EMS Equivalency
EMS rules allow the following candidates to gain Texas EMS certification or licensure through equivalency.
- Individuals who are certified or licensed in another health care discipline, or who have completed training outside the U.S.,
- Individuals whose department issued EMS certification or license has been expired for more than one year; or
- Individuals who have held department issued inactive certification for more than four years.
Initial Certification/Licensure
Candidate responsibilities:
- Contact your local EMS field office for a list of approved educational institutions.
- Determine if your experience and education match the EMS program curriculum.
- Follow program policies and procedures for transfer or advanced placement credits.
- Pass the National Registry exam.
- Complete a state approved jurisprudence examination to determine the knowledge on state EMS laws, rules, and policies.
- Once complete, the candidate can submit an initial application with the non-refundable fee.
Paramedic Licensure
Paramedic candidates must:
- Complete the procedures above.
- Have an associate’s degree in EMS or any higher level degree from an accredited school recognized by the US Department of Education.
- Submit?an initial application, transcript and the non-refundable? fee.
Foreign Credentials
If you have foreign credentials, you must also:
- Acquire translation and/or educational credential evaluation services.
- Ensure the evaluation conforms to recommendations approved by the:
- National Council on the Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials,?
- American Association of Collegiate Registrars and \
- Admissions Officers?and?NAFSA: Association of International Educators.?
A list of evaluation services is available from the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).?
Get in Touch
EMS Certification
PO Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
Phone: 512-834-6700
emscert@dshs.texas.gov