Application for New York State EMT Reciprocity

  • Reciprocity Instructions and Process
  • Personal Information
  • NYS Certified
  • Certification
  • Training
  • Proof of Need
  • Attestation
  • Complete

Please read the below carefully before proceeding. 

This form is for out-of-state providers who are looking to gain NYS certification based on education and certifications gained outside of New York. This is not for providers who took NYS courses or are looking to renew their certification. 

Please read each item carefully along with any relevant instructions. Failure to do so, as well as failure to provide requested information/documentation, may result in a delay. 

If you have already submitted an application and are looking to provide additional requested items, do not fill out another application. Please refer to your letter/email that you received for instructions on how to submit them. 

Reciprocity is the process in which an individual holding a current certification from one of the fifty (50) states, the District of Columbia, the military, and/or from the National Registry of EMT’s (NREMT) may be granted NYS certification rather than taking a NYS original course.

The New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Systems (BEMS) recognizes the following provider levels as eligible of certification for reciprocity:

  • Emergency Medical Responder/Certified First Responder
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
  • Paramedic

Please Note:

  • NYS does not grant reciprocity to individuals who have obtained certification from other countries or U.S territories who do not have a National Registry Certification. 
  • All applications must prove that no more than half of the didactic portion of their course was asynchronous. This requirement is based on lectures only. Skills sessions and clinical time cannot be including in determining the in-person percentage. 
  • Only the applicant may fill, and sign, the application. A government issued photo ID will be required to be attached to the application.

All applicants must meet criteria as stated in the State's regulations, specifically Section 800.12: Reciprocal certification requirements. They state that the applicant must do the following:

  • Demonstrate a need for certification by providing proof of residency or verifiable employment/volunteering opportunity. 
  • Have successfully completed a course that meets or exceeds a curriculum based on the current National EMS Educational standards and approved by the department;
  • Have successfully 
    • Completed an out-of-state recognized, or National Registry recertification program that is an equivalent program or process to New York State; and
    • Complete a practical skills evaluation and/or written exam as determined by the department, both within the last 18 months. 

The Bureau of EMS is ONLY able to grant reciprocity based on levels of EMT certification or licensure issued by another state or the NREMT.  New York State licensed allied health professionals may be eligible for advanced standing in an EMT course.  This is not reciprocity. Please refer to the current BEMS Policy Statement that pertains to Advanced Standing.

Reciprocity is not granted for any certification or license that was obtained by reciprocity.  If the applicant was granted reciprocity by the state from which they are applying, the applicant must also have completed that state’s refresher and/or training requirement.

For reciprocity applicants, the Bureau of EMS may issue certification for the time remaining on the applicant’s current state, or NREMT, certification or license as long as it does not exceed 36 months. If there is no expiration date listed on your current certification or license, NYS will grant a certification that will expire 36 months from the date the application is approved and NYS certification is issued.

If your application is returned to you for any reason, you will have 90 days from the receipt by DOH of your packet to correct any deficiencies and resubmit the necessary missing items for continued processing.  Should you fail to submit required materials within the 90-day period your application fee will expire. If you wish to reapply, you will be required to submit a new application.  It is important for you to follow any instructions that may be included with a returned packet in order to minimize any delay in processing your reciprocity request. 

You are affirming that you have read the above information and that you understand it. Any questions or concerns should be directed to ems.reciprocity@health.ny.gov.