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

Pennsylvania Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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Provides emergency medical care and transportation. Requires NREMT exam.

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

To practice as an emergency medical technician (emt) in Pennsylvania, the state licensing board requires 165 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 Pennsylvania's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "EMT Training Course".

Budget $110 to get started, plus $96 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, emergency medical technician (emt)s should know: Interstate EMS Compact: 30+ states.

Licensing Requirements in Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
EMT Training Course
165 hours
Exam Requirement
NREMT Certification Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$110
Renewal Fee
$96
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 Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania's requirements cover 165 hours of education or training, the NREMT Certification Exam exam, and an initial fee of $110. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Pennsylvania? ▼
Certification as an emergency medical technician (emt) in Pennsylvania means clearing the state's checklist: 165 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Pennsylvania licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license to Pennsylvania from another state? ▼
For emergency medical technician (emt)s, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Interstate EMS Compact: 30+ states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Pennsylvania licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licensing? ▼
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania? ▼
To stay licensed as an emergency medical technician (emt) in Pennsylvania, plan on 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $96.

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.