Paramedic / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington Paramedic License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides advanced emergency medical care in the field.

What the Washington data shows for Paramedics

To practice as a paramedic in Washington, the state licensing board requires 1,849 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NREMT Paramedic Exam. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Washington's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Paramedic Training Program".

Budget $212 to get started, plus $172 at each renewal 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
33/100
Paramedic · Washington

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
1,849 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$212
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$86/yr
$172 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 Washington

Education / Training Hours
Paramedic Training Program
1,849 hours
Exam Requirement
NREMT Paramedic Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$212
Renewal Fee
$172
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 Washington licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Paramedic in Washington? ▼
Washington's requirements cover 1849 hours of education or training, the NREMT Paramedic Exam exam, and an initial fee of $212. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Paramedic in Washington? ▼
To become a licensed paramedic in Washington, you must meet the state's requirements including 1849 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Washington licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Paramedic license to Washington from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for paramedics: Interstate EMS Compact: 30+ states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Washington licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Washington require a background check for Paramedic licensing? ▼
Washington 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 Washington? ▼
Washington ties continued paramedic licensure to 72 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $172 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this paramedic license

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

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

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