Kern County, CA

Please read this section carefully before starting your application.

How the Application Process Works

• It is recommended to complete the application on a desktop or tablet to see the full page
• Applications are reviewed in the order they are received
• All applications are reviewed before payment is available
• Application fees will only appear after all documents are reviewed and approved
• If corrections or additional documents are needed, you will receive an email notification
• Once everything is approved, you will receive an email letting you know it is okay to check out and submit payment

Saving Your Application

• Please read all pages carefully
• Click “Save & Continue” after each section
• Use the tabs at the top to access or return to pages in the application
• Required fields do not need to be completed until you are ready to submit
• You may close the application at any time and return later to complete missing items

Certification and Renewal Information

• To establish your CA Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
• Or to renew your CA Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
• To function as an EMT in California, all applicants must submit required documentation in accordance with Title 22 regulations, along with state and local fees
• Once all requirements are met, you will receive a California EMT certification card issued by Kern County
• This card is valid throughout the State of California

Expiration & Processing Time

• All EMT certifications expire on the last day of the month
• Applications are processed on business days only
• Holidays are not included in processing time
• Submitting your application the week of your expiration date may result in a lapse of certification
• There is no expedited processing option

A lapse in certification may affect your work status. Each agency may have policies regarding scheduling or disciplinary action. Please check with your employer.

Kern County Accreditation (Local Card)

• Completing this application is for newly established Kern County accreditation cards only

Use the Kern County EMS eLicensing Portal to apply for or renew your EMT certification.

Be sure to review that all documents are signed and completed. 

This portal allows you to:

A.  Begin an application and include basic documents

You will complete the application online and upload the following:

• Front and back of your Driver’s License
• Your California State EMT Certification, physical card, or a screenshot from the EMSA certification lookup (found in the Helpful Resources accordion).

B. Skills Verification

• EMT Skills Competency Verification Form is required
  • The form must be completed and signed by a state-recognized, authorized verifier (such as an approved training center or authorized agency representative)
• A link to this form is available in the Helpful Resources section

C. Verification of Employment

• Verification form must come directly from your employer

   

  D. Background Disclosure (Only If You Answer “Yes”)

  Supportive documentation if you answer YES to this question in the application:

  Are you now, or have you ever been, convicted of any misdemeanor or felony offense in California or any other state, including convictions that have been expunged or sealed under Penal Code Section 1203.4?

  E. Live Scan Fingerprinting

• Required for initial EMT applicants only
• Not required for renewals
• Instructions and required forms are available in the Helpful Resources section

F. Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

All CE must be California-approved or CAPCE-approved.

Required CE Hours

• Current renewal: 24 hours
• Expired less than 6 months: 24 hours
• Expired more than 6 months but less than 12 months: 36 hours
• Expired over 12 months: 48 hours of CE, NREMT, EMT Skills Competency Verification Form, BLS Provider CPR card, and Live Scan

For each CE course, you must:

• Enter the Class Name
• Enter the Date
• Enter the Topic Hours
• Upload the Certificate
• Save the record

You may add multiple CE certificates until you meet your required hours.

Before You Submit

• Make sure all required documents are uploaded
• Confirm CE hours match your renewal status
• Save all entries before submitting your application

All EMTs operating in Kern County are expected to be familiar with the following policies and protocols. These documents guide scope of practice, system operations, and local requirements.

Administrative Policies (1000 Series) 

• Includes Kern County EMS administrative requirements
• Policy 1011.00 – Accreditation Policy 
  • Covers Kern County accreditation requirements
  • Includes important forms EMTs may need to complete or reference

Hospital & Specialty Care Center Policies (4000 Series)

• Outlines procedures and expectations when interacting with:
  • Hospitals
  • Specialty care centers
• Helps ensure consistent patient handoff and coordination of care
• STEMI 
• Stroke 
• Trauma 
• EMS for Children

All Providers Protocols (5000 Series)

• Clinical protocols that apply to all EMS providers
• Defines treatment guidelines, medical direction, and patient care standards

Emergency Medical Services Fees

• Provides information on applicable EMS-related fees

These resources support your EMT application, renewal, or reinstatement. Some items are required, and others are provided to help prevent delays in processing.

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)

• All questions regarding NREMT are separate from Kern County EMS

EMT Skills Competency Verification Form 

• Required for all EMTs renewing or reinstating
  • The form must be completed and signed by a state-recognized, authorized verifier (such as an approved training center or authorized agency representative)
• Must be completed and uploaded as part of your application
• Reminder: Be sure the form is fully completed and signed. Blank fields or missing signatures may delay processing.

Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) – Additional Information 

State-level EMS regulations and guidance

EMTs are encouraged to be familiar with EMSA requirements

EMSA Certification Look-Up & Verification

Use this tool if:

• You lost your EMT certification card
• Your application asks for your EMT card and you do not have a copy

You may:

• Search using your eNumber or first and last name
• Upload a screenshot of the verification as a temporary replacement for your EMT card

Lost or Stolen EMT Certification Card 

• CA EMT replacement card application available in the portal

EMT Live Scan Form (Kern County EMS)

• This specific Live Scan form is required for EMTs being certified with Kern County
• The form is auto-populated so Kern County EMS receives results directly
• Using a different agency’s Live Scan form will cause delays

Where do I find the Live Scan form?

Link - EMT Livescan

(There are separate forms for EMTs and other EMS roles. Selecting the wrong form may cause delays.)

EMT Live Scan – What You Need to Know

Will I need a new Live Scan?

• If your Live Scan was completed before 2012, you will likely need a new one
• Live Scans are continuous unless a No Longer Interested (NLI) status is filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ)
• If your EMT certification has been expired for more than 12 months, a new Live Scan may be required due to an NLI filing

Can I use a Live Scan from another agency?

• No. A new Live Scan is required for Kern County EMS
• Each agency has a unique DOJ code
• You must use the Kern County EMS Live Scan form EMT Livescan so results are sent to our agency electronically

How does the Live Scan process work?

• Download and print the Kern County EMS Live Scan form EMT Livescan
• Complete the middle section of the form
• Take the form to an authorized Live Scan location
• The Live Scan provider completes the bottom section
• DOJ sends results electronically to Kern County EMS
• If DOJ reports a delay, you will receive an email with instructions
• A Live Scan must be on file for all applicants before an application can move forward

Click here to find Live Scan locations

All Continuing Education (CE) used for EMT renewal must be completed through approved providers. Courses that are not approved will not be accepted.

CAPCE-Approved Continuing Education

• Courses approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE)
• Accepted for EMT renewal in California
• May include online, in-person, or hybrid courses
• Be sure your certificate clearly shows:
  • Course name
  • Date completed
  • Number of CE hours
  • CAPCE approval information

California-Approved Continuing Education Providers

• Courses approved by the State of California for EMT continuing education
• Includes approved local, regional, and statewide training providers
• Certificates must include:
  • Course name
  • Date completed
  • CE hours earned
  • Provider approval information

Important Reminders

• Only California-approved or CAPCE-approved CE will be accepted
• Upload all CE certificates in the application portal
• You may add multiple courses to meet your required hours

Are you outside of California and need a California EMT certificate?

Please return to the EMS eLicensing Portal and submit a new California EMT certification application. 

Currently certified in California and seeking reciprocity to another state?

Email the reciprocity form provided by the other state to EMScertifications@kerncounty.com. 

• Be sure the form is fully completed
• Incomplete submissions may delay processing
• Requests are typically processed within 14 business days

Still have questions? Email the Certification Team at EMScertifications@kerncounty.com

Please include your certification or license title in the subject line when emailing. Example EMT, Paramedic, EMD, MICN, ETC.