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EMT / Paramedic
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
Course + $104 (NREMT) + $0 (state fees) + 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, oxygen therapy, BVM 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 and cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, needle chest decompression, surgical cricothyrotomy, comprehensive medication administration, and rapid sequence intubation where authorized
NREMT Required
Yes
Additional Requirements
Training Program Requirements
Verified120-150
EMT Training Hours
1,200
Paramedic Hours
Notes
Wisconsin EMT training programs must be through a WI-approved EMS Training Center. Initial certification must be obtained within 24 months of course completion. A Local Credentialing Agreement is required per EMS service. Wisconsin uses an E-Licensing system for applications.
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedAccepted
NREMT Certification
Not Required
Cognitive Exam
Not Required
Psychomotor Exam
Yes
State-Specific Exam
NREMT Details
Wisconsin requires NREMT for initial certification. For recertification, NREMT is one of three accepted pathways (NREMT recertification, 40-hour refresher course, or 40 hours of WI curriculum CE). The NREMT cognitive exam is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) with 70-120 questions for EMT level, a 2-hour time limit, and costs $104 per attempt. A scaled passing score of 950/1500 is required. Candidates are allowed 6 attempts with a 15-day waiting period between attempts. Psychomotor exam is administered by the state.
State Exam Details
No state-specific exam. NREMT cognitive and/or psychomotor exam required for certification.
Passing Score
NREMT uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). EMT exam has 70-120 questions with a 2-hour time limit. A scaled passing score of 950/1500 is required. Cost is $80 per attempt.
Retake Policy
NREMT allows 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.
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 uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). EMT exam has 70-120 questions with a 2-hour time limit. A scaled passing score of 950/1500 is required. Cost is $80 per attempt.
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 Wisconsin must operate under the authority of a licensed physician medical director. Each EMS service requires a Local Credentialing Agreement.
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 No initial certification fee for in-state applicants; reciprocity $50; pre-determination $50 | $22 |
State License Fee No initial certification fee for in-state applicants | $0 |
Renewal Fee No renewal fee for in-state renewals | $0 |
Total Initial EMT Cost Approximate total; no state certification fees for in-state applicants | Course + $104 (NREMT) + $0 (state fees) + background check |
Total Initial Paramedic Cost Approximate total; no state certification fees for in-state applicants | Course + $104 (NREMT) + $0 (state fees) + background check |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified3 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
$22
No renewal fee; three pathways accepted: NREMT recertification, 40-hour refresher, or 40 hours WI curriculum CE
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
Wisconsin accepts reciprocity applications with current NREMT certification or equivalent out-of-state certification. Wisconsin is NOT an EMS Compact member state. Reciprocity fee is $50. Pre-determination fee is $50.
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 Wisconsin with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Wisconsin has a 3-year certification cycle on fixed calendar dates, with all certifications expiring June 30 every 3 years. Initial certification must be obtained within 24 months of course completion. A Local Credentialing Agreement is required per EMS service, meaning each service must individually credential the provider. Three renewal pathways are accepted: NREMT recertification, 40-hour refresher, or 40 hours WI curriculum CE. The state uses an E-Licensing system and charges no state certification fees for in-state applicants.
Wisconsin has a 3-year certification cycle on fixed calendar dates, with all certifications expiring June 30 every 3 years.
Initial certification must be obtained within 24 months of course completion.
A Local Credentialing Agreement is required per EMS service, meaning each service must individually credential the provider.
Wisconsin uses an E-Licensing system for all applications.
Three renewal pathways accepted: NREMT recertification, 40-hour refresher course, or 40 hours of WI curriculum CE.
Reciprocity fee is $50; pre-determination fee is $50.
No state certification fees for initial in-state applicants.
Wisconsin is NOT an EMS Compact member state.
EMT requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin (you) | Course + $104 (NREMT) + $0 (state fees) + background check | |
| Iowa | $30 (initial cert) + $104 (NREMT exam) + course tuition | → |
| Illinois | $45 (application) + $104 (NREMT exam) + course tuition | → |
| Michigan | $1,000 (program) + $104 (NREMT exam) + $40 (state application) | → |
| Minnesota | $800 (program) + $104 (NREMT exam) + $15 (state certification) | → |
Other professional licenses in Wisconsin
See how Wisconsin compares: EMT License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.
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Official Sources
EMT requirements in Wisconsin verified against Wisconsin Department of Health Services, EMS Section, March 2026.
Moving to Wisconsin? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your EMT license to Wisconsin →
Transfer your EMT license from Wisconsin to: Illinois → | Iowa → | Michigan → | Minnesota →
Wisconsin accepts NREMT certification for EMS providers. EMT training requires 120-150 hours. All certification is managed through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, EMS Section.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state EMS office.
EMT Schools in Wisconsin
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.