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EMT / Paramedic
Governing Authority
Rhode Island Department of Health, 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.
Yes
NREMT Required?
120-150
EMT Training Hours
3 levels
Certification Levels
$224
EMT Initial Cost
2 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
Training Hours
120-150 hours
Scope of Practice
BLS care including patient assessment, airway management, oxygen therapy, splinting, spinal immobilization, assisted medication administration, and basic trauma care
NREMT Required
Yes
Scope of Practice
Unique to Rhode Island; similar to AEMT scope with cardiac monitoring, IV access, and expanded medication administration. EMT-Cardiac exam administered only by RI DOH (not NREMT), scheduled once monthly.
NREMT Required
No
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
1,300 hours
Scope of Practice
Full ALS scope including advanced airway management, cardiac monitoring and 12-lead ECG interpretation, cardioversion, defibrillation, external pacing, extensive medication administration, IV/IO access, and needle decompression
NREMT Required
Yes
Training Program Requirements
Verified120-150
EMT Training Hours
1,300
Paramedic Hours
Notes
Rhode Island uses a unique 3-tier system: EMT-Basic, EMT-Cardiac, and EMT-Paramedic. The EMT-Cardiac level is unique to Rhode Island (similar to AEMT but with cardiac emphasis). Programs must be RI DOH-approved.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NREMT Certification
Required
Cognitive Exam
Required
Psychomotor Exam
No
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
NREMT required for initial certification at EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic levels (cognitive + psychomotor). NOT required for EMT-Cardiac level (state-administered exam only). Cognitive exam: CAT format, 70-120 questions for EMT, 2-hour limit, $104/attempt. Passing score 950/1500. 6 attempts allowed, 15-day wait between attempts, 24-hr remedial training after 3rd failure.
State Exam Details
EMT-Cardiac exam is administered exclusively by RI DOH (not NREMT). Scheduled once monthly. EMT-Basic and EMT-Paramedic use NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams.
Passing Score
NREMT scaled score 950/1500 for EMT-Basic and Paramedic; state-set passing score for EMT-Cardiac
Retake Policy
NREMT: 6 attempts allowed, 15-day wait between attempts, 24-hr remedial training after 3rd failure. EMT-Cardiac re-exam: $60 fee.
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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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 scaled score 950/1500 for EMT-Basic and Paramedic; state-set passing score for EMT-Cardiac
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)
Required; EMS providers must operate under medical direction from a licensed physician
Offline Medical Direction (Standing Orders)
Standing orders and protocols provided by agency medical director
Protocol Requirements
Must follow agency medical director protocols; state is small enough for statewide mutual aid coverage
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 EMT/Cardiac application $120. Paramedic application $80. Cardiac re-exam $60. | $20 |
Renewal Fee Not confirmed separately | $20 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Approximate: $120 state application + $104 NREMT exam (excludes course tuition) | $224 |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Approximate: $80 state application + $104 NREMT exam (excludes course tuition) | $184 |
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
$20
Not confirmed separately
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
Rhode Island is not an EMS Compact member. Out-of-state applicants must hold current NREMT certification at the appropriate level and complete BCI background check through the RI Attorney General's Office. EMT-Cardiac level has no direct reciprocity equivalent; out-of-state AEMTs may need to complete RI-specific Cardiac exam.
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 Rhode Island with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Unique 3-tier system (EMT-Basic, EMT-Cardiac, EMT-Paramedic); EMT-Cardiac level unique to RI; EMT-Cardiac exam administered only by RI DOH (not NREMT), scheduled once monthly; BCI background check (name/DOB, not fingerprint); small enough for statewide mutual aid coverage; administers Comfort One DNR program
Rhode Island uses a unique 3-tier system: EMT-Basic, EMT-Cardiac, and EMT-Paramedic
EMT-Cardiac level is unique to Rhode Island (similar to AEMT but with cardiac emphasis)
EMT-Cardiac exam administered only by RI DOH (not NREMT), scheduled once monthly
BCI background check is name/DOB-based (not fingerprint-based), obtained from RI Attorney General's Office
State is small enough for statewide mutual aid coverage
Rhode Island administers the Comfort One DNR program
EMT-Cardiac re-exam fee is $60
Rhode Island is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
EMT requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (you) | $224 | |
| Connecticut | $1,000-$2,500 (program) + $104 (NREMT) + $130 (state practical) + $15 (state cert) | → |
| Massachusetts | $1,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT exam) + $150 (state certification) | → |
Other professional licenses in Rhode Island
See how Rhode Island compares: EMT License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.
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Official Sources
EMT requirements in Rhode Island verified against Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services, March 2026.
Moving to Rhode Island? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your EMT license to Rhode Island →
Transfer your EMT license from Rhode Island to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts →
Rhode Island requires NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Services.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.
EMT Schools in Rhode Island
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.