ALS Reentry Certification Testing Process

To regain your ALS certification in Virginia, you must complete the state requirements for recertification prior to your reentry expiration date and complete the state approved testing process.

These requirements include:

  1. Earning Required Continuing Education Hours
    1. CE requirements can be found on the OEMS website at: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/23/2020/09/TR-57-Virginia-Recertification-Requirements.pdf
    2. All CE hours are available online through any of the approved online vendors. Information on taking online courses in Virginia can be found here: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/education-certification/provider-resources/web-based-continuing-education/.
    3. Courses are offered in a number of locations around your area and through a number of sources. The best way to locate courses would be through our website: https://vdhems.vdh.virginia.gov/emsapps/CourseSearch.html. All announced courses, which are open, are listed on our website, usually > 30 days before the start date. You should contact the phone number listed to discuss specifics about the course including days/nights of class and to obtain a syllabus.
    4. You may also want to contact the Regional EMS Council in your area. You can locate your Regional Council by going to their website and clicking on your area: vaems.org. They may know of courses planned in your area that have yet to be announced through our Office.
    5. Once you have completed your required continuing education hours and submitted them to our Office, an Eligibility Letter to test will post to your Portal. Follow the enclosed Instructions on how to set up your Psychomotor and Cognitive exams.
  2. Virginia EMS Portal Access
    1. You should log in as soon as possible so you can track your progress toward completing the required continuing education hours.
    2. Upon gaining eligibility, you will receive a notification that your Eligibility Letter is available in the portal.
  3. National Registry Certification Testing Process
    1. Take the National Registry assessment examination at a Pearson VUE testing center. Please sign up for the following examination based on your certification level:
      • Advanced EMT – National Registry Advanced EMT assessment examination
      • Paramedic – National Registry Paramedic assessment examination
    2. Follow these steps to establish a National Registry account if you do not already have one:
      1. Go to nremt.org and click on ‘Create New Account’ or if you already have an account log into your National Registry account
      2. Your Current Role should be ‘Candidate’
      3. Click on ‘Create Certification Application’
        1. ‘Which level of certification are you choosing?’ select ‘None – I was instructed to take an Assessment Examination’ and click NEXT
        2. ‘What level of assessment are you choosing?’ select your level of certification you are attempting to regain
        3. ‘Can this information be used to validate your identify when entering the exam?’ Verify and update the information if necessary, check the verification box and click NEXT
        4. State Office – Use drop down and select ‘Virginia’
        5. Reason to Test – Use drop down and select ‘Re-licensure’ and click NEXT
        6. Read the attestation statement check the ‘I agree to abide by these terms’ and ‘Submit’ your application.
      4. On ‘Your application has been submitted, select ‘click here’ to open the application summary page.
      5. Click on ‘Application Payment’ and pay the applicable testing fee for the examination you are taking.
      6. Send an email to Deborah.T.Akers@vdh.virginia.gov to advise that your application has been submitted.
      7. Log into your National Registry account in 24 hours to check the status of your
    3. Upon successful completion of your assessment examination your results will be sent to Virginia and you will be recertified.
    4. You cannot provide EMS care without Virginia certification.

All testing must be successfully completed by the expiration date on your re-entry eligibility letter.