Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Healthcare
EMT/Paramedic Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for emt/paramedic in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for EMT/Paramedic in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must have had a physical examination within twelve (12) months verifying that the applicant is in good health and has no disabilities that may interfere with a paramedics work
- 2
Must be currently certified as an EMT, EMT-Ambulance, EMT-Instructor or EMT-Instructor / Trainer
- 3
Must attain the Continuing Education Requirements and successfully pass a renewal examination, prescribed by the regulatory agency, prior to expiration of his / her certificate
- 4
Education: Specific course required.
- 5
Experience: Work experience required.
- 6
Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.
- 7
Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.
- 8
Certification: Certification required.
- 9
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 10
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS High school graduate or equivalency and has successfully completed an approved paramedic training course, approved by the regulatory agency.
- 11
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS To secure an application, contact the regulatory agency.
- 12
Utilization of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians written and practical examinations are used in addition to a Kentucky-administered oral examination.
- 13
The written examination consists of six (6) sections, of which each section has a minimum passing score in addition to a required overall passing score of 75%.
- 14
The practical examination is on a pass/fail basis as is the oral examination.
- 15
There is a $10.00 application fee, a $45.00 state fee, and a $35.00 fee to the National Registry of EMT's.
Exam and processing details
- National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians written and practical examinations are used in addition to a Kentucky-administered oral examination
Continuing education and program notes
- CERTIFICATION Applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| The fees for retest | $45.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Emergency Medical Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$47,650 median (18% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for EMT/Paramedic licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians written and practical examinations are used in addition to a Kentucky-administered oral examination.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Must attain the Continuing Education Requirements and successfully pass a renewal examination, prescribed by the regulatory agency, prior...; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (The fees for retest: $45.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Board of Emergency Medical Services and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $47,650, EMT/Paramedics in Kentucky earn 18% below the national median of $58,410. Kentucky ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$47,650Hourly estimate
$22.9118% below national median
Difference: -$10,760
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationEMT/Paramedic Salary Ranking
#48 of 50 statesfor EMT/Paramedic median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $100,780 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $80,100 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $75,400 |
| #4 | Oregon | $73,380 |
| #5 | California | $72,180 |
Nearby States Comparison
EMT/Paramedic licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $47,650 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $58,260 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $47,960 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $48,190 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $58,570 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $52,860 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 1-18 years |
| Missouri | $55,600 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $59,110 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Board of Emergency Medical Services
700 Capitol Avenue, Suite 132, Lexington, KY, 40601
Phone: 8592563565
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a EMT/Paramedic in Kentucky?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for EMT/Paramedics in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for EMT/Paramedics.
What education do you need to become a EMT/Paramedic in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Specific course required for EMT/Paramedic licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical EMT/Paramedic salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for EMT/Paramedics in Kentucky is $47,650. Salaries range from $35,470 (10th percentile) to $64,730 (90th percentile).
How does the EMT/Paramedic salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
EMT/Paramedics in Kentucky earn 18% below the national median of $58,410, with a state median of $47,650.
How many EMT/Paramedics work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 2,060 EMT/Paramedics according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my EMT/Paramedic license to Kentucky from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for EMT/Paramedics in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Board of Emergency Medical Services. Review agency details at https://kbems.ky.gov/.
How often do you renew a EMT/Paramedic license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.