Connecticut Department of Public Health — OEMS
Quick Answer
No. Connecticut does not require out-of-state EMTs or paramedics to retake a cognitive exam — an active NREMT certification is accepted for reciprocity through Connecticut Department of Public Health — OEMS. The state application fee is $0, and processing typically takes 4–8 Weeks.
How to transfer in 3 steps:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $0 |
| Background Check Mandate | Required — Connecticut state and federal fingerprint background check |
| NREMT Status Requirement | Accepted — NREMT satisfies the competency requirement |
| Average Processing Time | 4–8 Weeks |
Classification
Direct ReciprocityApplication Fee
$0
Background Check
Varies
Est. Total Cost
Varies
Background check vendor: Connecticut state and federal fingerprint background check. Protocol exam: None if NREMT or an equivalent state certification is held; otherwise licensed by examination.
Connecticut charges no fee for EMT certification, including certification based on a current out-of-state license. Your home jurisdiction may charge for sending verification.
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 Connecticut’s service code.
Your existing CE hours generally transfer, but they must meet Connecticut's requirement at your certification level. Confirm any state-specific modules before you submit.
Confirm your certification qualifies for endorsement
Connecticut grants reciprocity to EMTs certified by NREMT or by a state or territory with equivalent or higher certification requirements — including Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Check whether you fall into the examination pathway
Applicants from non-NREMT states, or whose certification does not meet Connecticut's equivalency standard, must be licensed by examination instead of endorsement.
Request certification verification from your jurisdiction
Connecticut requires verification sent from the jurisdiction that certified you. Contact that jurisdiction directly for its completion fee.
Submit the Connecticut OEMS endorsement application
File through the Connecticut Department of Public Health Office of Emergency Medical Services.
Await certification issuance
Endorsement processing varies with how quickly your home jurisdiction returns verification.
Active NREMT Certification
Authorize NREMT to release your verification to Connecticut Department of Public Health — OEMS. 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
Connecticut state and federal fingerprint background check — required for all reciprocity applicants.
Continuing Education Hours
24 CE hours at the EMT-Basic level (more for AEMT/Paramedic). Confirm any Connecticut-specific modules such as trauma or pediatric hours.
Completed State Application
Submit the Connecticut Department of Public Health — OEMS reciprocity application and confirm the current fee directly with the office.
Government-Issued ID
A valid driver's license or passport for identity verification.
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Requirements, fees, and timelines are estimates for planning. Always confirm directly with Connecticut Department of Public Health — OEMS before applying.
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