When renewing National Registry certification, EMTs have the option of declaring their status as either "Active" or "In Active". Active status means the EMT is 'actively' working and providing patient care. To renew with an 'active status', EMTs are required to be affiliated with an EMS Agency or Service.

An inactive status is designated for Nationally Certified EMS Professionals who are currently not providing patient care at their certification level. For example, inactive status may be helpful for EMS professionals who:

• Are not actively engaged in an EMS service or healthcare/patient care activity

• Are not actively treating patients at their certification level but are involved as educators, administrators or regulators;

• Are unable to actively provide patient care for any variety of reasons - such as, moving, illness, pursuit of education, family responsibilities, etc.

Registrants who wish to declare inactive status must continue to meet the National Registry continuing education recertification requirements in subsequent cycles.

Inactive status is not for those unable to obtain and meet the educational requirements or those who have had limitations or revocation of a health care license.

Registrants who request inactive status at the EMT level do not need to obtain verification of skills from their Training Officer/Supervisor. These registrants must complete all refresher, continuing education and CPR requirements. These registrants are eligible to recertify by examination if they so choose. CPR certification remains a requirement even for those who pass the examination and request Inactive Status.

Returning to Active Status

Nationally Certified EMTs may request a return to active status at any time once they gain active affiliation with an EMS service. A request to return to active status must be accompanied by a completed Inactive to Active Registration form which may be downloaded here.

If the renewal application was not submitted prior to the March 31 deadline, the EMT may pay a $50 late application fee and submit the application until April 30.  However, all continuing education requirement must have been satisfied prior to March 31.

To comply with accreditation requirements, the National Registry is required to randomly audit applications. In addition to random quality assurance audits, the National Registry reserves the right to investigate certification and recertification material at any time. You must retain verification of attendance of all education submitted for at least 36 months. Failure to submit documentation when audited may result in denial of eligibility to recertify.

If the recertification application was not received by the March 31 deadline, but all educational requirements were completed by March 31 deadline, individuals may seek reinstatement of the National EMS Certification until April 30. There is a $50 reinstatement fee in addition to the standard $20 recertification fee ($70 total).

Information on how to regain a lapsed certification is found on the EMT Certification Page.

Registered Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) must notify the National Registry within 30 days regarding the following matters:

• change in mailing address (the best way to update a mailing address is by editing the user profile page)
• any criminal conviction.
• disciplinary action taken by any state has resulted in suspension, revocation, or expiration of state registration/licensure; termination of right to practice; voluntary surrender of state registration/licensure while under investigation.

The National Registry considers the individual to be solely responsible for their certification.

Disciplinary Policy and Rights of Appeal

The National Registry has disciplinary procedures, rights of appeal and due process within its policies. Complete information about the National Registry Disciplinary Policy and Rights of Appeal can be found here.

Recertification cycles start on the date the recertification application is successfully processed and approved by the National Registry. After a recertification application is approved, the new expiration date will be two years after the current expiration date listed on the individual's account.