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How to become a certified EMT or Paramedic in Connecticut. NREMT certification required. EMT training: 120-160 hours. Total initial EMT cost: $1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $130 (state practical) + $15 (state cert). Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
Connecticut Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS)
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?
120-160
EMT Training Hours
4 levels
Certification Levels
$1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $130 (state practical) + $15 (state cert)
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
120-160 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
Verified120-160
EMT Training Hours
1,200
Paramedic Hours
Notes
Connecticut EMT training programs must be approved by CT DPH OEMS. Programs are 150 hours. Paramedic programs must be accredited by CoAEMSP/CAAHEP. Connecticut allows EMT certification at age 16 with parental consent, making it one of the youngest minimum ages in the country.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NREMT Certification
Required
Cognitive Exam
Required
Psychomotor Exam
No
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
Connecticut requires the NREMT cognitive exam for initial certification plus a separate state practical examination with 5 testing stations. NREMT is NOT required for recertification; Connecticut uses the NCCP (National Continued Competency Program) model. 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.
State Exam Details
Connecticut requires a separate state practical examination with 5 testing stations in addition to the NREMT cognitive exam. Full practical exam fee is $130; retest fee is $70 per station.
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. State practical exam requires passing all 5 stations.
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. State practical exam retest is $70 per station.
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 Connecticut must operate under the authority of a licensed physician medical director. Each EMS service must have approved medical protocols through CT DPH OEMS.
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 State certification fee | $155 |
State License Fee State certification fee | $15 |
Renewal Fee Per 2-year renewal cycle | $15 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $130 (state practical) + $15 (state cert) |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $8,000-$15,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $130 (state practical) + $15 (state cert) |
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
$155
Per 2-year renewal cycle
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
Connecticut has endorsement agreements with Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. EMS personnel from these states may obtain Connecticut certification through an expedited endorsement process. Connecticut is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
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.
Connecticut allows EMT certification at age 16 with parental consent, one of the youngest minimum ages nationally. A separate state practical exam (5 stations, $130; retest $70/station) is required alongside the NREMT cognitive exam. NREMT is not required for recertification - the NCCP model is used instead. Connecticut is NOT an EMS Compact member but has endorsement agreements with ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, and VT.
Connecticut allows EMT certification at age 16 with parental consent, making it one of the youngest minimum ages in the country.
A separate state practical examination with 5 testing stations is required in addition to the NREMT cognitive exam ($130 for full exam, $70 for retest per station).
NREMT is NOT required for recertification; Connecticut uses the NCCP model.
Connecticut has endorsement agreements with Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont for expedited reciprocity.
Connecticut is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Connecticut.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#7 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
$42,200
25th percentile
Median
$47,550
+15% vs. national avg ($41,340)Experienced
$55,160
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
2,100 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+191% salary growth potential
You are here
EMT
$47,550
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
You are here
EMT
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
$47,550
Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P
$75,400
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
$138,440
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.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
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Connecticut requires NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-160 hours. All certification is managed through the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.