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EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration, EMS Division
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
NREMT Required?
120-150
EMT Training Hours
4 levels
Certification Levels
$1,200-$3,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $45 (DC 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
120-150 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
DC EMT training programs must be approved by DC Health HEPRA. Paramedic programs must be accredited by CoAEMSP/CAAHEP. A sponsoring organization (EMS agency) is required for certification, meaning candidates must be affiliated with a DC EMS provider.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NREMT Certification
Required
Cognitive Exam
Required
Psychomotor Exam
No
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
DC 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
15-day wait between attempts; remediation (24 hours) required after 3rd failure (before 4th attempt); after 6 total failures, full course repeat required.
Didn't pass on the first try? Learn what to do if you fail the NREMT.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
NREMT (EMT Certification Exam)
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EMT Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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NREMT Cognitive Exam
Questions
120 questions
Time Limit
2 hours
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.
Format
Computer adaptive testing (CAT)
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $80Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the NREMT Cognitive Exam.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — NREMT Certification Exam
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Study guides and practice tests for the NREMT certification exam.
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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 DC must operate under the authority of a licensed physician medical director. DC FEMS (Fire and Emergency Medical Services) establishes protocols for the district.
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Drug Screening
CPR/BLS Certification
Immunizations Required
Driver's License Required
Not sure if you need a emt license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
EMT Course Cost Varies by program and institution | $1,200-$3,000 |
Paramedic Course Cost Varies by program | $10,000-$20,000 |
NREMT Exam Fee NREMT EMT cognitive exam fee (increased from $70 in 2025) | $80 |
State Application Fee DC certification fee | $45 |
State License Fee DC certification fee | $45 |
Renewal Fee Per 2-year renewal cycle | $45 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $1,200-$3,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $45 (DC cert) |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Approximate total; does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $10,000-$20,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $45 (DC cert) |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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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
$45
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.
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our emt license renewal guide.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NREMT-Based Reciprocity Available
Reciprocity Type
Confirmed NREMT-based reciprocity; DC is not an EMS Compact member (EMS Compact is limited to U.S. states)
Transfer Details
DC accepts current NREMT certification for reciprocity. Applicants must obtain a sponsoring organization in DC. DC is NOT an EMS Compact member, as the EMS Compact is limited to states and DC is a federal district.
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.
See all EMS Compact (REPLICA) member states & eligibility details →
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare District of Columbia with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
DC requires a sponsoring organization (EMS agency affiliation) for certification. As a federal district rather than a state, DC is NOT eligible for EMS Compact membership. NREMT is required for both initial certification and recertification at all levels. DC Health's HEPRA division manages EMS certification.
DC requires a sponsoring organization (EMS agency) for certification, meaning candidates must be affiliated with a DC EMS provider.
NREMT is required for both initial certification and recertification.
DC EMS is managed through DC Health HEPRA's Emergency Medical Services Division.
District of Columbia is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
EMT requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in District of Columbia
See how District of Columbia compares: EMT License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
District of Columbia is not currently a member of the EMS Compact (REPLICA). EMT licensees must apply through standard reciprocity or endorsement. See which states are in the REPLICA →
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in District of Columbia.
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Official Sources
EMT requirements in District of Columbia verified against DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration, EMS Division, March 2026.
Moving to District of Columbia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your EMT license to District of Columbia →
Transfer your EMT license from District of Columbia to: Maryland → | Virginia →
District of Columbia requires NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration, EMS Division.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.
EMT Schools in District of Columbia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.