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How to become a certified EMT or Paramedic in Wisconsin. NREMT accepted. EMT training: 120-150 hours. Total initial EMT cost: Course + $104 (NREMT) + $0 (state fees) + background check. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
EMT / Paramedic
Most information on this page has been verified.
81% of data points are verified against official sources. 12 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
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.
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.
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
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Wisconsin.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#19 of 51
Cost
#14 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
$36,810
25th percentile
Median
$43,340
+5% vs. national avg ($41,340)Experienced
$48,810
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,000 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+206% salary growth potential
You are here
EMT
$43,340
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
You are here
EMT
EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours) + NREMT
$43,340
Paramedic program (1-2 years) + NREMT-P
$56,010
Master's in PA Studies + PANCE
$132,820
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: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, EMS Section — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, EMS Section — Licensing Requirements
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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.