50% of CE must be instructor-based; CAPCE-accredited online CE accepted for remaining 50%
✓ Axene covers your state’s renewal requirements
California EMS Recertification Requirements
Complete 2026 guide to CE requirements in California for EMR, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic certification levels. Regulated by the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA).
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All 170+ courses — covers way more than your California hours
Subscribe NowCE Requirements
Continuing Education Hours by Level
| Level | CE Hours | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| EMR | 16 | 2 years |
| EMT | 24 | 2 years |
| AEMT | 36 | 2 years |
| Paramedic | 48 | 2 years |
Topic Distribution Requirements
For EMT first renewal: naloxone, epinephrine auto-injector, glucometer training (required once starting 7/1/2019); otherwise topics from National Standard Curricula
Accepted CE Providers
Local EMS Agencies (LEMSAs) approve local CE providers; EMSA for statewide/out-of-state; colleges auto-approved for sciences. Min 50% instructor-based.
Important Notes
Skills competency verification (EMT/AEMT/Paramedic); 50%+ instructor-based CE; background check when changing entities; LEMSA may require remediation via QIP EMR hours not specified by state; NREMT NCCP requires 16h.
Special State Requirements
Skills competency verification (EMT/AEMT/Paramedic); ≥50% instructor-based CE (Chapter 11 §100391.1(a)(9)); background check when changing entities; LEMSA may require remediation via QIP
Axene Coverage Report
CE coverage analysis for California
Renewal Hour Requirements & Axene Coverage
| Level | Required | Axene Hrs | Scope | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMR | 16 hrs | 76.5 hrs | BLS | ✓ SURPLUS |
| EMT | 24 hrs | 76.5 hrs | BLS | ✓ SURPLUS |
| AEMT | 36 hrs | 167.5 hrs | ALL | ✓ SURPLUS |
| Paramedic | 48 hrs | 167.5 hrs | ALL | ✓ SURPLUS |
EMR
16 hrs required · BLS
76.5 hrs
✓ SURPLUSEMT
24 hrs required · BLS
76.5 hrs
✓ SURPLUSAEMT
36 hrs required · ALL
167.5 hrs
✓ SURPLUSParamedic
48 hrs required · ALL
167.5 hrs
✓ SURPLUSBLS scope: 80 courses / 76.5 hrs. ALL scope: 173 courses / 167.5 hrs.
Axene Course Library
59
Medical
~58 hrs
39
Trauma
~39 hrs
37
Operations
~35 hrs
20
Cardiology
~19 hrs
18
Airway
~18 hrs
Universal Mandates (All States)
10% Pediatric Content (NCCP)
Varies by level
Diversity, Equity & Cultural Competency CE RequirementsNot Covered
California mandates specific continuing education in cultural competency, health equity, and/or implicit bias for EMS providers. Axene CE does not currently offer courses that satisfy this requirement.
TGI affirming care (SB 923) + LGBTQ sensitivity (LTC)
Requirements last verified: April 7, 2026
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Showing requirements for California
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Axene Continuing Education, LLC offers CEUs for EMS providers in most states. Continuing education requirements vary by state and may change. Users are responsible for verifying requirements with their agency and/or state EMS office, including whether specific courses are required for the local/state NREMT component. Where specific education is not mandated, required hours are considered flexible but must be directly related to EMS patient care. We do our best to keep information current — please check with your state EMS representative for the most up-to-date recertification information.
Axene CE is Accepted in California
All our courses are CAPCE-accredited and meet California's CE requirements. Get unlimited access with an annual subscription.