EMT requirements by state / NY
EMT requirements in New York.
What it takes to certify, renew, and transfer an EMT credential in New York — plus the official New York State Department of Health, Bureau of EMS link so you can confirm every detail before you apply.
Verify first
State rules, fees, and forms change. Treat this page as orientation, then confirm with the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of EMS. Pass the EMT is not a licensing authority.
New York EMT certification at a glance
| NREMT required? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Approximate program hours | 150–180 hours |
| Recertification cycle | 2 years |
| Psychomotor (skills) exam | State DOH or NREMT-approved site |
| Reciprocity / transferring in | NREMT + NY State Department of Health application |
| EMS Compact (REPLICA) member | Not listed as a member |
How to become an EMT in New York
- 1. Meet the basics. Be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and clear the background check the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of EMS requires.
- 2. Finish an approved program. Expect roughly 150–180 hours of lecture, lab, and clinical time at a New York-approved training center.
- 3. Pass the cognitive exam. Sit the NREMT computer-adaptive cognitive exam at a Pearson VUE test center.
- 4. Pass the skills exam. State DOH or NREMT-approved site.
- 5. Apply for state certification. Submit your application to the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of EMS, then renew every 2 years.
Transferring an EMT card into New York
NREMT + NY State Department of Health application.
New York is not currently listed as an EMS Compact member, so plan on a full reciprocity application rather than a compact privilege to practice.
New York requires NREMT certification and a state certification process for EMS providers.
Official New York State Department of Health, Bureau of EMS →
Free NREMT practice test
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How to pass the NREMT
Study plan, question counts, and exam-day strategy.
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Other states
NREMT® is a registered trademark of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Pass the EMT is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NREMT. Data compiled from public New York EMS resources and subject to change.