StateLicensed

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License Requirements in Delaware

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
180 hrs
Upfront cost
$129
Exam
NREMT EMT Cognitive Examination, NREMT EMT Psychomotor Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission (certification/licensing authority; training delivered by the Delaware State Fire School, with the Delaware Office of Emergency Medical Services/DHSS overseeing the broader EMS system)

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check. Delaware State Fire School's EMS Education page: students must be at least 18 years old at registration. A State of Delaware and Federal background check (conducted by the Delaware State Bureau of Identification/SBI) is required for all INITIAL certifications, submitted directly by SBI to the State Fire Commission; the Commission's application form also requires disclosure of any felony/misdemeanor arrests or convictions, pending criminal charges, and any prior certification suspension/revocation/investigation in another state. [2]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 180 hours of training at a state-approved program. The Delaware State Fire School's official EMS Education page states the EMT Full Course requires 180 hours of instruction. Students must have current Healthcare Provider CPR/AED certification and a completed State/Federal background check before patient contact begins. Upon completing NREMT requirements, an individual must be affiliated with a Delaware EMS provider to actually receive State of Delaware EMT certification. [1]

  3. 3

    NREMT EMT Cognitive Examination

    Pass the NREMT EMT Cognitive Examination (fee: $104). The Delaware State Fire School's EMS Education page states Delaware 'uses the National Registry examination process for both components' (written and practical) -- Delaware does not run a separate state cognitive exam. [1]

  4. 4

    NREMT EMT Psychomotor Examination

    Pass the NREMT EMT Psychomotor Examination. Delaware relies on the NREMT psychomotor exam rather than a separate state practical exam. No NREMT-published national fee for the psychomotor component was found; left null. [1]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission (certification/licensing authority; training delivered by the Delaware State Fire School, with the Delaware Office of Emergency Medical Services/DHSS overseeing the broader EMS system). [2]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission (certification/licensing authority; training delivered by the Delaware State Fire School, with the Delaware Office of Emergency Medical Services/DHSS overseeing the broader EMS system) issues your Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License for Delaware.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [2] None specified
License fee [2] $25
Renewal fee [2] $25
NREMT EMT Cognitive Examination [1] $104
NREMT EMT Psychomotor Examination [1] None specified
Reciprocity application fee (out-of-state EMTs seeking Delaware certification) [2] $10

The State Fire Prevention Commission's EMT Initial/Recertification Information Sheet lists a single $25.00 processing fee covering both initial certification and recertification applications (paid to 'SFPC' or 'State Fire Commission'); no separate 'application' fee distinct from this processing fee was found. The separate Reciprocity Application (for EMTs already certified in another state) carries its own $10.00 processing fee.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years.

The EMT Initial/Recertification Information Sheet states the Delaware EMT Certification License expires at the same time as the individual's National Registry (NREMT) card, which is a 2-year cycle. Renewal can be satisfied either by completing the National Continued Competency Program (NREMT's own CE structure) or an approved in-state Delaware EMT refresher course meeting NHTSA National EMS Education Standards (reported elsewhere as a 30-hour refresher); because the exact hour count depends on which pathway is used and an official single figure was not confirmed, ceHours is left null rather than guessed. Unlike initial certification, a new State/Federal background check is NOT required for ordinary recertification -- per the Commission's own application instructions, 'Background Checks are required for all Initial Certifications only.'

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available. Participates in: EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA / EMS Compact).

Delaware is a confirmed current member state on the EMS Compact Commission's own commissioners page. Separately, Delaware runs its own Reciprocity Certification pathway for out-of-state EMTs (per the Commission's own Reciprocity Information Sheet): the applicant must be a Nationally Registered EMT, complete the Delaware State Fire School Reciprocity Class (Delaware Protocols, a protocols quiz, a practical skills evaluation, and a final exam), pass a Delaware State/Federal background check, and submit a Reciprocity Application ($10.00 fee) with a current out-of-state EMT card, current CPR card, and National Registry card.

Cost calculator

  • $25
  • $104
Total$129

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours does Delaware require to become an EMT?

180 hours of instruction through the Delaware State Fire School's EMT Full Course (or an equivalent OEMS-approved/NCCP program).

Does Delaware require the NREMT exam to become an EMT?

Yes, both components -- Delaware uses the National Registry examination process for the written (cognitive) and practical (psychomotor) exams rather than running its own separate state exam.

How much does it cost to get an EMT license in Delaware?

The State Fire Prevention Commission charges a $25.00 processing fee for both initial certification and recertification applications. Out-of-state EMTs applying through the reciprocity pathway pay a separate $10.00 processing fee.

Is a background check required every time you renew your Delaware EMT certification?

No -- per the Commission's own instructions, the State/Federal background check is required for initial certifications only, not for ordinary recertification.

Can an EMT certified in another state get certified in Delaware?

Yes, two ways: through Delaware's own Reciprocity Certification process (Delaware State Fire School Reciprocity Class, a Delaware background check, and a $10 application), or through the EMS Compact (REPLICA), of which Delaware is a confirmed member state.

Sources

  1. [1] statefireschool.delaware.gov/ems-education/ — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] statefirecommission.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2025/01/EMT-Application-2025.pdf — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] statefirecommission.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2023/05/EMT-Reciprocity-Certification.pdf — accessed 2026-07-12