StateLicensed

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License Requirements in Massachusetts

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
—
Upfront cost
$254
Exam
NREMT EMT Cognitive Examination, Massachusetts EMT-Basic Psychomotor (Practical) Examination
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS)

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check. OEMS's initial-training page lists eligibility for EMT-Basic certification as: at least 18 years of age, abstain from drug abuse impairing professional judgment/practice, and be free of physical or mental impairment that would jeopardize patient or provider safety. The application-guide page requires a signed and notarized CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) form as part of the certification application, confirming a state background check. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete training at a state-approved program. OEMS's initial-training page requires the course to follow NHTSA's National EMS Education Standards and be taught by a DPH-accredited EMT training institution, but does not publish a fixed total classroom-hour figure for EMT-Basic on its own site (unlike, e.g., its more detailed Paramedic/CAAHEP-accreditation language). Left null rather than citing a third-party estimate. [1]

  3. 3

    NREMT EMT Cognitive Examination

    Pass the NREMT EMT Cognitive Examination (fee: $104). Computer-adaptive test administered at Pearson VUE test centers or via OnVUE remote proctoring. Massachusetts requires candidates to obtain full NREMT certification (cognitive exam + Massachusetts psychomotor exam) BEFORE they may even apply for Massachusetts state certification -- OEMS does not run a separate parallel exam process; NREMT/state certification is a strict prerequisite chain. Fee is NREMT's published national rate, paid to NREMT/Pearson. [1]

  4. 4

    Massachusetts EMT-Basic Psychomotor (Practical) Examination

    Pass the Massachusetts EMT-Basic Psychomotor (Practical) Examination. OEMS's own training-requirements page states candidates 'obtain NREMT certification by successfully completing a Massachusetts psychomotor (practical) examination and NREMT cognitive (computer-based) examination' -- i.e., Massachusetts runs the hands-on skills exam itself rather than deferring to a national NREMT psychomotor process. No published state fee for this exam component was found, so left null rather than guessed. [1]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) with the $150 application fee. Typical processing time: 3-4 weeks for a complete online application. [2]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) issues your Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic) for Massachusetts.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [2] $150
License fee [2] None specified
Renewal fee [2] $150
NREMT EMT Cognitive Examination [1] $104
Massachusetts EMT-Basic Psychomotor (Practical) Examination [1] None specified
NREMT recertification submission fee (Basic level) [2] $25
OEMS state recertification application fee [2] $125

OEMS's certification-application page states 'the initial application fee for all levels of initial EMT certification is $150,' non-refundable, paid via card or eCheck. This applies only after the candidate already holds NREMT certification (there is no separate ongoing 'license' fee distinct from this certification fee). For renewal, the total is effectively the same $150: a $25 NREMT training-profile submission fee plus a $125 OEMS state recertification fee, both listed on the renewal page.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 30 continuing education hours required per cycle.

The 2026 recertification cycle page shows certifications expiring Spring 2026 renewing to a 2028 expiration -- a 2-year cycle, aligned with NREMT's national recertification cycle. Continuing education is split into a National Component (20 hours of NREMT-approved CE) and a State Component (10 hours, flexible but directly EMS patient-care related), for 30 hours total; all CE may now be completed via Distributive (online, self-paced) Education with a T3 (OEMS) or F3 (CAPCE) approval number. Renewal is a two-step process: complete CE and submit the NREMT training profile/fee (Step A), then submit the state recertification application and fee via eLicensing (Step B).

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Massachusetts is not a current member of the EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA) per the compact commission's own commissioners list (as of access date). Massachusetts instead runs an Out of State EMS Certification / verification process: an applicant who currently or previously held EMS certification/licensure in another state or jurisdiction must complete a 'State verification of EMS licensure and/or certification' form as part of their Massachusetts application.

7 state-approved training providers in Massachusetts — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Cost calculator

  • $150
  • $104
Total$254

Frequently asked questions

Do I need NREMT certification before applying for Massachusetts EMT certification?

Yes. Massachusetts requires candidates to hold National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification -- earned by passing both the NREMT cognitive exam and a Massachusetts-administered psychomotor (practical) exam -- before they can apply for Massachusetts state EMT-Basic certification.

How much does it cost to get certified as an EMT in Massachusetts?

OEMS charges a non-refundable $150 initial application fee for all levels of initial EMT certification, on top of the NREMT cognitive exam fee (around $104, paid to Pearson VUE).

How often do Massachusetts EMTs need to recertify?

Every 2 years, aligned with the NREMT national recertification cycle. Recertification requires 20 hours of national-component continuing education plus 10 hours of state-component continuing education (30 hours total), and payment of both an NREMT submission fee and a $125 OEMS state recertification fee.

Does Massachusetts require a background check for EMT certification?

Yes. Applicants must submit a signed and notarized CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) form as part of their certification application.

Can an EMT certified in another state transfer their certification to Massachusetts?

Yes, through OEMS's out-of-state certification verification process: applicants who currently or previously held EMS certification in another state or jurisdiction submit a state verification of EMS licensure/certification form along with their Massachusetts application. Massachusetts is not a member of the EMS Compact (REPLICA).

Sources

  1. [1] mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-initial-training-requirements-for-ems-personnel — accessed 2026-07-12
  2. [2] mass.gov/guides/apply-for-an-initial-emt-advanced-emt-or-paramedic-certification — accessed 2026-07-12
  3. [3] mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-emt-advanced-emt-or-paramedic-certification — accessed 2026-07-12