Reciprocity Information

Reciprocity is the process in which an individual holding a current certification from one of the fifty (50) states, the District of Columbia, the military, and/or from the National Registry of EMT's (NREMT) may be granted NYS certification rather than taking a NYS original course.

The New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems (BEMS) recognizes the following provider levels as eligible of certification for reciprocity:

  • Emergency Medical Responder/Certified First Responder
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
  • Paramedic

Please Note:

  • NYS does not grant reciprocity to individuals who have obtained certification from other countries or U.S territories who do not have a National Registry certification.
  • All applications must prove that more than half of their course was asynchronous, or in-person. This requirement is based on lectures only. Skills sessions and clinical time cannot be including in determining the in-person percentage. If you are not certain if you course meets our requirements, you are encouraged to reach out prior to committing to the course.
  • Only the applicant may fill, and sign, the application. A government issued photo ID will be required to be attached to the application.

All applicants must meet criteria as stated in the State's regulations, specifically Section 800.12: Reciprocal certification requirements. They state that the applicant must do the following:

  • Demonstrate a need for certification by providing proof of education, employment, or another acceptable need as determined by the department
  • Have successfully completed a course that meets or exceeds a curriculum based on the current National EMS Educational standards and approved by the department; or
  • Have successfully completed an out-of-state recognized, or National Registry recertification program that is an equivalent program or process to New York State or complete a practical skills evaluation and/or written exam as determined by the department; and

Additional information on each one of these requirements can be found in the application.

If you would like to apply for reciprocity, you need to complete this online application: https://apps.health.ny.gov/pubpal/builder/survey/emtreciprocity

It can take up to five business days for an initial review of your application. You will receive an email once it has been reviewed.

If you have a question about the process, you can email us at ems.reciprocity@health.ny.gov.

If you are an individual who took a NYS course and opted to take the NREMT exam in place of the NYS exam, and you are now looking to obtain your NYS certification, please use this link.