EMT & Paramedic Certification

Initial Certification

Initial Certification Process

The process below outlines the steps to become a Utah certified EMS professional. If you already have an EMS certification in another state or the armed forces, please refer to Reciprocity Certification. Individuals wishing to certify as EMT-I, EMT-IA, or Paramedic must certify at the EMT-B level first.

1. Sign up for a Bureau-approved EMS certification course. Refer to the list of upcoming EMS certification courses.

Your course coordinator will help you with the remainder of the steps on this list. Submit paperwork to your course coordinator.

2. Complete and submit the following (for forms requiring notarization, notary service is available at the Bureau of EMS office):
• Application for Certification, Recertification, and Reciprocity
• Student Acknowledgement of Bureau Policies and Procedures
• Declaration of Understanding of Technical, Academic, and Physical Standards
3. Submit a photo of yourself for your EMS ID badge, or the photo can be taken at the Bureau of EMS.
4. Submit a copy of current CPR course completion. The course must teach current American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines.
5. EMT-IA and Paramedic: Submit documentation of current course completion of the following.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Either Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP)
6. Submit certification fees.
7. Undergo a criminal background check. If you have lived outside Utah anytime in the past five years, you must be fingerprinted. Review information about criminal background checks.
8. Submit tuburculosis test documentation (not required for EMD).
9. Complete your course and be recommended for certification by your course coordinator.
10. After submitting your application and fees and completing your course, schedule to take the practical exam and/or written exam for your certification level, as applicable. Review information about exams.

Questions? Contact the Bureau of EMS at ems@utah.gov or 801-273-6666.