Arkansas Department of Health — EMS & Trauma
Quick Answer
No. Arkansas does not require out-of-state EMTs or paramedics to retake a cognitive exam — an active NREMT certification is accepted for reciprocity through Arkansas Department of Health — EMS & Trauma. Processing typically takes 4–6 Weeks, and Arkansas does not publish a fixed application fee — confirm the amount with Arkansas Department of Health — EMS & Trauma.
How to transfer in 3 steps:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | Varies |
| Background Check Mandate | Required — Arkansas state and federal background check |
| NREMT Status Requirement | Accepted — NREMT satisfies the competency requirement |
| Average Processing Time | 4–6 Weeks |
Classification
Direct ReciprocityApplication Fee
Varies
Background Check
Varies
Est. Total Cost
Varies
Background check vendor: Arkansas state and federal background check. Protocol exam: None — NREMT accepted.
Arkansas requires payment of applicable fees but does not publish a single reciprocity fee — confirm with the Department of Health EMS section.
NREMT does not charge to release your certification to a state EMS board. Where the destination state requires verification of your existing state license, the state that issued that license sets its own verification fee.
This is a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Results are transmitted directly to the state EMS bureau, so you cannot forward them yourself — register with the approved vendor under Arkansas’s service code.
Your existing CE hours generally transfer, but they must meet Arkansas's requirement at your certification level. Confirm any state-specific modules before you submit.
Confirm you hold NREMT or an equivalent out-of-state license
Arkansas grants reciprocity to EMTs holding current NREMT certification plus an occupational license with a similar scope of practice from another state, territory, or district.
Check military automatic licensure eligibility
Uniformed service members, veterans, and their spouses may qualify for automatic licensure in Arkansas without the standard reciprocity review.
Submit the Arkansas EMS provider application
File the EMS provider application with the Arkansas Department of Health and pay the applicable fees.
Complete a background check
Submit to the required state and federal background check as part of licensure.
Await licensure
Track your application with the Arkansas Department of Health EMS section.
Active NREMT Certification
Authorize NREMT to release your verification to Arkansas Department of Health — EMS & Trauma. NREMT does not charge for this release.
Current State License Verification
An official verification form from your home state EMS bureau confirming your license is active and in good standing.
Fingerprint Background Check
Arkansas state and federal background check — required for all reciprocity applicants.
Continuing Education Hours
24 CE hours at the EMT-Basic level (more for AEMT/Paramedic). Confirm any Arkansas-specific modules such as trauma or pediatric hours.
Completed State Application
Submit the Arkansas Department of Health — EMS & Trauma reciprocity application and confirm the current fee directly with the office.
Government-Issued ID
A valid driver's license or passport for identity verification.
Comparing Municipal Public Safety & Paramedic Pay Rates?
Calculate firefighter and paramedic base salary, 24/48 shift overtime rates, and municipal pension scales using our Firefighter & Paramedic Pay Calculator.
Requirements, fees, and timelines are estimates for planning. Always confirm directly with Arkansas Department of Health — EMS & Trauma before applying.
We use cookies to personalize content, analyze traffic, and serve targeted ads via Google AdSense. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.