If this will be your first certification as an EMT, or if you are applying from outside California, follow these steps.
Once approved, your certification as an EMT in California is valid for 2 years from the date of your application and is valid throughout the State of California.
See more info to help with applying for a new certification in San Francisco.
Complete all training requirements
As part of your application, you will have to include when you completed your EMT basic training and who provided it.
Learn more about where to get approved training in San Francisco and California.
Gather digital or printed copies
As part of your application, submit digital or printed copies of your:
- Government issued photo ID
- EMT course completion certificate
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certificate and certification card
- Basic life support (BLS) CPR card from the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI)
- CPR classes including Professional Rescuer or AED/First Aid are not accepted for EMT Certification
- If you are applying by DocuSign or email, your digital copy must be in a .PDF format.
For mailed or in person applications, submit printed copies with your application.
Complete a background check
You will have to be fingerprinted and pass a background check using Live Scan Services.
Submit your application
Once we get your application with all necessary attachments, Live Scan results, and payment, processing normally takes up to 14 calendar days. If there are any delays, we will contact you.
Send payment
An EMT initial application for certification costs $193 and is non-refundable.
We cannot start processing your application until we receive payment.
Or send a check or money order made out to The City and County of San Francisco. Send it to:
EMS Agency
Attention: Certification
333 Valencia Street, Suite 210
San Francisco, CA 94103
What to do next
If you used DocuSign, check your email regularly for a response from DocuSign.
If you do not receive a response from DocuSign, or if you have any questions, email us at emsacertifications@sfgov.org .
Last updated January 17, 2024