NREMT extends 2020 recertification deadline, modifies requirements due to COVID-19

By Laura French

COLUMBUS, Ohio — As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) announced on Friday two modifications to the current recertification cycle for Nationally Registered EMS personnel.

The National Registry’s Board of Directors approved a motion extending the current recertification deadline from March 31, 2020 to June 30, 2020. Additionally, for registrants due to recertify March 31, 2020, Distributive Education (DE) limitations will be removed; this allows all continuing education to be accomplished outside of classrooms.

The National Registry advised military providers to check with their service branch for further military-specific guidance. 

“Given the dynamic nature of this global pandemic, the focus of our nation’s EMS personnel should remain on personal well-being, patient safety and supporting their communities in need,” said NREMT Executive Director Bill Seifarth.

Summary of modifications

• All certifications with an expiration date of March 31, 2020 will remain valid until June 30, 2020.
• The current recertification deadline of March 31, 2020 is extended to June 30, 2020.
• There will be no late fees for submissions after March 31, 2020.
• The Distributive Education (DE) limits will be waived for the remainder of this recertification cycle. The National Registry noted in its announcement that it will take some time for their software to be modified to accommodate this new option.

“We know that there are still many unanswered questions as to how these changes will be implemented and how the closures of schools and universities will impact the pipeline of EMS personnel seeking to test,” said Seifarth. “The Registry will take the necessary time to work with the State EMS Offices, Program Directors, and other stakeholders to properly address these issues and will share updates as information becomes available.”