Certification & Licensure

Section A: All Applicants

EMR Applicants must meet the requirements below, and submit proof of compliance for the following items if requested:

• Successfully complete a board approved training program that conforms to the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Emergency Medical Services Educational Standards-Instructional Guidelines for the Emergency Medical Responder, except that the education curriculum shall not be satisfied by the completion of refresher or transition courses alone.
• Meet all educational standards established in 202 KAR 7:601.
  
• No person shall be eligible for certification if disqualified in accordance with KRS 311A.050 and KRS 311A.090. Please contact KBEMS legal at KBEMS.Legal@ky.gov if you have any legal questions concerning your eligibility for EMR certification.

• Viewpoint Screening is the only KBEMS-approved background check vendor for any applicant not currently certified or licensed as an EMS provider by KBEMS.
  • You must link directly to the KBEMS-specific Viewpoint Screening Background Check here: https://www.viewpointscreening.com/kbems 
    
  • KY Board of EMS - Viewpoint Screening BG Check Instructions.pdf. 
    
  • Background check MUST be less than 6 months old at the time of application.
    

Section B: Initial Applicants

Applicants applying for the first time from a Kentucky approved course must submit the items from Section A and Section B.

• Proof of NREMT – Emergency Medical Responder certification
  
• Copy of NREMT - EMR certification card or certificate
• Be a Citizen of the United States, a permanent resident of the United States, or otherwise lawfully present in the United States, as evidenced by submission to the board of:
  • Social Security card ( Security Administration)
                                                OR
  
  • Birth certificate (KY CHFS OVS)
                                                OR
  
  • United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Permanent Resident Card (form I-551/Green Card)                                                    OR
    
  • Other legal authorization to live and work in the United States.
• Proof of successful completion of a board-approved EMR course, identified by a board-issued course number, as evidenced by submission of a:​
  • ​Copy of the course completion certificate from a KBEMS-certified EMS-TEI​.
    
• When all requirements have been met and all documents are readily available to be attached, complete an Initial Certification/License application through your KEMSIS account.  Pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030, there is no fee for Initial EMR Certification.  (The biennial EMR Renewal fee is $15.00.)
  

Section C: Reciprocity Applicants

Applicants who are certified in another state, or by the NREMT as a NREMT-EMR, or any member of the United States Armed Forces, or veteran who has transitioned within the past six (6) years from the United States Armed Forces, and has been registered by the National Registry as a NREMT-EMR.  Applicants for reciprocity must submit the items from Section A and Section C.

• Proof of current, unrestricted NREMT-EMR Certification
  • Copy of NREMT-EMR certification card or certificate.
                                                OR
  
• Proof of current, unrestricted, EMR certification in another state.
  
                                             OR

• Proof of completing a board approved United States Armed Forces medical training course which included NREMT-EMT certification.
  
• Proof of completing HIV/AIDS training required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line HIV/AIDS Education course.
  
• Proof of completing Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma as required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (PAHT) course.
  
• Proof of completing Awareness of Sexual Violence training required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line Sexual Violence Awareness Training (SVAT) course.
  
• When all requirements have been met and all documents are readily available to be attached, complete a Reciprocity Certification/License application through your KEMSIS account, and pay the fee of $100.00 required for reciprocity certification, pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030.
  

Section D: Reinstatement Applicants

Applicants applying for reinstatement, whose certification has lapsed, must submit the items from Section A and Section D.

• Proof of previous Kentucky EMR Certification
  • Copy of KBEMS EMR certification card, certificate, or official letter from KBEMS verifying previous EMR certification.
    
• Proof of completing HIV/AIDS training required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line HIV/AIDS course.
• Proof of completing Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma as required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (PAHT) course.
• Proof of completing Awareness of Sexual Violence training required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line Awareness of Sexual Violence (ASV) training.
• Evidence of successful completion of the 8 hours NREMT EMR National Continued Competency Program (NCCP 2016 or 2025) within twelve (12) months preceding their EMR application for reinstatement. (KBEMS approved on-line continuing education).
  • Copy of 8-hour NREMT EMR NCCP course completion certificate.
    
• When all requirements have been met and all documents are readily available to be attached, complete a Reinstatement Certification/License application through your KEMSIS account, and pay the fee of $100.00 required for Reinstatement certification, pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030.
  

Updated September 3rd, 2024

202 KAR 7:301 Emergency Medical Technician

Section A: All Applicants

EMT Applicants must meet the below requirements and submit proof of compliance for the following items if requested:

• Successfully complete a board approved training program that conforms to the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Emergency Medical Services Educational Standards-Instructional Guidelines for the Emergency Medical Technician, except that the education curriculum shall not be satisfied by the completion of refresher or transition courses alone.
  
• Meet all educational standards established in 202 KAR 7:601.
  
• No person shall be eligible for certification if disqualified in accordance with KRS 311A.050 and KRS 311A.090. Please contact KBEMS legal at KBEMS.Legal@ky.gov if you have any legal questions concerning your eligibility for EMT certification.
  
• Undergo a background check pursuant to KRS 311A.050 and 311A.100.
  • Viewpoint Screening is the only KBEMS-approved background check vendor for any applicant not currently certified or licensed as an EMS provider by KBEMS.
  • You must link directly to the KBEMS specific Viewpoint Screening Background Check here: https://www.viewpointscreening.com/kbems 
    
  • KY Board of EMS - Viewpoint Screening BG Check Instructions.pdf
    
  • Background check MUST be less than 6 months old at the time of application.
  • If you are currently a KBEMS certified or licensed EMS provider, applying to become certified or licensed at a higher level, you may submit a background check through the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).
    • Administrative Office of the Courts.
    • Background check MUST be less than 6 months old at the time of application.

Section B: Initial Applicants

Applicants applying for the first time from a Kentucky approved course must submit the items from Section A and Section B.

• Proof of NREMT – Emergency Medical Technician certification
  • Copy of NREMT - EMT certification card or certificate
• Be a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident of the United States, or otherwise lawfully present in the United States, as evidenced by submission to the board of:
  • Social Security card (Social Security Administration)
                                                OR
  
  • Birth certificate (KY CHFS OVS)
                                                OR
  
  • United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (U.S.C.IS) Permanent Resident Card (form I-551/Green Card)
                                                OR
  
  • Other legal authorization to live and work in the United States
• Proof of successful completion of a board-approved EMT course, identified by a board-issued course number, as evidenced by submission of a:​
• ​​​Copy of the course completion certificate from a KBEMS-certified EMS-TEI​.​
• When all requirements have been met and all documents are readily available to be attached, complete an Initial Certification/License application through your KEMSIS account.  Pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030, there is no fee for Initial EMT Certification.  (The biennial EMT Renewal fee is $25.00.) 
  

Section C: Reciprocity Applicants

Applicants who are certified in another state, or by the NREMT as a NREMT-Emergency Medical Technician, or any member of the United States Armed Forces, or veteran who has transitioned within the past six (6) years from the United States Armed Forces, and has been registered by the National Registry as a NREMT-Emergency Medical Technician.  Applicants for reciprocity must submit the items from Section A and Section C.

• Proof of current, unrestricted NREMT-Emergency Medical Technician Certification
  • Copy of NREMT-EMT certification card or certificate
                                                OR
  
• Proof of current, unrestricted, EMT certification in another state.​
                                                OR

• Proof of completing a board approved United States Armed Forces medical training course which included NREMT-EMT certification
  
• Proof of completing HIV/AIDS training required by KRS 311A.120.
• Proof of completing Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma as required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (PAHT) course.
• Proof of completing Awareness of Sexual Violence training required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line Awareness of Sexual Violence (ASV) training.
• When all requirements have been met and all documents are readily available to be attached, complete a Reciprocity Certification/License application through your KEMSIS account, and pay the fee of $100.00 required for reciprocity certification, pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030.

Section D: Reinstatement Applicants

Applicants applying for reinstatement whose certification has lapsed, must submit the items from Section A and Section D.

• Proof of previous KY EMT Certification
  • Copy of KBEMS EMT certification card, certificate, or official letter from KBEMS verifying previous EMT certification.
• Proof of completing HIV/AIDS training required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line HIV/AIDS course.
  
• Proof of completing Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma as required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (PAHT) course.
  
• Proof of completing Awareness of Sexual Violence training required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line Awareness of Sexual Violence (ASV) training.
• Evidence of successful completion of the 20 hour NREMT EMT National Continued Competency Program (NCCP 2016 or 2025) within twelve (12) months preceding their EMT application for reinstatement. (KBEMS approved on-line continuing education).
  • Copy of 20-hour NREMT EMT NCCP course completion certificate.
• When all requirements have been met and all documents are readily available to be attached, complete a Reinstatement Certification/License application through your KEMSIS account, and pay the fee of $100.00 required for certification reinstatement, pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030.
  

Updated September 3rd, 2024

202 KAR 7:401 Paramedic

Section A: All Applicants

Paramedic Applicants must meet the below requirements and submit proof of compliance for the following items if requested:

• Successfully complete a board approved training program that conforms to the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Emergency Medical Services Educational Standards-Instructional Guidelines for the Paramedic, except that the education curriculum shall not be satisfied by the completion of refresher or transition courses alone.
• Meet all educational standards established in 202 KAR 7:601.
  
• No person shall be eligible for license if disqualified in accordance with KRS 311A.050 and KRS 311A.090, Please contact KBEMS legal at KBEMS.Legal@ky.gov if you have any legal questions concerning your eligibility for Paramedic license.
• Undergo a background check pursuant to KRS 311A.050.
  • Viewpoint Screening is the only KBEMS-approved background check vendor for any applicant not currently certified or licensed as an EMS provider by KBEMS.
    
  • You must link directly to the KBEMS specific Viewpoint Screening Background Check here: https://www.viewpointscreening.com/kbems 
    
  • KY Board of EMS - Viewpoint Screening BG Check Instructions.pdf
    
  • Background check MUST be less than 6 months old at the time of application.
  • If you are currently a KBEMS certified or licensed EMS provider, applying to become certified or licensed at a higher level, you may submit a background check obtained through the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).
    • Administrative Office of the Courts.
    • Background check MUST be less than 6 months old at the time of application.

Section B: Initial Applicants

Applicants applying for the first time from a Kentucky approved course must submit the items from Section A and Section B.

• Proof of NREMT – Paramedic certification
  • Copy of NREMT - Paramedic certification card or certificate
• Be a Citizen of the United States, a permanent resident of the United States, or otherwise lawfully present in the United States, as evidenced by submission to the board of:
  • Social Security card (Social Security Administration)
                                                OR
  
  • Birth certificate (KY CHFS OVS)
                                                OR
  
  • United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Permanent Resident Card (form I-551/Green Card)
    
                                                OR
  
  • Other legal authorization to live and work in the United States
• Proof of successful completion of a board-approved Paramedic course, identified by a board-issued course number, as evidenced by submission of a:​
• Copy of the course completion certificate from a KBEMS-certified EMS-TEI​.​​
  
• When all requirements have been met and all documents are readily available to be attached, complete an Initial Certification/License application through your KEMSIS account.  Pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030, there is no fee for Initial Paramedic Licensure.  (The biennial Paramedic Renewal fee is $50.00 plus $10.00 for each Advanced Practice Paramedic specialty certification endorsement.)
  

Section C: Reciprocity Applicants

Applicants who are certified or licensed in another state, or by the NREMT as a paramedic, or any member of the United States Armed Forces, or veteran who has transitioned within the past six (6) years from the United States Armed Forces, and has been registered by the National Registry as a paramedic or has obtained National Registry as a paramedic by successfully completing a board-approved United States Armed Forces medical training course that meets the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards for Paramedic, shall be eligible for reciprocity for Kentucky licensure as a paramedic. Applicants applying for reciprocity must submit the items from Section A and Section C.

• Proof of current, unrestricted NREMT-Paramedic Certification
  • Copy of NREMT-Paramedic certification card or certificate
                                                OR
• Proof of current, unrestricted Paramedic certification or licensure in another state.
  
                                                          OR

• Proof of completing a board-approved United States Armed Forces medical training course which included NREMT-Paramedic certification.

  If applying using a board-approved United States Armed Forces medical training course with an NREMT-EMT or NREMT-​AEMT certification the applicant will need to submit proof of completing a board-approved bridge course.

                                                           AND
  

• Proof of completing HIV/AIDS training required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line HIV/AIDS course. 
  
• Proof of completing Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma as required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (PAHT) course.
• Proof of completing Awareness of Sexual Violence training required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line Awareness of Sexual Violence (ASV) training.
  
• When all requirements have been met and all documents are readily available to be attached, complete a Reciprocity Certification/License application through your KEMSIS account, and pay the fee of $100.00 required for reciprocity licensure, pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030.

Section D: Reinstatement Applicants

Applicants applying for reinstatement whose Paramedic license has lapsed, must submit the items from Section A and Section D.

• Proof of previous KY Paramedic license.
  • Copy of KBEMS Paramedic license card, certificate, or official letter from KBEMS verifying previous Paramedic license.
    
• Proof of completing HIV/AIDS training required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line HIV/AIDS course. 
  
• Proof of completing Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma as required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (PAHT) course.
• Proof of completing Awareness of Sexual Violence training required by KRS 311A.120. KBEMS approved on-line Awareness of Sexual Violence (ASV) training.
  
• Evidence of successful completion of the 30 hour NREMT Paramedic National Continued Competency Program (NCCP 2016 or 2025) within twelve (12) months preceding their Paramedic application for reinstatement. (KBEMS approved on-line continuing education)
• Copy of 30-hour NREMT Paramedic NCCP course completion certificate.
• When all requirements have been met and all documents are readily available to be attached, complete a Reinstatement Certification/License application through your KEMSIS account, and pay the fee of $100.00 required for license reinstatement, pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030.
  

Updated September 3rd, 2024

See 202 KAR 7:410. Advanced Practice Paramedics for further details pertaining to licensure, certification, renewal, reinstatement, continuing education requirements, surrender, et cetera.

Section A: All Applicants

• Must hold a current unrestricted license as a Paramedic in Kentucky; and
• Not currently be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to KRS Chapter 311A that would prevent certification.

Section B: Initial Applicants

Applicants applying between 8/15/2025 and 9/30/2026:

• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Community Paramedic (CP-C); and
• Submit a completed Initial Advanced Practice Paramedic application in KEMSIS with all required attachments between 8/15/2025 and 9/30/2026.

Applicants applying between 1/15/2026 and 9/30/2026:

• Submit proof that the applicant had operated under a KBEMS board-approved community paramedic pilot program, as evidenced by a written and signed attestation from the pilot program's EMS director or chief officer on their agency letterhead; or

• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Community Paramedic (CP-C); and
• Submit a completed Initial Advanced Practice Paramedic application in KEMSIS with all required attachments between 1/15/2026 and 9/30/2026.

Applicants applying on or after 10/01/2026:

• Submit a course completion certification from an education and training program that minimally meets the International Board of Specialty Certification (IBSC) Community Paramedic Content Outline topic areas; and
• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Community Paramedic (CP-C); and
• Submit a completed Initial Advanced Practice Paramedic application in KEMSIS with all required attachments.

Section C: Reinstatement Applicants

• Submit proof of previous licensure as an Advanced Practice Paramedic – Community Paramedic in Kentucky; and
• Submit of a current IBSC certification card as a Community Paramedic (CP-C); and
• Submit a completed background check from the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts or the KBEMS-specific Viewpoint Screening service which is less than six (6) months old at time of application submission; and
• Submit a completed Advanced Practice Paramedic Reinstatement application in KEMSIS with all required attachments and pay the fee of $100.00 required for Community Paramedic certification reinstatement, pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030.

Updated August 15th, 2025

See 202 KAR 7:410. Advanced Practice Paramedics for further details pertaining to licensure, certification, renewal, reinstatement, continuing education requirements, surrender, et cetera.

Section A: All Applicants

• Must hold a current unrestricted license as a Paramedic in Kentucky; and
• Not currently be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to KRS Chapter 311A that would prevent certification.

Section B: Initial Applicants

Applicants applying between 8/15/2025 and 9/30/2026:

• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C); and
• Submit a completed Initial Advanced Practice Paramedic application in KEMSIS with all required attachments between 8/15/2025 and 9/30/2026.

Applicants applying between 1/15/2026 and 9/30/2026:

• Submit proof that the applicant holds a current KBEMS-issued critical care paramedic endorsement; or

• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C); and
• Submit a completed Initial Advanced Practice Paramedic application in KEMSIS with all required attachments between 1/15/2026 and 9/30/2026.

Applicants applying on or after 10/01/2026:

• Submit a course completion certification from an education and training program that minimally meets the International Board of Specialty Certification (IBSC) Critical Care Paramedic Content Outline topic areas; and
• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C); and
• Submit a completed Initial Advanced Practice Paramedic application in KEMSIS with all required attachments.

Section C: Reinstatement Applicants

• Submit proof of previous licensure as an Advanced Practice Paramedic – Critical Care Paramedic in Kentucky; and
• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Critical Care Paramedic (CCP-C); and
• Submit a completed background check from the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts or the KBEMS-specific Viewpoint Screening service which is less than six (6) months old at time of application submission; and
• Submit a completed Advanced Practice Paramedic Reinstatement application in KEMSIS with all required attachments and pay the fee of $100.00 required for Critical Care Paramedic certification reinstatement, pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030.

Updated August 15th, 2025

See 202 KAR 7:410. Advanced Practice Paramedics for further details pertaining to licensure, certification, renewal, reinstatement, continuing education requirements, surrender, et cetera.

Section A: All Applicants

• Must hold a current unrestricted license as a Paramedic in Kentucky; and
• Not currently be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to KRS Chapter 311A that would prevent certification.

Section B: Initial Applicants

Applicants applying between 8/15/2025 and 9/30/2026:

• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Flight Paramedic (FP-C); and
• Submit a completed Initial Advanced Practice Paramedic application in KEMSIS with all required attachments between 8/15/2025 and 9/30/2026.

Applicants applying on or after 10/01/2026:

• Submit a course completion certification from an education and training program that minimally meets the International Board of Specialty Certification (IBSC) Flight Paramedic Content Outline topic areas; and
• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Flight Paramedic (FP-C); and
• Submit a completed Initial Advanced Practice Paramedic application in KEMSIS with all required attachments.

Section C: Reinstatement Applicants

• Submit proof of previous licensure as an Advanced Practice Paramedic – Flight Paramedic in Kentucky; and
• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Flight Paramedic (FP-C); and
• Submit a completed background check from the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts or the KBEMS-specific Viewpoint Screening service which is less than six (6) months old at time of application submission; and
• Submit a completed Advanced Practice Paramedic Reinstatement application in KEMSIS with all required attachments and pay the fee of $100.00 required for Flight Paramedic certification reinstatement, pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030.

Updated August 15th, 2025​

See 202 KAR 7:410. Advanced Practice Paramedics for further details pertaining to licensure, certification, renewal, reinstatement, continuing education requirements, surrender, et cetera.

Section A: All Applicants

• Must hold a current unrestricted license as a Paramedic in Kentucky; and
• Not currently be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to KRS Chapter 311A that would prevent certification.

Section B: Initial Applicants

Applicants applying between 8/15/2025 and 9/30/2026:

• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Tactical Paramedic (TP-C); and
• Submit a completed Initial Advanced Practice Paramedic application in KEMSIS with all required attachments between 8/15/2025 and 9/30/2026.

Applicants applying on or after 10/01/2026:

• Submit a course completion certification from an education and training program that minimally meets the International Board of Specialty Certification (IBSC) Tactical Paramedic Content Outline topic areas; and
• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Tactical Paramedic (TP-C); and
• Submit a completed Initial Advanced Practice Paramedic application in KEMSIS with all required attachments.

Section C: Reinstatement Applicants

• Submit proof of previous licensure as an Advanced Practice Paramedic – Tactical Paramedic in Kentucky; and
• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Tactical Paramedic (TP-C); and
• Submit a completed background check from the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts or the KBEMS-specific Viewpoint Screening service which is less than six (6) months old at time of application submission; and
• Submit a completed Advanced Practice Paramedic Reinstatement application in KEMSIS with all required attachments and pay the fee of $100.00 required for Tactical Paramedic certification reinstatement, pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030.

Updated August 15th, 2025

See 202 KAR 7:410. Advanced Practice Paramedics for further details pertaining to licensure, certification, renewal, reinstatement, continuing education requirements, surrender, et cetera.

Section A: All Applicants

• Must hold a current unrestricted license as a Paramedic in Kentucky; and
• Not currently be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to KRS Chapter 311A that would prevent certification.

Section B: Initial Applicants

Applicants applying between 8/15/2025 and 9/30/2026:

• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Wilderness Paramedic (WP-C); and
• Submit a completed Initial Advanced Practice Paramedic application in KEMSIS with all required attachments between 8/15/2025 and 9/30/2026.

Applicants applying on or after 10/01/2026:

• Submit a course completion certification from an education and training program that minimally meets the International Board of Specialty Certification (IBSC) Wilderness Paramedic Content Outline topic areas; and
• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Wilderness Paramedic (WP-C); and
• Submit a completed Initial Advanced Practice Paramedic application in KEMSIS with all required attachments.

Section C: Reinstatement Applicants

• Submit proof of previous licensure as an Advanced Practice Paramedic – Wilderness Paramedic in Kentucky; and
• Submit proof of a current IBSC certification card as a Wilderness Paramedic (WP-C); and
• Submit a completed background check from the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts or the KBEMS-specific Viewpoint Screening service which is less than six (6) months old at time of application submission; and
• Submit a completed Advanced Practice Paramedic Reinstatement application in KEMSIS with all required attachments and pay the fee of $100.00 required for Wilderness Paramedic certification reinstatement, pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030.

Updated August 15th, 2025

202 KAR 7:601 Training, education, and continuing education.

Section A: Initial Applicants

EMS Educator Applicants must meet the below requirements and submit proof of compliance for the following items if requested:

• An EMS Educator may be certified at the following levels:
  • EMR Educator, which certifies the individual to teach EMR initial certification and continuing education courses.
  • EMT Educator, which certifies the individual to teach EMR and EMT initial certification and continuing education courses.
  • AEMT Educator, which certifies the individual to teach EMR, EMT, and AEMT initial certification and continuing education courses.
  • Paramedic Educator, which certifies the individual to teach EMR, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic initial certification and continuing education courses.

                                                                          OR

• CE Educator, which certifies the individual to teach continuing education courses at or below the level of EMS provider certification or license issued by the board.

• Hold a certificate or license in Kentucky as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), or a paramedic
  

                                                                          OR

• Hold a license in Kentucky or another state as a Registered Nurse (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Physician (DO or MD), or Physician Assistant (PA).
  • A Registered Nurse (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Physician (DO or MD), or Physician Assistant (PA) shall be considered an advanced EMS provider at the paramedic level only for the purpose of credentialing the individual as an EMS educator.

                                                                         AND

• Not be issued a certificate as an EMS educator for a level of instruction higher than his or her EMS provider certification or license.
  
• Successfully complete a board approved EMS educator course that meets the objectives of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration National Guidelines for Educating EMS Instructors and the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards which is designed to represent a common core for teaching knowledge and skills to assist in the education of adult learners.
  
• Proof of completion of ONE of the following Methodologies of Instruction courses:
  • EMS Success 40-hour Instructor Course Online
  • The National Association of EMS Educators Emergency Medical Services Education Standards Instructional Guidelines for Educating EMS Educators Course
    
  • The International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) Fire Instructor Course (KY Fire Commission)
  • Eastern Kentucky University's EMC 440 EMS Instruction Course
  • Madison County EMS Educator Course
    
  • Prodigy EMS Educator Course
  • Greenup County Ambulance Authority​, Wurtland, KY
    

                                                                          OR

• Hold an unrestricted, current license or certification as a teacher or educator through a state board of education in the United States.
  • Proof of current license or certification as a teacher or educator.
    

• Applicants applying for CE Educator shall present documented proof of completing a nationally recognized or EMS-TEI instructor course.
  • American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons/ECSI-Emergency Care and Safety Institute
  • American Heart Association
  • American Red Cross
  • American Safety & Health Institute
  • International Aquatic Safety School (IASS) Ellis & Associates, Inc.
  • Lifeguard and Safety Training
  • Medic First Aid
  • National Safety Council
  • Pacific Medical Training
  • ProTrainings, LLC
• No person shall be eligible for certification if disqualified in accordance with KRS 311A.050 and KRS 311A.090. Please contact KBEMS legal at KBEMS.Legal@ky.gov if you have any legal questions concerning your eligibility for Educator certification.
• Undergo a background check pursuant to KRS 311A.050 and 311A.100.
• Viewpoint Screening is the only KBEMS-approved background check vendor for any applicant not currently certified or licensed as an EMS provider by KBEMS.
• You must link directly to the KBEMS specific Viewpoint Screening Background Check here: https://www.viewpointscreening.com/kbems 
• KY Board of EMS - Viewpoint Screening BG Check Instructions.pdf
• Background check MUST be less than 6 months old at the time of application.
• If you are currently a KBEMS certified or licensed EMS provider, you can submit a background check through the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).
  • Administrative Office of the Courts.
    
  • Background check MUST be less than 6 months old at the time of application.
• Complete an Initial Educator certification application through your KEMSIS account.
• Pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030, there is no fee for Initial Educator Certification.  (The biennial EMS Educator Renewal fee is $60.00 and also satisfies your EMR, EMT, AEMT, or base Paramedic Renewal fee, but not any Advanced Practice Paramedic specialty certification endorsement renewal fees.)
  

Section B: Reciprocity Applicants

A person certified as an EMS Educator or board approved equivalent in another state or United States territory shall be eligible for Kentucky EMS Educator certification after meeting the below requirements and submitting proof of compliance for the following items if requested: 

• Submission of proof that the applicant is certified as an EMS educator or board approved equivalent or certified as a teacher or educator through a state board of education in another state or United States territory. 
• Submission of certification or license by the board as an EMS provider or license as a Registered Nurse (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Physician (DO or MD), or Physician Assistant (PA). 
  • The applicant may only apply for educator certification at the same level of Educator certification currently held in another state or United States territory.
• Undergo a background check pursuant to KRS 311A.050.
  • Viewpoint Screening is the only KBEMS-approved background check vendor for any applicant not currently certified or licensed as an EMS provider by KBEMS.
  • You must link directly to the KBEMS specific Viewpoint Screening Background Check here: https://www.viewpointscreening.com/kbems 
    
  • KY Board of EMS - Viewpoint Screening BG Check Instructions.pdf
    
  • Background check MUST be less than 6 months old at the time of application.
    
• Complete a Reciprocity Educator certification application through your KEMSIS account.
• Pay the fee of $100.00 required for reciprocity certification, pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030.
  

Section C: Reinstatement Applicants

An EMS Educator whose certification has lapsed may reinstate. To reinstate a certificate, the EMS educator shall:

• Submit evidence of previous certification as an EMS Educator in Kentucky.
  • Copy of KBEMS EMS Educator certification card, certificate, or official letter from KBEMS verifying previous EMS Educator certification
    
• Undergo a background check pursuant to KRS 311A.050.
  • Viewpoint Screening is the only KBEMS-approved background check vendor for any applicant not currently certified or licensed as an EMS provider by KBEMS.
  • You must link directly to the KBEMS specific Viewpoint Screening Background Check here: https://www.viewpointscreening.com/kbems 
  • KY Board of EMS - Viewpoint Screening BG Check Instructions.pdf
  • Background check MUST be less than 6 months old at the time of application.
    
• Complete a Reinstatement Educator certification application through your KEMSIS account.
• Pay the fee of $100.00 required for certification reinstatement, pursuant to 202 KAR 7:030.
  

Updated February 16th, 2024

 In the checklists above, you'll see that many application processes require submission of a completed background check, which must be less than six (6) months old at the time of application submission.

 All new-to-Kentucky and reinstatement applicants will require a KBEMS-specific Viewpoint Screening national background check obtained from the correct URL, which is https://www.viewpointscreening.com/kbems.  A Viewpoint Screening background check obtained from any other URL will not suffice.

 Other applicants, like those who hold current KBEMS credentials, who are applying for a different credential, e.g., a current EMT applying for Paramedic, or a current Paramedic applying for Advanced Practice Paramedic, et cetera, may obtain and submit a completed background check from the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) or they may submit a KBEMS-specific Viewpoint Screening background check.  In this case, either are acceptable so long as the background check isn't older than six (6) months at time of application submission.  AOC is typically faster and less expensive.