Paramedic / Virginia
2026 data Virginia board official source

Virginia 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 Virginia data shows for Paramedics

Virginia sets the entry bar for paramedics at 1,524 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 Virginia's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Paramedic Training Program".

Upfront cost is $131, with renewal running $111 on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 72 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Interstate EMS Compact: 30+ states.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
42/100
Paramedic · Virginia

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
1,524 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$131
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C-
$56/yr
$111 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 Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Paramedic Training Program
1,524 hours
Exam Requirement
NREMT Paramedic Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$131
Renewal Fee
$111
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 Virginia licenses
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 Paramedic in Virginia? ▼
Virginia requires 1524 education/training hours, passing an exam (NREMT Paramedic Exam), and an initial fee of $131. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Paramedic in Virginia? ▼
Certification as a paramedic in Virginia means clearing the state's checklist: 1524 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Virginia licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Paramedic license to Virginia 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 Virginia licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Virginia require a background check for Paramedic licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for paramedic licensing in Virginia. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Paramedic in Virginia? ▼
To stay licensed as a paramedic in Virginia, plan on 72 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $111.

Related Guides

What to do with this paramedic license

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

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

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