Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) / Illinois
2026 data Illinois board official source

Illinois Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Provides emergency medical care and transportation. Requires NREMT exam.

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

To practice as an emergency medical technician (emt) in Illinois, the state licensing board requires 194 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NREMT Certification Exam. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Illinois's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "EMT Training Course".

The initial price tag is $163, and renewal costs $140 every 2 years. 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 Illinois

Education / Training Hours
EMT Training Course
194 hours
Exam Requirement
NREMT Certification Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$163
Renewal Fee
$140
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
36 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) All Illinois licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Illinois licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Illinois? ▼
Illinois's requirements cover 194 hours of education or training, the NREMT Certification Exam exam, and an initial fee of $163. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Illinois? ▼
Illinois licenses emergency medical technician (emt)s who complete its requirements (194 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Illinois licensing board.
Can I transfer my Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license to Illinois from another state? ▼
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Interstate EMS Compact: 30+ states. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Illinois licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Illinois require a background check for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for emergency medical technician (emt) licensing in Illinois. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Illinois? ▼
Illinois ties continued emergency medical technician (emt) licensure to 36 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $140 renewal fee.

Related Guides

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

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.