NCCP Requirements for 2027: CE Hours for EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics
If your National Registry EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic certification expires March 31, 2027, now is the time to understand your continuing education requirements. The National Registry offers differnet pathways for recertification, and this guide focuses on the continuing education (CE) pathway.
For EMS professionals who choose this pathway for recertification, completing the right number of CE hours is only part of the process. The National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) divides those hours into National, Local, and Individual Components, each with a different purpose. Understanding how the NCCP works can help you choose the right education, avoid gaps in your application, and make your required CE support the next steps of your EMS career.
National, Local, & Individual NCCP Components
The National Registry introduced the NCCP in 2012. The model shifted recertification toward an approach that could better incorporate evidence-based medicine, give state and local EMS systems more control over education, and encourage lifelong learning among EMS professionals.
Instead of treating all continuing education as one block of hours, the NCCP divides CE into three areas:
- National Component: 50%
- Local Component: 25%
- Individual Component: 25%
The result balances national clinical priorities with the needs of local EMS systems and individual clinicians.
National Registry Recertification CE Requirements
Your total NCCP continuing education requirement depends on your certification level:
|
Certification
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
National
|
Local
|
Individual
|
Total
|
|
|
EMT
|
20 hours
|
10 hours
|
10 hours
|
40 hours
|
|
AEMT
|
25 hours
|
12.5 hours
|
12.5 hours
|
50 hours
|
|
Paramedic
|
30 hours
|
15 hours
|
15 hours
|
60 hours
|
These totals remain divided according to the 50/25/25 NCCP structure.
The 2025 NCCP Model
The National Registry began using the 2025 NCCP Model for EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics on April 1, 2025. That means providers recertifying during the 2026-2027 season should use the current model when reviewing their National Component requirements.
The 2025 model does not change the overall 50/25/25 structure or the total hours listed above. Instead, it establishes the current content requirements within the National Component.
NCCP National Component
The National Component makes up half of your required CE and the topics reflect changes in evidence-based medicine, EMS scope of practice, research, and recommendations from organizations involved in prehospital care. The National Registry also places additional emphasis on low-frequency, high-criticality patient presentations, which are situations EMS professionals may not encounter often, but need to manage effectively when they occur.
Under the 2025 NCCP model, National Component education covers broad areas such as airway and respiratory care, cardiology, trauma, medical emergencies, and operations. The current model also requires at least 10% of National Component content to focus on pediatric patients. These hours count toward your existing National Component requirement rather than adding to your total CE obligation. That means EMTs need at least 2 hours, AEMTs need 2.5 hours, and Paramedics need 3 hours of pediatric-focused education.
NCCP Local Component
The Local Component accounts for 25% of your CE requirement. Your state, region, or EMS agency may use these hours to address topics that matter specifically to your system. That may include local protocols, areas identified through quality improvement, specialized clinical needs, or skills that require additional attention. If your state, region, or agency does not specify particular Local Component topics, the National Registry considers this portion flexible content.
Before selecting continuing education courses, confirm whether your state, region, or EMS agency has designated specific Local Component topics. Choose education that meets those requirements and verify that your courses qualify for National Registry recertification credit. This can help you avoid completing hours that do not satisfy your remaining CE requirements.
NCCP Individual Component
The Individual Component makes up the remaining 25% of your CE requirement and gives you the most flexibility. Providers may use qualifying state- or CAPCE-approved EMS related education for these hours.
That flexibility gives you a choice in how you approach recertification. You may want to refresh foundational knowledge and complete your requirements efficiently. Or you may decide to use some of your continuing education to explore specialty subjects, strengthen areas you encounter less frequently, or build knowledge that supports the next stage of your EMS career.
When choosing Individual Component courses, look for qualifying EMS education that aligns with your clinical interest and professional goals. Verify course eligibility and track completed hours so you can accurately document your progress toward recertification.
Make Your CE Plan Before March
If your National Registry certification expires March 31, 2027, now is the time to review your CE progress. Check your completed National, Local, and Individual Component hours, identify any remaining requirements, and confirm your state’s recertification guidelines.
Impact EMS Training offers flexible online continuing education to help you complete your required CE while strengthening your clinical knowledge. Whether you’re looking to refresh essential skills or expand your expertise, find courses that support your certification requirements and career goals.
Save 15% on select Impact EMS Training continuing education courses throughout October.
Get a head start on your CE requirements and stay on track for the March 31 recertification deadline.
More from Impact ems training:
- In need of continuing education for recertification? Get 15% off select CE throughout the month of October.
- Subscribe to Impact in Action to complete your live CE requirements through monthly interactive, case-based learning led by experienced EMS professionals.
- Review the Impact EMS Training Weekly Pulse Blog.
- Stay up to date on upcoming webinars and in-person courses in your area using our Events Calendar.
References
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. “Recertification.” Accessed October 20, 2026. https://www.nremt.org/Document/Recertification
National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. “National Continued Competency Program.” Accessed October 20, 2026. https://www.nremt.org/Document/nccp
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