STEP-BY-STEP

Get certified as an EMT in San Francisco

Get your certification to work as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Emergency Medical Services Agency

We no longer accept in-person, mail or email applications. ALL certifications will be done online through the new EMS Agency Certifications Portal.

Once approved, your certification as an EMT in California is valid for 2 years from the date of your application and is valid throughout the State of California.

To apply for an initial EMT certification, renewal, or reinstatement you must complete an application using the online licensing platform.

Note: ALL initial EMT applicants will need to complete a background check using our Live Scan Fingerprint DOJ and FBI form

If you have a conviction history and plan to attend an EMT program or have questions regarding your eligibility to obtain an EMT certificate, you may complete a background check using the above form in advance of completing an EMT course. Email emsacertifications@sfgov.org to inquire about eligibility. If you have a conviction history, it is highly recommended you contact our office using the above email prior to starting an EMT course.

Follow step 1, 2, or 3 below, depending on the service(s) you need.

1

Initial EMT certification requirements

Complete an application using the online EMS Agency Certifications Portal that includes:

  • Government issued photo ID
  • EMT course completion certificate
  • National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certificate and certification card
  • Copy of completed Live Scan Fingerprint DOJ and FBI form (within past 12 months)
  • Basic life support (BLS) CPR card from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI)
  • Note: CPR classes including Professional Rescuer or AED/First Aid are not accepted for EMT Certification
  • Payment submitted via either the EMS Agency Certifications Portal or the City and County of San Francisco Payment Portal
2

Renewal or Reinstatement EMT certification requirements

Complete an application using the online EMS Agency Certifications Portal that includes:

  • Government issued photo ID (e.g. state driver's license, passport)
  • California State EMT Skills Competency Verification Form
  • Basic life support (BLS) CPR card from the American Heart Association, or American Red Cross, or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI)
  • Copy of CA EMT Card
  • Copies of all completed CEUs from the last 2 years; Note: If using College credits, include copy of official transcript
  • If current or lapsed less then 6 months: 24 hours CEUs
  • Lapsed 6 months to 1 year: 36 course hours + New Live Scan Form
  • Lapsed over 1 year: 48 course hours + NREMT Certificate and Card + New Live Scan Form
  • Payment; if lapsed 1 year less pay renewal fee but if lapsed 1 year or more pay the initial fee. You can review current fees on the EMSA Fee Schedule.

Note: If previously certified through a different county and now renewing or reinstating through SF EMS Agency a new Live Scan Form will be required.

3

Additional EMT Services