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EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services
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
$104 (NREMT exam) + course tuition + background check
EMT Initial Cost
3 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
Ohio requires 150 hours minimum for EMT training. Uses a 3-year certification cycle. Mandatory one-time courses include Dementia Awareness Training, Trauma Triage, and Rescue Task Force. 5-year residency rule applies to background checks. 17-year-olds can begin training with agency support but cannot be certified until 18.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedAccepted
NREMT Certification
Not Required
Cognitive Exam
Not Required
Psychomotor Exam
Yes
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
Ohio requires NREMT certification for initial certification. For recertification, NREMT is accepted but not the only pathway (CE pathway also available). 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
Ohio uses NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams for initial certification. No separate 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
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NREMT (EMT Certification Exam)
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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 Ohio 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 Reciprocity fee is $75 | $40 |
Renewal Fee 3-year cycle; NREMT recertification or CE pathway | $40 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Does not include course tuition, textbooks, or equipment costs | $104 (NREMT exam) + course tuition + background check |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Does not include textbooks, uniforms, or equipment | $104 (NREMT exam) + program tuition + background check |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
54 hrs
Paramedic CE Hours
Required
Skills Verification
NREMT Recertification Accepted for State Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$40
NREMT recertification or state CE pathway (30hr refresher + 10 CE, prorated)
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; EMS Compact member state
Transfer Details
Ohio accepts current NREMT certification for reciprocity. Reciprocity fee is $75. A 5-year residency rule applies for background checks. Mandatory one-time courses (Dementia Awareness, Trauma Triage, Rescue Task Force) must be completed.
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 Ohio with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Ohio uses a 3-year certification cycle with mandatory one-time courses in Dementia Awareness Training, Trauma Triage, and Rescue Task Force. A 5-year residency rule applies for background checks. Reciprocity fee is $75. 17-year-olds can begin training with agency support but cannot certify until 18.
Ohio uses a 3-year certification cycle.
NREMT is required for initial certification; recertification accepts NREMT or CE pathway.
Mandatory one-time courses: Dementia Awareness Training, Trauma Triage, and Rescue Task Force.
5-year residency rule applies for background checks.
17-year-olds can begin training with agency support but cannot be certified until 18.
Reciprocity fee is $75.
CE renewal options: 40 hours total or 30-hour refresher + 10 CE hours (prorated).
Ohio is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
EMT requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio (you) | $104 (NREMT exam) + course tuition + background check | — | |
| Indiana | $104 (NREMT exam) + course tuition | 8–24 wks | → |
| Kentucky | $10 (application) + $30 (initial cert) + $104 (NREMT exam) + ViewPoint background check fee + course tuition | — | → |
| Michigan | $1,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT exam) + $40 (state application) | — | → |
| Pennsylvania | $104 | — | → |
Other professional licenses in Ohio
See how Ohio compares: EMT License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ REPLICA Compact State — Ohio is a member of the EMS Compact (REPLICA). Licensed emts from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Ohio.
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Official Sources
EMT requirements in Ohio verified against Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services, March 2026.
Moving to Ohio? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your EMT license to Ohio →
Transfer your EMT license from Ohio to: Indiana → | Kentucky → | Michigan → | Pennsylvania → | West Virginia →
Ohio accepts NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.
EMT Schools in Ohio
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.