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Colorado Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License Requirements

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

Provides emergency medical care and transportation. Requires NREMT exam.

What the Colorado data shows for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)s

Becoming a licensed emergency medical technician (emt) in Colorado means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 188 training hours, a passing score on NREMT Certification Exam, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Colorado regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "EMT Training Course".

Upfront cost is $153, with renewal running $131 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 36-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Interstate EMS Compact: 30+ states.

Licensing Requirements in Colorado

Education / Training Hours
EMT Training Course
188 hours
Exam Requirement
NREMT Certification Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$153
Renewal Fee
$131
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
36 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Colorado licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Colorado?
Colorado's requirements cover 188 hours of education or training, the NREMT Certification Exam exam, and an initial fee of $153. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Colorado?
Certification as an emergency medical technician (emt) in Colorado means clearing the state's checklist: 188 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Colorado licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license to Colorado from another state?
Reciprocity for emergency medical technician (emt)s nationally works like this: Interstate EMS Compact: 30+ states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Colorado. Verify the specifics with the Colorado licensing board.
Does Colorado require a background check for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licensing?
Colorado does require a background check before issuing an emergency medical technician (emt) license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Colorado?
Colorado ties continued emergency medical technician (emt) licensure to 36 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $131 renewal fee.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites