⚠ CAPCE Conditional3-Year Cycle

Medical director approval required for online CE; CAPCE-accredited courses generally accepted with approval

⚠ Axene covers most requirements — see gaps below

Washington EMS Recertification Requirements

Complete 2026 guide to CE requirements in Washington for EMR, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic certification levels. Regulated by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).

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CE Requirements

Continuing Education Hours by Level

LevelCE HoursCycle
EMR153 years
EMT303 years
AEMT603 years
Paramedic1503 years

Topic Distribution Requirements

Core topics: patient assessment, airway, cardiovascular (incl. CPR/stroke), trauma, pharmacology (epinephrine/naloxone), OB/peds/geriatric/behavioral/mental health, patient advocacy (multicultural awareness RCW 43.70.615, health equity RCW 43.70.613, POLST, vulnerable populations, disabilities), provider wellness (suicide/infectious disease), law/regulations, policies/protocols, disaster/ICS, documentation, operations. No specific hours per topic. WAC 246-976-161

Accepted CE Providers

County Medical Program Director (MPD) approval required for CME/OTEP; department-recognized national courses allowed

Important Notes

Two paths: CME (education + skills + dept-approved knowledge/practical exams) or OTEP (MPD/DOH-approved competency-based program w/ ongoing evals, skills). Skills maintenance (airway/vascular access proficiency, high-risk/low-freq skills annually). MPD approval/recommendation required. Quarterly participation WAC 246-976-026. CAPCE accepted. Retain records 7 years. WAC 246-976-161/2/3

Special State Requirements

Two paths: CME (education + skills + dept-approved knowledge/practical exams) or OTEP (MPD/DOH-approved competency-based program w/ ongoing evals, skills). Skills maintenance (airway/vascular access proficiency, high-risk/low-freq skills annually). MPD approval/recommendation required. Quarterly participation WAC 246-976-026. CAPCE accepted. Retain records 7 years. WAC 246-976-161/2/3

Axene Coverage Report

CE coverage analysis for Washington

Renewal Hour Requirements & Axene Coverage

EMR

15 hrs required · BLS

76.5 hrs

✓ SURPLUS

EMT

30 hrs required · BLS

76.5 hrs

✓ SURPLUS

AEMT

60 hrs required · ALL

167.5 hrs

✓ SURPLUS

Paramedic

150 hrs required · ALL

167.5 hrs

✓ SURPLUS

BLS 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

7001 Pediatric Respiratory A&P7002 Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies7003 Pediatric Cardiac Arrest
Covered

Diversity, Equity & Cultural Competency CE RequirementsNot Covered

Washington 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.

Health equity CE training

2 hrs/3 yrshoursEvery 3 yearsEffective Nov 2023

Requirements last verified: April 7, 2026

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Showing requirements for Washington

State EMS Office

Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

Website: Visit Official Site

Official Resources

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington EMS providers renew every 3 years WAC 246-976-144. Required CE hours: EMR: 15 hours EMT: 30 hours AEMT: 60 hours Paramedic: 150 hours
No. Washington does not accept CAPCE courses directly. Use state-approved CE providers.
No. NREMT is not required in Washington.
Patient assessment, airway/ventilation, cardiovascular, trauma, pharmacology, OB/peds/geriatrics/behavioral, provider wellness, law/regulations, policies/protocols, disaster prep, documentation, operations

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 Washington

All our courses are CAPCE-accredited and meet Washington's CE requirements. Get unlimited access with an annual subscription.

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