EMS Certification and Reciprocity Frequently Asked Questions

Information on obtaining Reciprocity in New York State

Information on obtaining a Verification of NYS EMS certification

Information on New York State EMS Exam Registration

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding New York State EMS Certification

Q: How do I get a replacement certification card in case mine is lost or destroyed?

A: You can complete the Duplicate Card Request Form. Please allow up to four weeks for a new card to be issued.

Q: How do I obtain a verification of my NYS certification for another state or for an employer?

A: Information on how to have your certification verified can be found here.

Q: How do I change the name or address on my NYS Certification either due to an error or an update?

A. You can complete our online form that will help get these corrections made for you. Please allow up to four weeks for the changes to be made and for a new card to be issued. The form can be found here.

Q: Where can I find the scope of practice document for a NYS DOH Bureau of EMS Certified First Responder/EMT/AEMT/Paramedic?

A: In NYS, scope of practice for the CFR/EMT/AEMT/Paramedic is defined by National Educational Standards as determined by the Department of Transportation, protocol, and physician medical direction at the EMS agency, region, and State levels. For information on scope of practice by level of EMS provider for the whole State, you can refer to BEMS Policy Statement 23-07.

Q: How long is my NYS certification valid for?

A: Upon successfully passing the NYS exam, your certificate is valid for 36 months from the last day of the month that you passed your certification examination. There are circumstances, such as obtaining your certification through CME or reciprocity, that may be different on a case-by-case basis.

Q: I have passed my NYS written examination; how long will it take to receive my certification?

A: Your results should have been provided to you prior to leaving the exam location. It can take up to a week for the results to be reflected in the Health Commerce System (HCS) and up to four weeks for your physical card to arrive in the mail.

Q: Can I get an extension if my card expires, and I am enrolled in a course?

A: No, your certification can only be extended if you took your NYS written examination prior to the expiration of your certification and are awaiting your new certificate. NOTE This is technically not an extension but relates to State Administrative Procedures Act (SAPA).The only time a certification can be extended is in limited circumstances for active military personnel. For more information, check BEMS Policy Statement 22-09.

Q: Can I obtain Reciprocity in New York State if I am a Nationally Registered EMT or Paramedic?

A: Yes, you may still be eligible for reciprocity and you can find out more about that process by clicking here.

Q: How do I reschedule taking my state written certification examination?

A: You can find information on how to handle exam registration here.

Q: I want to become certified, but I have a criminal conviction, what do I need to do?

A: The Bureau of EMS and Trauma Systems will not clear an individual for certification until they have enrolled in an EMS course. Once an unsigned application is submitted, you will be contacted by a Bureau of EMS Representative to obtain information from you regarding your conviction. It is recommended you review BEMS Policy Statement 18-01.

Extension of EMS Certification for Military Service

Q: I was released from active military duty February 20, 2023, and my EMT-Basic certification expires September 30, 2023. Am I eligible for an extension of my certification?

A: No. Your certification must have expired while on active duty or within six months after being released from active military duty.

Q: I was released from active military duty on April 2, 2022, and my EMT-Basic certification expired October 31, 2022. The Bureau of EMS only extended my certification through April 30, 2023. Shouldn't I have received an extension through October 31, 2023?

A: No. Your extended certification expiration date is always based upon the date of your release from active military duty.

Q: I was issued an extension of my EMT-Paramedic certification through November 30, 2023 after coming home from active duty. I have just learned that I am being called to active duty again October 7, 2023. Am I eligible for another extension of my certification when I return in 2024?

A: Yes. As long as your EMT-Paramedic certification expires while you are on active duty or within the six months immediately following your release from military duty. All you need do is reapply submitting the DOH-4281 form and a copy of your official military separation documentation (i.e. DD-214 or Statement 2A).

Q: My Certified Instructor Coordinator (CIC) certification expired while I was on active military duty orders. Does this mean I am eligible for an extension of my CIC certification?

A: Yes. If your Certified Lab Instructor (CLI) or Certified Instructor Coordinator (CIC) certification expired while you were on active military duty or within six months of being separated from active military duty and your active duty was for purposes other than training, then your certification may be extended for twelve months from your separation from service date as evidenced by your DD-214 or Statement 2A.

CFR/EMT/AEMT Recertification

Q: I was certified many years ago as an EMT in the State of New York, but my certification has long since expired. Do I have to enroll in an EMT-Basic original course to recertify or am I eligible for an EMT-Basic refresher course?

A: You are eligible for an EMT-Basic refresher course. Once certified in New York State as a CFR/EMT/AEMT, you are always eligible for a refresher course at or below the highest level of EMS provider certification you once held. Please note that your certification number that was issued to you when you were first certified as an EMS provider in the State of New York remains your EMS identification/certification number for life.

Certified Lab Instructor and Certified Instructor Coordinator Recertification

Q: I was a Certified Instructor Coordinator (CIC) but my certification expired. Do I have to enroll in another CIC course in order to be recertified?

A: No. However, you will be required to complete an internship if you have not been the CIC of record for a NYS DOH BEMS approved CFR/EMT/AEMT course within the past five years. You will also need to successfully complete 8 hours of instructor level training and complete, sign, and submit a DOH-3508, Application for Instructor Recertification. Please refer to BEMS Policy Statement 23-02 for more information on instructor recertification.

Q: I was a Certified Lab Instructor, but my certification has expired. Do I need to enroll in another CLI course in order to be recertified?

A: No. As long as you have been teaching as a non-certified lab instructor for at least one NYS DOH BEMS approved CFR/EMT/AEMT course within the past three years; have successfully completed 8 hours of instructor level training approved by BEMS. Please refer to BEMS Policy Statement 23-02 for more information on instructor recertification.

CME Recertification Program

Q: I am a NYS DOH BEMS Certified Instructor Coordinator (CIC) approved to teach at the EMT-Basic level and am currently teaching an EMT-Basic Core content class. Can I use this teaching time toward my own EMT-Basic recertification?

A: Yes. If you are teaching at the level at which you are certified, you are eligible to receive credit (hour for hour) for the curriculum you teach. However, you must have another CIC sign your CME Recertification form. Any hours you do not teach are not eligible hours to be claimed unless you are listed as a student and complete all requirements for that core content session.

Q: I am currently certified in NYS as an EMT-Basic. I am also certified and practicing in Florida as an EMT-Basic and have just attended an out of state refresher class there. Can I use the hours from this refresher course toward the core content and recertify in NYS through the CME Program?

A: As stated in the Administration Manual; A NYS CIC must oversee all Core Refresher training and has sole responsibility for the content of each session. So, you would only be able to do this if you had a NYS CIC review the content and sign off on your documents for it.