Kern County, CA
Home Public Health MenuEmergency Medical Services » EMS Professional Resources
Paramedics
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 fees apply.
- If corrections or additional documents are needed, you will receive an email or phone call notification
- Once everything is approved, you will receive a phone call to schedule your protocol test.
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
License and Renewal Information
- To establish or renew your CA Paramedic License, you will need to do so through Paramedic Licensure - EMSA
- To work as a Paramedic in California, all applicants must submit required documentation in accordance with Title 22 regulations, along with state and local fees for accreditation in the county they wish to work in.
- You must first establish or renew your CA Paramedic License with the state before applying for Kern County Accreditation.
Use the Kern County EMS eLicensing Portal to apply for or renew your Paramedic Accreditation.
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 Paramedic License, physical card, or a screenshot from the EMSA certification lookup.
B. Skills Verification
- 1011.00 Accreditation Policy – all accreditation forms can be found near the end of the policy
C. Verification of Employment
- Verification form must come directly from your employer
D. Background Disclosure (Only If You Answer “Yes”)
Upload supporting documents 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 Paramedic applicants only if Live Scan is not already on file
- 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
- 48 hours of CEs for renewal applicants
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 Paramedics 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 Paramedics 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
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
- Includes fees associated with certification, accreditation, and other EMS services
These resources support your Paramedic 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
Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) – Additional Information
State-level EMS regulations and guidance
Paramedics are encouraged to be familiar with EMSA requirements
EMSA Certification Look-Up & Verification
Use this tool if:
- You lost your Paramedic License or accreditation card
- Your application asks for your Paramedic Card and you do not have a copy
You may:
- Search using your P Number or first and last name
- Upload a screenshot of the verification as a temporary replacement for your Paramedic card
- Use a screenshot of your information located on the EMSA webpage in the meantime for renewal applications where it asks to upload your card.
- Any lost or stolen CA State Paramedic License will need to contact EMSA.
- For Kern County Accreditation contact Kern County EMS at EMScertifications@kerncounty.com
Paramedic Live Scan Form (Kern County EMS)
- This specific Live Scan form is required for Paramedics being accredited 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 - Paramedic Livescan
(There are separate forms for EMTs and other EMS roles. Selecting the wrong form may cause delays.)
Paramedic 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 Paramedic accreditation 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 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
- 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 directly to Kern County EMS custodian of records
- 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
All Continuing Education (CE) used for Paramedic accreditation 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 Paramedic 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 Paramedic 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
- Certificates from California-approved CE providers may show only a CE provider number
Currently licensed in California, accredited in Kern County, and seeking verification to a program?
Email the verification form provided by the program 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.