EMT Certification in Illinois

EMT certification in Illinois ensures that the EMT professionals are well-qualified to provide emergency medical care to the patients at times of medical emergencies. These professionals can get certified after they successfully pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) examination. The certification in Illinois remains applicable only for 2 years.

Requirements to Get EMT Certificate

  • The prospective applicant should not be less than 18 years of age.
  • A state-approved EMT program is a must to be passed by the candidate.
  • The applicant must also complete a state-approved CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
  • NREMT examination is mandatory to be passed by the candidate.
  • He/she should be mentally sound and physically strong.
  • EMT applicant in Illinois should be fluent in English.
  • He/she should pass a background check.
  • A proof of legal presence of the applicant in the United States should be submitted.

Clearing a practical exam, conducted by a state-approved program, and submission of the fee along with an application are some of the special requirements for certification.

Process of EMT Certificate

Step 1: Get Program

Students of Illinois must get trained as Emergency Medical Technicians from program schools that are authorized by Illinois Department of Public Health.

Step 2: EMT Exam and Application

EMT applicants in Illinois have two options to get certified. Under Section 515.530 (b) of the Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Center Code [77 III. Adm. Code 515.530 (b)], EMT professionals can either give State of Illinois Examination or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) examination.

2a. State of Illinois Examination

Go to the website of ‘Continental Testing Services’ – http://www.continentaltesting.net/. Here, you can apply online, as well as make the payment for the exam.

‘EMS Systems Examination Application’ will guide you the ways of online application.

2b. NREMT Examination

  • Click on “Create New Account” and create a fresh account on the NREMT website.
  • Now, click on the option of “Create Initial Entry Application” and create an application.
  • Pay your application fee soon after finishing the online application.
  • Next, click on “Check Initial Entry Application Status” and check the status of your application and look for ‘Authorization to Test’ (ATT) Letter by going to the website and logging in your account by using the password and username.
  • If “Submitted” is visible besides the option of “Course Completion Verification”, this is the clue that the site has submitted the applicant’s details and is waiting for the approval of the course by the education program director.
  • If “Not Submitted” appears besides “Application Payment”, then you have to pay the fees before you receive your ATT Letter.
  • The link “Print ATT Letter” will appear if you have paid the application fee and the course completion is confirmed by your education program director.
  • Take out a printed-copy of your ATT Letter, and then, decide a date of your NREMT exam with the help of instructions, provided on the letter.

The NREMT practical examinations are held by state-approved EMT program programs.

Renewal of EMT Certificate


EMT professionals of Illinois, who wish to renew their certificates, must fulfil the following pre-requisites:

  • If you want to get your certification to be renewed, you should be working in an Emergency Medical Service or with a health-care facility.
  • You need to prove your cognitive ability by Continuing Education (CE) or appearing in an examination.

EMR-Emergency Medical Responder

  • You must submit a completed application of recertification by September 30 (of the year; your certificate expires).
  • 12 hours of Continuing Education (CE).
  • The applicant should also provide a clear copy of his/her current CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certificate.
  • The applicant also needs to maintain ‘Skills Verification Competency’ by getting it authorized by the Program Officer.

EMT-Basic

  • The year, in which your certificate is going to expire, you should submit your completed application for certification by March 31.
  • You need to finish a refresher course of 24 hours from a state-approved program program.
  • Additionally, 48-hour program is also required.
  • You must make a payment of $15 while you are submitting the recertification documents. This is non-refundable.
  • Your ‘skills verification’ should be confirmed and signed by the Director of Operations, Program Program Director or Physician Medical Director.
  • You should maintain your current CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) card.


EMT-Intermediate/99

  • You must submit your application for recertification before its expiration date.
  • You should finish a 36-hour refresher course, and also a 36-hour additional EMT program.
  •  A non-refundable fee of $15 for recertification is also needed to pay.

Paramedic

  • A completely filled application for certificate renewal should be provided before March 31.
  • It is compulsory to complete a 48-hour refresher course, which will include all the important topics of EMS.
  • Along with it, you are also expected to complete another program of 24 hours.
  • You must pay a non-refundable fee of $20 while submitting the documents, needed for recertification.
  • You need to provide a ‘Skills Verification’ proof that must be approved by the Physician Medical Director.
  • You should also provide your current CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) card.

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