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Virginia 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 Virginia data shows for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)s

Virginia's path to emergency medical technician (emt) licensure runs through 152 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. Virginia folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "EMT Training Course".

Upfront cost is $86, with renewal running $76 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 Virginia

Education / Training Hours
EMT Training Course
152 hours
Exam Requirement
NREMT Certification Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$86
Renewal Fee
$76
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 Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Virginia?
Virginia's requirements cover 152 hours of education or training, the NREMT Certification Exam exam, and an initial fee of $86. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Virginia?
To become a licensed emergency medical technician (emt) in Virginia, you must meet the state's requirements including 152 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Virginia licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license to Virginia 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 Virginia. Verify the specifics with the Virginia licensing board.
Does Virginia require a background check for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licensing?
Yes, Virginia 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 Virginia?
Licensed emergency medical technician (emt)s in Virginia must complete 36 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $76.

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