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

Rhode Island Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides emergency medical care and transportation. Requires NREMT exam.

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

To practice as an emergency medical technician (emt) in Rhode Island, the state licensing board requires 179 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 Rhode Island's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "EMT Training Course".

Upfront cost is $136, with renewal running $118 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
EMT Training Course
179 hours
Exam Requirement
NREMT Certification Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$136
Renewal Fee
$118
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 Rhode Island licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island requires 179 education/training hours, passing an exam (NREMT Certification Exam), and an initial fee of $136. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island licenses emergency medical technician (emt)s who complete its requirements (179 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Rhode Island licensing board.
Can I transfer my Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licensing? ▼
Yes, Rhode Island requires a criminal background check as part of the emergency medical technician (emt) licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Rhode Island? ▼
To stay licensed as an emergency medical technician (emt) in Rhode Island, plan on 36 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $118.

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.