EMS recertification in Washington

Washington EMS providers are certified by the Washington State Department of Health on a three-year cycle that coincides with your EMS agency's license expiration month, and NREMT certification is not required to recertify. There is no fee to recertify, and renewals are completed online through HELMS via SecureAccess Washington.

You can recertify by one of two methods under WAC 246-976-161: the continuing medical education (CME) method, which requires EMR – 15, EMT – 30, AEMT – 60, or Paramedic – 150 hours per certification period plus a department-approved knowledge exam, or the ongoing training and evaluation program (OTEP) method, an agency-run competency program approved by your county Medical Program Director (MPD) and the department. Under either method your education must cover the required topic areas (patient assessment, airway, cardiovascular, trauma, pharmacology, special populations, provider wellness, disaster preparedness, documentation, ambulance operations, law and regulations, patient advocacy, and state, regional, and local policies), include annual skill maintenance, and be approved by your county MPD. Nationally accredited CME such as CAPCE-approved education may be used with MPD approval. To recertify you must also be actively affiliated with a licensed Washington aid or ambulance service, pass a department background check, and be recommended by your county MPD, who signs your application.