Paramedic / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia Paramedic License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

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Provides advanced emergency medical care in the field.

What the District of Columbia data shows for Paramedics

Becoming a licensed paramedic in District of Columbia means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 1,658 training hours, a passing score on NREMT Paramedic Exam, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. District of Columbia regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Paramedic Training Program".

Upfront cost is $165, with renewal running $136 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 72-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, paramedics should know: Interstate EMS Compact: 30+ states.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
38/100
Paramedic · District of Columbia

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
1,658 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$165
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$68/yr
$136 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
36.0 hrs/yr
72 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
Paramedic Training Program
1,658 hours
Exam Requirement
NREMT Paramedic Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$165
Renewal Fee
$136
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
72 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Paramedic All District of Columbia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Paramedic in District of Columbia? ▼
In District of Columbia, the license path calls for 1658 education/training hours, a passing score on NREMT Paramedic Exam, and a $165 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Paramedic in District of Columbia? ▼
To become a licensed paramedic in District of Columbia, you must meet the state's requirements including 1658 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the District of Columbia licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Paramedic license to District of Columbia from another state? ▼
For paramedics, 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 District of Columbia licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for Paramedic licensing? ▼
District of Columbia does require a background check before issuing a paramedic license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Paramedic in District of Columbia? ▼
Licensed paramedics in District of Columbia must complete 72 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $136.

Related Guides

What to do with this paramedic license

Paramedic in District of Columbia, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a paramedic-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how District of Columbia's paramedic requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Paramedic in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state paramedic license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how District of Columbia's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. District of Columbia overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the District of Columbia licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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