Reciprocity guide for California → Tennessee · Tennessee Office of EMS
Application Fee
$225
Background Check
$35
NREMT Verification
No charge
Est. Total Cost
$260
Background check vendor: TBI / IdentoGO (FBI fingerprint-based). Exam waiver: None — NREMT psychomotor accepted.
Verify active certification or NREMT
Confirm your EMR, EMT-B, AEMT, or Paramedic certification is current, or hold an active NREMT at the desired level.
Submit Tennessee EMS certification application
Apply through the Tennessee Department of Health EMS portal (lars.tn.gov) and submit all three fees together: a $50 non-refundable application fee, a $75 license fee, and a $100 reciprocity fee.
Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check
Complete a fingerprint-based background check through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or IdentoGO (~$35).
Request NREMT verification if applicable
If NREMT-certified, authorize release of your credentials to the Tennessee Office of EMS via your NREMT account.
Address Tennessee-specific CE gaps
Review Tennessee's CE requirements for your level and complete any state-specific modules if needed.
Await issuance
Tennessee processes reciprocity applications in approximately 4–6 weeks. Check status through the Tennessee Office of EMS.
To transfer your California EMT license to Tennessee, follow these steps: 1. Verify active certification or NREMT 2. Submit Tennessee EMS certification application 3. Complete fingerprint-based criminal background check 4. Request NREMT verification if applicable 5. Address Tennessee-specific CE gaps 6. Await issuance The Tennessee Office of EMS oversees the process, which typically takes 4–6 Weeks.
Not directly. Tennessee does not accept NREMT alone — you may need to complete a state-specific exam, additional continuing education, or a refresher course. Contact Tennessee Office of EMS to confirm the pathway.
EMT reciprocity in Tennessee typically takes 4–6 Weeks after Tennessee Office of EMS receives your complete application, background check results, and NREMT verification.
The total estimated cost to transfer an EMT license from California to Tennessee is about $260: a $225 Tennessee application fee and a $35 background check. NREMT does not charge to release your certification, so no separate NREMT fee applies.
Generally no. You must hold an active Tennessee certification or a valid compact privilege before practicing. Some employers may offer a non-clinical role during processing, but you cannot provide patient care until Tennessee Office of EMS issues your certification.
Requirements, fees, and timelines are estimates for planning. Always confirm directly with Tennessee Office of 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.