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How to become a certified EMT or Paramedic in Arizona. NREMT certification required. EMT training: 120-150 hours. Total initial EMT cost: $1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $0 (state cert) + ~$75-$90 (Fingerprint Clearance Card). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of EMS and Trauma System
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
84% of data points are verified against official sources. 9 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
NREMT Required?
120-150
EMT Training Hours
4 levels
Certification Levels
$1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $0 (state cert) + ~$75-$90 (Fingerprint Clearance Card)
EMT Initial Cost
2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
Training Hours
60 hours
Scope of Practice
Basic emergency care including bleeding control, CPR, AED use, oxygen administration, and basic patient assessment
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
120-150 hours
Scope of Practice
BLS care including patient assessment, oxygen therapy, splinting, spinal immobilization, assisted medication administration (epinephrine, nitroglycerin, albuterol), and emergency childbirth
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
350 hours
Scope of Practice
EMT scope plus IV access, fluid resuscitation, advanced airway devices (supraglottic), blood glucose monitoring, and limited medication administration
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
1,200 hours
Scope of Practice
Full ALS care including endotracheal intubation, cardiac monitoring/defibrillation, IV/IO access, comprehensive medication administration, needle decompression, surgical cricothyrotomy, synchronized cardioversion, and advanced patient assessment
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Program Requirements
Verified120-150
EMT Training Hours
1,200
Paramedic Hours
Notes
EMT training programs in Arizona must be approved by BEMS. Paramedic programs must be accredited by CoAEMSP or hold a Letter of Review from CAAHEP. Arizona offers multiple recertification pathways including NREMT recertification, state CE, and refresher courses.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NREMT Certification
Required
Cognitive Exam
Required
Psychomotor Exam
No
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
Arizona requires NREMT certification for both initial certification and recertification at all EMS levels. The NREMT cognitive exam is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) with 70-120 questions for EMT level, a 2-hour time limit, and costs $104 per attempt. A scaled passing score of 950/1500 is required. Candidates are allowed 6 attempts with a 15-day waiting period between attempts.
Passing Score
NREMT uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). EMT exam has 70-120 questions with a 2-hour time limit. A scaled passing score of 950/1500 is required. Cost is $80 per attempt.
Retake Policy
NREMT allows 6 attempts with a 15-day waiting period between attempts. After the 3rd failed attempt, candidates must complete 24 hours of remedial training. After 6 failed attempts, full course completion is required.
What Each Level Can Do
VerifiedOnline Medical Direction (Real-Time)
Real-time physician contact via radio or phone for consultation on patient care decisions beyond standing orders
Offline Medical Direction (Standing Orders)
Standing orders and protocols developed by the EMS medical director that authorize specific treatments without real-time physician contact
Protocol Requirements
All EMS providers in Arizona must operate under the authority of a licensed physician medical director. Each EMS agency must have approved protocols through BEMS.
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Drug Screening
CPR/BLS Certification
Immunizations Required
Driver's License Required
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
EMT Course Cost Varies by program and institution | $1,000-$2,500 |
Paramedic Course Cost Varies by program | $8,000-$15,000 |
NREMT Exam Fee NREMT EMT cognitive exam fee (increased from $70 in 2025) | $80 |
State Application Fee Arizona charges no state certification fee - certification is free | $30 |
State License Fee No state certification fee | $0 |
Renewal Fee No state renewal fee; NREMT recertification fee applies | $0 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $0 (state cert) + ~$75-$90 (Fingerprint Clearance Card) |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $8,000-$15,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $0 (state cert) + ~$75-$90 (Fingerprint Clearance Card) |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
60 hrs
Paramedic CE Hours
Required
Skills Verification
NREMT Recertification Accepted for State Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$30
No state renewal fee
Regulatory Board
EMS certifications must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering patient assessment, trauma care, cardiac emergencies, and applicable protocol updates.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NREMT-Based Reciprocity Available
Reciprocity Type
NREMT-based; NOT an EMS Compact member state
Transfer Details
Arizona accepts current NREMT certification for reciprocity. Applicants must hold current NREMT certification at the level being applied for and obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card. Arizona is NOT an EMS Compact member state. Multiple recertification pathways are available.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
EMT/Paramedic reciprocity is often facilitated through NREMT certification. States that require NREMT typically allow easier transfer for certified providers. Always verify current reciprocity policies with your state EMS office.
Arizona is notable for having no state certification fee - EMS certification itself is free. However, a Fingerprint Clearance Card from Arizona DPS is required (~$65 plus fingerprinting fee of $10-$25). Arizona is NOT an EMS Compact member state. Multiple recertification pathways are available, making renewal flexible.
Arizona charges no state certification fee - EMS certification is free from the state.
A Fingerprint Clearance Card from Arizona DPS is required for all EMS personnel (~$65 + fingerprinting).
Arizona requires NREMT for both initial certification and recertification.
Multiple recertification pathways are available including NREMT recertification, state CE, and refresher courses.
Arizona is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arizona.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#37 of 51
Cost
#37 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Emergency Medical Technicians (SOC 29-2042)
Entry Level
$33,520
25th percentile
Median
$38,110
-8% vs. national avg ($41,340)Experienced
$46,610
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,660 employed in this state
Note: BLS EMT category includes EMT-Basic level. Paramedics (EMT-P) are classified separately under SOC 29-2043 with higher wages.
Source: BLS OEWS – Emergency Medical Technicians (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+8.8%
High DemandNew Jobs
+12,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
19,600
per year (avg.)
147,300 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Emergency Medicine Career Ladder+255% salary growth potential
You are here
EMT
$38,110
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
You are here
EMT
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
$38,110
Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P
$50,860
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
$135,240
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: ~null weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of EMS and Trauma System — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of EMS and Trauma System — Licensing Requirements
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Arizona requires NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of EMS and Trauma System.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.