The Virginia Office of EMS will accept and consider application from providers with current EMS certifications from ANY state or U.S. territory for certification in Virginia at the EMT level only through Legal Recognition. Once granted, certification through Legal Recognition will be valid for a maximum of one calendar year OR the time left on the present certification, whichever is shortest.
No initial test is required for Legal Recognition. In order to recertify, providers must complete the required Virginia EMS continuing education criteria prior to their certification expiration date and successfully pass the Virginia practical and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians cognitive examination.
The Examination Process
Once you have gained eligibility, you will need to complete the following items:
- Register for and complete Virginia's Psychomotor Competency Verification. Click this link for specific instructions regarding the testing requirements.
- Register to take the National Registry EMT’s cognitive examination at a Pearson VUE Testing Center. National Registry will offer you up to six (6) opportunities to pass the cognitive examination however, after three unsuccessful attempts you would be required to do 20 hours of remedial education.
