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How to become a certified EMT or Paramedic in South Carolina. NREMT certification required. EMT training: 120-150 hours. Total initial EMT cost: varies. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
EMT / Paramedic
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
56% of data points are verified against official sources. 18 fields based on preliminary research. 9 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
NREMT Required?
120-150
EMT Training Hours
4 levels
Certification Levels
Varies
EMT Initial Cost
4 years
Renewal Period
40 hrs
EMT CE Hours
Training Hours
60 hours
Scope of Practice
Basic emergency care including CPR, AED, bleeding control, splinting, and oxygen administration
NREMT Required
Yes
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
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
350 hours
Scope of Practice
EMT scope plus IV access, IO access, basic cardiac monitoring, and limited medication administration
NREMT Required
Yes
Training Hours
1,200 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
Additional Requirements
Training Program Requirements
Verified120-150
EMT Training Hours
1,200
Paramedic Hours
Notes
Standard 4-level system: EMR, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic. Programs must be DPH-approved. SC recently transitioned EMS oversight from DHEC to DPH. Psychomotor exam is DPH-approved (not the NREMT psychomotor exam). Approximately 4-week processing time after exams.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
NREMT Certification
Required
Cognitive Exam
Required
Psychomotor Exam
No
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
NREMT required for initial certification AND recertification at all levels. NREMT cognitive exam required. Psychomotor exam is DPH-approved (NOT the NREMT psychomotor). NREMT must be maintained continuously on a 2-year cycle even though state certification is 4 years. Cognitive exam: CAT format, 70-120 questions for EMT, 2-hour limit, $104/attempt. Passing score 950/1500. 6 attempts, 15-day wait, 24-hr remedial after 3rd failure.
State Exam Details
NREMT cognitive exam required. Psychomotor exam is DPH-approved (NOT the NREMT psychomotor). Approximately 4-week processing time after completing exams.
Passing Score
NREMT scaled score 950/1500 for cognitive; DPH-set passing criteria for psychomotor
Retake Policy
NREMT cognitive: 6 attempts allowed, 15-day wait between attempts, 24-hour remedial training after 3rd failure.
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; hurricane and coastal emergency protocols in place
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Drug Screening
CPR/BLS Certification
Immunizations Required
Driver's License Required
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
NREMT Exam Fee NREMT EMT cognitive exam fee (increased from $70 in 2025) | $80 |
State Application Fee Not publicly listed. Contact emscertifications@dph.sc.gov for fee information. | $20 |
Renewal Fee Not publicly listed. Continuous NREMT maintenance on 2-year cycle required (NREMT recertification fee applies). | $20 |
Total Initial EMT Cost State fees not publicly listed. NREMT exam $104 plus undisclosed state fees. Contact emscertifications@dph.sc.gov. | Varies |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost State fees not publicly listed. NREMT exam $104 plus undisclosed state fees. Contact emscertifications@dph.sc.gov. | Varies |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified4 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 publicly listed. Contact emscertifications@dph.sc.gov.
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.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NREMT-Based Reciprocity Available
Reciprocity Type
NREMT-based; EMS Compact member state
Transfer Details
South Carolina joined the EMS Compact in May 2018. Compact members may practice under their home state license. Non-compact applicants must hold current NREMT certification and complete both FBI and state criminal background checks. DPH-approved psychomotor exam may be required. Approximately 4-week processing time.
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.
Dual FBI + state background check for every cert and recert; 4-year state cert (unusual) but continuous NREMT required on 2-year cycle; DPH-approved psychomotor exam (not NREMT psychomotor); recently transitioned from DHEC to DPH; ~4 week processing after exams; online-only CPR explicitly rejected; hurricane/coastal emergency protocols
Dual FBI and state criminal background check required for every initial certification AND recertification
4-year state certification cycle (unusual among states) but continuous NREMT maintenance required on 2-year cycle
Psychomotor exam is DPH-approved (NOT the NREMT psychomotor exam)
Recently transitioned EMS oversight from DHEC to DPH
Approximately 4-week processing time after completing exams
Online-only CPR/ACLS explicitly rejected; must include in-person skills component
BLS for EMT; ACLS required for Paramedic (ARC/MTN/AHA/ASHI accepted)
Hurricane and coastal emergency protocols in place
EMS Portal: https://www.scemsportal.org/ and https://southcarolina.imagetrendlicense.com/
State fees not publicly listed; contact emscertifications@dph.sc.gov
NREMT required for both initial certification and recertification at all levels
South Carolina is an EMS Compact (REPLICA) member state, allowing cross-state EMS practice.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Carolina.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#33 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Emergency Medical Technicians (SOC 29-2042)
Entry Level
$36,250
25th percentile
Median
$38,670
-6% vs. national avg ($41,340)Experienced
$43,760
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,270 employed in this state
Note: BLS EMT category includes EMT-Basic level. Paramedics (EMT-P) are classified separately under SOC 29-2043 with higher wages.
Source: BLS OEWS – Emergency Medical Technicians (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+8.8%
High DemandNew Jobs
+12,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
19,600
per year (avg.)
147,300 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Emergency Medicine Career Ladder+208% salary growth potential
You are here
EMT
$38,670
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
You are here
EMT
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
$38,670
Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P
$50,130
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
$119,190
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: ~null weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: South Carolina Department of Public Health, Bureau of EMS — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: South Carolina Department of Public Health, Bureau of EMS — Licensing Requirements
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South Carolina requires NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Bureau of EMS.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.