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EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
New Mexico Department of Health, EMS Bureau (Emergency Medical Systems Bureau)
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
$65 (state application) + $104 (NREMT exam) + background check fee
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, 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
New Mexico requires a minimum of 160 hours for EMT-B training. Training programs must be approved by the NM EMS Bureau. All applications are online-only. Minimum age is 17 for EMT-B (with parental consent if under 18), 16 for EMSFR, and 18 for EMT-I level.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NREMT Certification
Required
Cognitive Exam
Required
Psychomotor Exam
No
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
New Mexico requires NREMT certification for both initial certification and recertification (aligned with NREMT cycles). 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 allowed with 15-day wait between attempts. Psychomotor exam is administered by the state for EMT level.
State Exam Details
New Mexico uses NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams for initial certification. For reciprocity, a NM reciprocity written exam is required (up to 3 attempts).
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. NM retest fee is $25-$40.
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
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NREMT (EMT Certification Exam)
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NREMT Cognitive Exam
Questions
120 questions
Time Limit
2 hours
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.
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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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 New Mexico must operate under the authority of a licensed physician medical director. Each EMS agency must have approved medical 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 EMT-B certification fee | $35 |
State License Fee Included in initial application fee; reciprocity fee is $130 | $65 |
Renewal Fee Reinstatement fees range from $120-$300; replacement credential $10 | $65 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Does not include course tuition, textbooks, or equipment costs. Retest fee $25-$40 if needed. | $65 (state application) + $104 (NREMT exam) + background check fee |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $65 (state application) + $104 (NREMT exam) + background check fee + program tuition |
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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
$35
Reinstatement fees $120-$300 for lapsed credentials
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
Reciprocity applicants must hold current NREMT certification, complete a 16-hour NM transition course, and pass the NM reciprocity written exam (up to 3 attempts). A 6-month temporary license is available during the reciprocity process. Reciprocity fee is $130.
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 New Mexico with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
New Mexico reciprocity requires a 16-hour transition course plus a NM reciprocity written exam (3 attempts allowed). A 6-month temporary license is available during the reciprocity process. All applications are online-only. Minimum age is 17 for EMT-B (parental consent required if under 18), 16 for EMSFR, and 18 for EMT-I.
New Mexico requires NREMT certification for both initial certification and recertification (aligned with NREMT cycles).
Minimum age varies by level: 16 for EMSFR, 17 for EMT-B (parental consent under 18), 18 for EMT-I.
All applications are online-only; no paper applications accepted.
Reciprocity requires a 16-hour NM transition course and passing the NM reciprocity written exam (up to 3 attempts).
A 6-month temporary license is available for reciprocity applicants during the transition process.
Renewal is every 2 years with expiration on March 31.
New Mexico is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
EMT requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico (you) | $65 (state application) + $104 (NREMT exam) + background check fee | |
| Arizona | $1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $0 (state cert) + ~$75-$90 (Fingerprint Clearance Card) | → |
| Colorado | $1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $50 (state cert) + $2.55 (Peer Assistance) + $57.50 (background check) | → |
| Oklahoma | $189 | → |
| Texas | Course + $104 (NREMT) + $64 (state cert) + background check | → |
Other professional licenses in New Mexico
See how New Mexico compares: EMT License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
New Mexico 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 New Mexico.
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EMT requirements in New Mexico verified against New Mexico Department of Health, EMS Bureau (Emergency Medical Systems Bureau), March 2026.
Moving to New Mexico? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your EMT license to New Mexico →
Transfer your EMT license from New Mexico to: Arizona → | Colorado → | Oklahoma → | Texas → | Utah →
New Mexico requires NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the New Mexico Department of Health, EMS Bureau (Emergency Medical Systems Bureau).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.
EMT Schools in New Mexico
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.