(Effective until September 30, 2024)
To obtain reciprocal (out-of-state) EMS certification, based on a current out-of-state or national EMS certification approved by the department.
To apply for certification, an applicant must submit to the department:
(1) A completed certification application on forms provided by the department; and
(2) Proof of meeting the requirements identified in Table A of this section.
Table A
Reciprocity—Out-of-State Applicants Seeking EMS Certification
REQUIREMENTS |
EMS educational program: |
EMS courses conducted according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, national EMS training course standards. |
After June 30, 1996, paramedic training program must be accredited by a national accrediting organization approved by the department. |
Additional education: |
Provide proof of a department-approved four-hour infectious disease course or a seven-hour HIV/AIDS course as required by chapter 70.24 RCW. |
Current credential: |
Provide proof of valid EMS certification from another state or national certifying agency approved by the department. |
Certification examination: |
Provide proof of a passing score on a department-approved certification examination for the level of certification. The score is valid for twelve months from the date of the examination. After twelve months, a passing score on a department-approved certification examination is required. Applicants will have three attempts within twelve months from the first examination date to pass the examination. |
Certification application: |
High school diploma or GED: Required for EMT, AEMT and paramedic only. |
Provide proof of identity - State or federal photo I.D. (military ID, driver's license, passport). |
Provide proof of age - At least eighteen years of age. Variances to this age requirement will not be granted. |
Provide proof of EMS agency association - Active membership, paid or volunteer with: |
• | Licensed aid or ambulance service; |
• | Law enforcement agency; |
• | Business with organized industrial safety team; |
• | Senior EMS instructors or training coordinators, teaching at department-approved EMS training programs, who are unable to be associated with approved agencies above. |
Recommendation of county medical program director - required. MPD must sign application. |
Background check - required. May include requirement for fingerprint card and FBI background check. |
[Statutory Authority: Chapters
18.71, 18.73, and
70.168 RCW. WSR 11-07-078, § 246-976-142, filed 3/22/11, effective 5/15/11.]
(Effective September 30, 2024)
To obtain reciprocal (out-of-state) EMS certification, based on a current out-of-state or national EMS certification approved by the department.
To apply for certification, an applicant must:
(1) Submit a completed application on forms provided by the department;
(2) Be at least 18 years of age and provide their date of birth on the initial certification application. Variances to this age requirement will not be granted;
(3) Successfully complete a background check provided by the department. The background check may include the requirement for fingerprint card and FBI background check. If an applicant has submitted fingerprints and has been informed by the department that their fingerprints were rejected and must be redone, the applicant may request a temporary practice permit in accordance with WAC 246-12-050;
(4) Provide proof of a high school diploma or GED for EMT, AEMT, and paramedic level certifications;
(5) Provide proof of competency, a current and valid certification from another state or national organization recognized by the department;
(6) Provide proof of active membership paid or volunteer with a licensed aid or ambulance service, or an EMS service supervisory organization (ESSO) recognized by the department. Senior EMS instructors or training coordinators teaching at department-approved EMS training programs who are unable to be with approved agencies above may affiliate with department-approved training programs with the approval from the county medical program director; and
(7) Be recommended by the county medical program director. The county medical program director must sign the application.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
18.71.205,
18.73.081,
43.70.040,
70.168.050, 2017 c 70, 2017 c 295, 2020 c 76, 2021 c 276, 2019 c 314, 2021 c 69, and 2022 c 136. WSR 24-15-104, § 246-976-142, filed 7/22/24, effective 9/30/24. Statutory Authority: Chapters
18.71, 18.73, and
70.168 RCW. WSR 11-07-078, § 246-976-142, filed 3/22/11, effective 5/15/11.]
