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How to become a certified EMT or Paramedic in Colorado. NREMT certification required. EMT training: 120-150 hours. Total initial EMT cost: $1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $50 (state cert) + $2.55 (Peer Assistance) + $57.50 (background check). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), EMS Division
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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) + $50 (state cert) + $2.55 (Peer Assistance) + $57.50 (background check)
EMT Initial Cost
3 years
Renewal Period
36 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
Colorado EMT training programs must be approved by CDPHE. Paramedic programs must be accredited by CoAEMSP/CAAHEP. Colorado uses a 3-year certification cycle, which is longer than the standard 2-year cycle used by most states. Applications are processed through the OATH portal.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NREMT Certification
Required
Cognitive Exam
Required
Psychomotor Exam
No
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
Colorado 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 Colorado must operate under the authority of a licensed physician medical director. Each EMS agency must have approved protocols through CDPHE.
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 EMT certification fee; Paramedic certification fee is $100 | $75 |
State License Fee Includes Peer Assistance fee of $2.55 | $50 (EMT) / $100 (Paramedic) |
Renewal Fee Per 3-year renewal cycle; includes Peer Assistance fee | $50 (EMT) / $100 (Paramedic) |
Total Initial EMT Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $50 (state cert) + $2.55 (Peer Assistance) + $57.50 (background check) |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $8,000-$15,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $100 (state cert) + $2.55 (Peer Assistance) + $57.50 (background check) |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years
Renewal Period
36 hrs
EMT CE Hours
60 hrs
Paramedic CE Hours
Required
Skills Verification
NREMT Recertification Accepted for State Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$75
Per 3-year renewal cycle; includes Peer Assistance 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; EMS Compact member state
Transfer Details
Colorado has no formal reciprocity process - all out-of-state applicants must hold current NREMT certification. As an EMS Compact member state, Colorado recognizes EMS personnel licensed in other compact states. Non-compact applicants must obtain NREMT certification and apply through the OATH portal.
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.
Colorado uses a 3-year certification cycle rather than the standard 2-year cycle, with 36 hours of CE required for EMTs. All applications go through the OATH portal. There is no formal reciprocity - all out-of-state applicants must hold current NREMT certification. Colorado is an EMS Compact member state. A $2.55 Peer Assistance fee is charged in addition to the standard certification fee.
Colorado uses a 3-year certification cycle, which is longer than the standard 2-year cycle used by most states.
The OATH portal is used for all EMS provider certification applications and renewals.
Colorado has no formal reciprocity process - all out-of-state applicants must hold current NREMT certification.
A $2.55 Peer Assistance fee is required in addition to the certification fee.
EMT CE requirement is 36 hours per 3-year cycle (vs. typical 40 hours per 2-year cycle in other states).
Colorado is an EMS Compact (REPLICA) member state, allowing cross-state EMS practice.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Colorado.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#18 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
$39,000
25th percentile
Median
$43,950
+6% vs. national avg ($41,340)Experienced
$48,160
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
3,420 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+200% salary growth potential
You are here
EMT
$43,950
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
You are here
EMT
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
$43,950
Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P
$64,690
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
$131,910
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: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), EMS Division — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), EMS Division — Licensing Requirements
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Colorado requires NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), EMS Division.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.