Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment — EMS
Quick Answer
No — there is no reciprocity process in Colorado. Every first-time applicant must hold a current NREMT registration, so your out-of-state license alone does not qualify you and you file an initial certification application instead of a transfer. Processing typically takes 4–6 Weeks, and Colorado does not publish a fixed application fee — confirm the amount with Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment — EMS.
How to transfer in 3 steps:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | Varies |
| Background Check Mandate | Required — Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI + FBI fingerprint-based) |
| NREMT Status Requirement | Accepted — NREMT satisfies the competency requirement |
| Average Processing Time | 4–6 Weeks |
Classification
No Reciprocity ProcessApplication Fee
Varies
Background Check
Varies
Est. Total Cost
Varies
Background check vendor: Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI + FBI fingerprint-based). Protocol exam: None — but a current NREMT registration is mandatory.
CDPHE does not publish the EMS certification fee on its public pages. Pay it through the state PayPort under 'EMS Certification Fee' and upload the receipt to your OATH application. Confirm the current amount at cdphe.emtcert@state.co.us or 303-691-4932.
Colorado charges no NREMT verification fee, and NREMT does not charge to release your certification. You must hold a current NREMT registration, which CDPHE verifies directly.
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 Colorado’s service code.
Schedule fingerprintingConfirm Colorado CE alignment.
Understand that Colorado has no reciprocity process
CDPHE states plainly that Colorado does not have a reciprocity process for EMS providers and that another state's license or certification does not allow you to practice in Colorado. You apply as a first-time Colorado applicant, not as a transfer.
Hold a current NREMT registration at your practice level
Every first-time Colorado applicant must be registered with the NREMT at the level they intend to practice. An out-of-state license is not a substitute for NREMT registration.
Confirm your EMS course satisfies Colorado's initial requirements
CDPHE lists completion of an EMS provider course at your practice level as an initial requirement, and because there is no reciprocity process it does not evaluate your out-of-state license. Email cdphe.emtcert@state.co.us to confirm whether your existing course and current NREMT registration meet the requirement before you apply.
Create an OATH account and submit the Initial application
Create an account in the OATH portal and submit the 'EMS Provider Certification/License - Initial' application. The certification fee is paid through the CDPHE PayPort and the receipt must be uploaded to your application before it can be submitted.
Submit fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation
Request both CBI and FBI results. Fingerprints must be taken within 60 days before or after your OATH application, and background checks run by other organizations are not accepted — new prints must go to the CBI.
Upload your CPR card and ACLS card
Include an image of your current and valid CPR card, plus your ACLS card if you are applying at the paramedic level.
Await CBI results and CDPHE approval
CDPHE receives the CBI results into your OATH application and then emails an approval or rejection. Approved providers are sent instructions for printing a 3-year Colorado certificate. Plan for roughly 4–6 weeks.
Active NREMT Certification
Required — Colorado has no reciprocity process, so you must hold a current NREMT registration at your practice level. Your out-of-state license alone does not qualify you.
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
Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI + FBI fingerprint-based) — required for all applicants.
Continuing Education Hours
24 CE hours at the EMT-Basic level (more for AEMT/Paramedic). Confirm any Colorado-specific modules such as trauma or pediatric hours.
Completed State Application
Submit the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment — EMS initial certification application and confirm the current fee directly with the office.
Government-Issued ID
A valid driver's license or passport for identity verification.
Colorado has no reciprocity process for EMS providers. CDPHE states plainly that another state's EMS license or certification does not allow you to practice in Colorado, so there is no transfer pathway to qualify for. Instead, every first-time applicant must hold a current NREMT registration at the level they intend to practice, submit a fingerprint-based background check to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, upload a CPR card and an ACLS card for paramedics, and file an initial certification application through the OATH portal. Plan for roughly 4 to 6 weeks and confirm the certification fee with CDPHE, which does not publish it. The EMS Compact privilege is the one route that lets an out-of-state license work in Colorado without obtaining a Colorado certification.
| Fee Item | Details | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Application Fee | Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment — EMS | Varies |
| Background Check | Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI + FBI fingerprint-based) | Varies |
| NREMT Verification | Release through your NREMT account | No charge |
| Estimated Total | Varies | |
Colorado charges no NREMT verification fee, and NREMT does not charge to release your certification. You must hold a current NREMT registration, which CDPHE verifies directly.
EMR
12 hrs
Standard NREMT-aligned hours.
EMT-Basic
24 hrs
Confirm Colorado CE alignment.
AEMT
36 hrs
Advanced-skill scope verification.
Paramedic
48 hrs
Standard NREMT-aligned hours.
| Level | Exam Requirement | Fees | CE Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMT-Basic | None — NREMT registration mandatory | Certification fee varies — paid through the CDPHE PayPort | 24 hours |
| AEMT | None — NREMT registration mandatory | Certification fee varies — paid through the CDPHE PayPort | 36 hours |
| Paramedic | None — NREMT registration mandatory (ACLS card required) | Certification fee varies — paid through the CDPHE PayPort | 48 hours |
Compact Member
Colorado has participated in the EMS Compact since 2015. If your primary home-state license is in another participating state, you can obtain a Colorado privilege to practice through the compact instead of filing a Colorado initial certification application. The Compact charges no privilege fee. A privilege is practice-only and does not make Colorado your primary state of licensure.
EMS Provider Certification/License - Initial application
CDPHE OATH portal (colorado.imagetrendlicense.com)
CBI + FBI fingerprint background check
Colorado Bureau of Investigation — prints must be taken within 60 days of your application
CPR card (and ACLS card for paramedics)
Uploaded with your OATH application
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 Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment — EMS 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.