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About the National Registry

The National Registry is a non-profit, non-governmental certification organization serving the emergency medical services (EMS) community by validating the knowledge, skills, and competency of EMS Clinicians and providing a uniform standard across states for emergency medical care. At its core, the National Registry is focused on public safety.

As the EMS Certification Organization

Our Purpose

We ensure that all EMS Clinicians have the knowledge and skills required for competent practice.

Our Vision

A safer and healthier world where all patients receive care from certified EMS Clinicians.

Our Mission

To support the EMS profession through partnerships, research, and lifelong assessment of clinical competence.

Board of Directors

The National Registry is governed by a Board of Directors composed of distinguished leaders from the EMS community and the public, all dedicated to advancing public protection and high-quality patient care.
View current Board

Clarifying-Roles-in-EMS Oversight

The National Registry verifies competency — the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide safe and effective patient care. It does NOT assess personality, character, or behavior.

Licensure and conduct oversight fall to state EMS offices, while employers make decisions about hiring or discipline. Each plays an important role in protecting the public and maintaining trust in the profession.

Learn more about EMS Oversight

National EMS Data

Explore our interactive maps to dive into the dynamic world of EMS data. Here, you can visually navigate key insights about our certification process, performance trends, and geographic distribution of EMS professionals. The user-friendly interface and interactive elements invite you to uncover detailed statistics and compelling stories behind the numbers. Whether you're a candidate, educator, or simply curious about the impact of our programs, our maps offer an engaging window into our mission and the broader EMS community. Discover how data drives decision-making and excellence in EMS—start exploring today!
View National EMS Data

History of the National Registry  

Explore the National Registry’s historic timeline to discover key milestones and developments in EMS.

Timeline


Professional Accreditation  

The National Registry maintains accreditation from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the credentialing body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, for all four (4) certification programs: 

  • Emergency Medical Responder (NREMR)  

  • Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT)  

  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (NRAEMT)  

  • Paramedic (NRP) 

Credentialing: 

  • Protects the public 

  • Assures consumers of professional standards 

  • Advances the profession 

  • Sets standards for knowledge, skills, and practice 

Examination Development

The National Registry prioritizes public safety by providing a reliable, valid, and fair method to measure candidate competency. EMS and test development experts dedicate thousands of hours each year to developing the examinations.

The National Registry certifies four (4) EMS levels—EMR, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic. The content for each level is determined by a Practice Analysis, a research study which identifies key tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities required for entry-level EMS care at that level. National Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), including State Officials, educators, employers, Clinicians, and physicians, are involved throughout the examination development process, including Practice Analysis, examination blueprint development, item development and review, and the determination of the standard for entry-level competency.

Learn More

Annual Reports

View our annual reports to see highlights, achievements, and financials from the last five (5) years. 

Annual Reports

How States Use the National Registry

The National Registry provides National EMS Certification to protect the public. This certification process thoroughly validates and legally attests to the competency of candidates who pass. 

All fifty states recognize National Registry certification as a valid attestation of entry level competency prior to issuing a license to practice. Recognized nationwide, the EMS Compact mandates this certification in all member states, assuring the public, employers, and state authorities of each individual’s proven competency. 

Learn about the differences between certification and licensure

Volunteers

The National Registry relies on EMS community volunteers to enhance our products and services. We regularly bring together diverse EMS professionals to collaborate on developing examinations, reviewing publications and software, conducting practice analyses, and more. We encourage EMS personnel from all backgrounds and experience levels to apply and help shape the future of the National Registry.  
Learn about volunteering