copies for distribution as follows:
- Live Scan Operator
- San Joaquin County EMS Agency
- Your copy
Q: Where can I have my live scan finger printing done?
You can have your live scan done anywhere that does live scan finger printing but you must make sure to use our form. Check the DOJ website for live scan locations at http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.htm#joaq.
Q: How long does it take for my application to be processed?
It will take approximately 2 weeks for a completed application to be processed and a temporary card issued, however, if you elect to pay the rush fee it's guaranteed to be processed in 5 business days, this includes informing your employer that your card has been processed (on request).
Q: Why did I get a temporary card?
The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has elected to have the cards mailed by the State of California EMS Authority in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 22. Social Security Division 9. Prehospital Emergency Medical Services. Chapter 10. California EMT Central Registry. Therefore, California EMS Authority will mail your EMT card to you no later that 45 days after your application has been processed.
Q: Can I work as and/or apply for jobs with a temporary EMT card?
Yes, the temporary card is valid for 45 days and after that you should have received your card from the California EMS Authority.
Q: What if I have not received my EMT card from the California EMS Authority?
If it has been more than 45 days since you received your temporary card and you have not yet received your EMT card from the EMS Authority please contact them at 916-322-4336.
Q: Can I fax in my application?
No. You may bring your application in or mail it in, but it must have original signatures.