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EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of EMS & Highway Safety
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.
No
NREMT Required?
120-150
EMT Training Hours
4 levels
Certification Levels
$45 (application) + $104 (NREMT exam) + course tuition
EMT Initial Cost
4 years
Renewal Period
60 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, vital signs monitoring, oxygen therapy, bag-valve-mask ventilation, CPR/AED, splinting, bleeding control, assisted medication administration (epinephrine auto-injector, nitroglycerin, albuterol), emergency childbirth, and spinal motion restriction
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
350 hours
Scope of Practice
All EMT-Basic skills plus IV/IO access, fluid administration, supraglottic airway devices, blood glucose monitoring, CPAP, and limited medication administration per protocol
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
1,200 hours
Scope of Practice
All AEMT skills plus endotracheal intubation, cardiac monitoring/12-lead ECG, manual defibrillation/cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, needle chest decompression, surgical cricothyrotomy, comprehensive medication administration, and RSI where authorized
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Program Requirements
Verified120-150
EMT Training Hours
1,200
Paramedic Hours
Notes
Illinois requires a minimum of 206 hours for EMT training, which exceeds the national standard of 150 hours. NREMT has been required for initial licensure since April 2020. Training programs must be approved by IDPH. Military service members may qualify for fee waivers.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedAccepted
NREMT Certification
Not Required
Cognitive Exam
Not Required
Psychomotor Exam
Yes
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
Illinois has required NREMT certification for initial licensure since April 2020. NREMT is NOT required for recertification; the state has its own CE requirements. The NREMT cognitive exam is CAT format with 70-120 questions for EMT level, 2-hour time limit, $104 per attempt, scaled score passing at 950/1500, up to 6 attempts with 15-day wait between attempts. Psychomotor exam is administered by the state.
State Exam Details
Since April 2020, Illinois requires the NREMT cognitive exam for initial licensure. The psychomotor exam is administered by the state. No additional state-specific written exam.
Passing Score
NREMT cognitive exam uses computer adaptive testing (CAT) with 70-120 questions for EMT level. Scaled score passing threshold is 950 out of 1500. The exam adapts difficulty based on candidate performance.
Retake Policy
NREMT allows up to 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. Exam fee is $80 per attempt.
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
Passing Score
NREMT cognitive exam uses computer adaptive testing (CAT) with 70-120 questions for EMT level. Scaled score passing threshold is 950 out of 1500. The exam adapts difficulty based on candidate performance.
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 Illinois must operate under the authority of a licensed physician medical director. Each EMS system must have approved protocols.
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 |
|---|---|
NREMT Exam Fee NREMT EMT cognitive exam fee (increased from $70 in 2025) | $80 |
State Application Fee Initial application fee | $50 |
State License Fee Included in application fee | $45 |
Renewal Fee Per 4-year renewal cycle; duplicate license $10 | $20 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Reciprocity fee is $120 ($75 + $45); military fee waivers available | $45 (application) + $104 (NREMT exam) + course tuition |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment; military fee waivers available | $45 (application) + $104 (NREMT exam) + program tuition |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified4 years
Renewal Period
60 hrs
EMT CE Hours
100 hrs
Paramedic CE Hours
Required
Skills Verification
NREMT Recertification Not Accepted for State Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$50
Per 4-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
NREMT-based; NOT an EMS Compact member state
Transfer Details
Illinois accepts out-of-state EMS providers through a reciprocity process. Applicants must hold current NREMT certification or equivalent out-of-state certification. The reciprocity fee is $120 ($75 reciprocity fee + $45 application fee).
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 Illinois with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Illinois has a 4-year renewal cycle (longer than most states). The 206-hour EMT training minimum exceeds the national 150-hour standard. Mandatory Alzheimer's/dementia CE hour per cycle. NREMT required for initial (since April 2020) but not recertification. Military fee waivers available. Applicants must be fluent in English.
Illinois has required NREMT certification for initial licensure since April 2020, but does NOT require NREMT for recertification.
Illinois has a 4-year renewal cycle, which is longer than most states' 2-year cycles.
The 206-hour EMT training minimum exceeds the national standard of 150 hours.
Mandatory 1 hour of Alzheimer's/dementia CE training per renewal cycle.
Military service members may qualify for fee waivers.
Reciprocity fee is $120 ($75 reciprocity + $45 application).
Duplicate license fee is $10.
Applicants must be fluent in English.
Illinois is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
EMT requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois (you) | $45 (application) + $104 (NREMT exam) + course tuition | — | |
| Indiana | $104 (NREMT exam) + course tuition | 8–24 wks | → |
| Iowa | $30 (initial cert) + $104 (NREMT exam) + course tuition | — | → |
| Kentucky | $10 (application) + $30 (initial cert) + $104 (NREMT exam) + ViewPoint background check fee + course tuition | — | → |
| Missouri | $800 (program) + $104 (NREMT exam) + fingerprint fee | — | → |
Other professional licenses in Illinois
See how Illinois compares: EMT License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Illinois 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 Illinois.
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Official Sources
EMT requirements in Illinois verified against Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of EMS & Highway Safety, March 2026.
Moving to Illinois? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your EMT license to Illinois →
Transfer your EMT license from Illinois to: Indiana → | Iowa → | Kentucky → | Missouri → | Wisconsin →
Illinois accepts NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Division of EMS & Highway Safety.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.
EMT Schools in Illinois
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.