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

Texas Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides emergency medical care and transportation. Requires NREMT exam.

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

Texas's path to emergency medical technician (emt) licensure runs through 162 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NREMT Certification Exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Texas folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "EMT Training Course".

The initial price tag is $104, and renewal costs $91 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Education / Training Hours
EMT Training Course
162 hours
Exam Requirement
NREMT Certification Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$104
Renewal Fee
$91
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 Texas licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Texas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Texas? ▼
In Texas, the license path calls for 162 education/training hours, a passing score on NREMT Certification Exam, and a $104 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Texas? ▼
Certification as an emergency medical technician (emt) in Texas means clearing the state's checklist: 162 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Texas licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license to Texas 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 Texas licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Texas require a background check for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the emergency medical technician (emt) licensing process in Texas. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Texas? ▼
Licensed emergency medical technician (emt)s in Texas must complete 36 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $91.

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.