Paramedic / Texas
2026 data Texas board official source

Texas Paramedic License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

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Provides advanced emergency medical care in the field.

What the Texas data shows for Paramedics

Texas sets the entry bar for paramedics at 1,622 training hours and a passing score on NREMT Paramedic Exam. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Texas's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Paramedic Training Program".

Upfront cost is $155, with renewal running $129 on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 72 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For paramedics, the reciprocity picture is: Interstate EMS Compact: 30+ states.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
39/100
Paramedic · Texas

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
1,622 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$155
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$65/yr
$129 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 Texas

Education / Training Hours
Paramedic Training Program
1,622 hours
Exam Requirement
NREMT Paramedic Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$155
Renewal Fee
$129
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 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 Paramedic in Texas? ▼
Texas's requirements cover 1622 hours of education or training, the NREMT Paramedic Exam exam, and an initial fee of $155. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Paramedic in Texas? ▼
To become a licensed paramedic in Texas, you must meet the state's requirements including 1622 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Texas licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Paramedic license to Texas 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 Texas licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Texas require a background check for Paramedic licensing? ▼
Texas 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 Texas? ▼
Licensed paramedics in Texas must complete 72 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $129.

Related Guides

What to do with this paramedic license

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

  • See how Texas'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 Texas's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Texas overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Texas 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.