Overview
Delaware requires a state-issued license to work independently as a emt / paramedic. Licensing is administered by Delaware Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS). Requirements include supervised experience, a written exam, and payment of licensing fees.
Always verify current requirements directly with Delaware Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) before beginning your application, as rules can change.
^ TopLicense tiers and what each allows
| License | What you can do | Exam required |
|---|---|---|
| EMT-Basic | First response emergency care, transport, and basic life support. | NREMT cognitive + psychomotor exam |
| Advanced EMT | Advanced airway management and limited medication administration. | NREMT AEMT exam |
| Paramedic | Full advanced life support, medications, intubation, and field assessment. | NREMT paramedic exam |
Step-by-step path
Complete an approved EMT training program
Enroll in a Delaware OEMS-approved EMT-Basic course (120-150 hours). Programs are offered at community colleges and fire departments.
Pass the NREMT exam
The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam includes a cognitive (written) and psychomotor (skills) component. Fee is approximately $70.
Apply for Delaware state certification
Submit your NREMT results to Delaware Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) to obtain your state certification.
Renew biennially
Delaware EMS certifications renew every two years. Continuing education hours are required for renewal.
Fee summary
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application / registration | Varies (check board) |
| Licensing exam | $70 (NREMT exam) |
| License issuance | Varies (check board) |
| License renewal (biennial) | Varies (check board) |
Salary by experience level
Wages vary by license level, metro area, and union status. The estimates below reflect typical ranges nationally; Delaware wages are approximately $53,675/yr at journeyman level (BLS May 2024 median).
| Stage | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $14–$18/hr | Supervised training period; wage increases each year |
| Journeyman | $17–$28/hr | After licensure; independent work authorized |
| Master / Contractor | $28–$50/hr | Supervisory authority, permit rights, contractor eligibility |
Realistic timeline: start to licensed
Here is a realistic calendar for someone starting from scratch with no prior experience.
| Phase | Duration | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| EMT-Basic training program | 3–6 months | Complete an approved EMT-Basic course (120–150 hours of didactic and clinical training). |
| NREMT cognitive exam | 1–4 weeks to schedule | Pass the adaptive computer exam; minimum 70–120 questions. |
| NREMT psychomotor exam | Same period | Pass hands-on skills stations if required by your state. |
| State license application | 1–3 weeks | Apply to state EMS office with NREMT certification and CPR card. |
| Paramedic (optional/advanced) | 1–2 additional years | Complete accredited paramedic program (1,200–1,800 hours) for advanced practice. |
Union vs. independent path
EMS professionals may work in fire-based systems (where IAFF union membership is common) or private/municipal EMS agencies (where local union contracts may apply). Both paths lead to the same state license — the difference is in how you accumulate your hours and the employment benefits you receive during training.
| Union (IAFF) | Non-union / independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Fire-based EMS (IAFF) | Union contract; IAFF membership | Higher base wages, pension, full benefits |
| Private EMS | May have local union or no union | Wages vary; often lower than fire-based |
| Hospital-based EMS | Hospital union contract or none | Benefits tied to hospital employment |
| Municipal EMS | SEIU or local union in many cities | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Training support | Some fire departments sponsor EMT/Paramedic training | Candidate usually pays own training costs |
| Career advancement | Firefighter/Paramedic dual role common in fire-based systems | Paramedic supervisor, flight medic, EMS director |
Transferring your license from another state
EMS has strong interstate portability through NREMT certification. Most states recognize NREMT-certified candidates and issue state licenses through an endorsement process without requiring retesting. A few states have additional requirements. The compact license (REPLICA) is expanding interstate recognition further.
If you currently hold a emt / paramedic license in another state and want to work in Delaware, contact the Delaware Division of Revenue / professional licensing boards directly before applying. Bring documentation of your current license, your work history, and your exam scores — many boards will expedite review for out-of-state applicants with equivalent credentials.
Cosmetology is another career with a relatively fast licensing path. See the Cosmetologist license guide for Delaware.
For a higher-earning licensed career path, see the General Contractor license guide for Delaware.
Exam registration & resources
Where to register for your licensing exam and track your application.
- NREMT — Register for your EMT certification exam All 50 states recognize NREMT certification. Create an account, verify your training eligibility, and schedule your cognitive exam here. nremt.org
- NREMT — Psychomotor exam information After passing the cognitive exam, you must also pass a state or NREMT psychomotor (skills) exam. Instructions are on the NREMT site. nremt.org
- Fisdap — EMT skills tracking and test prep Widely used by EMS programs for tracking clinical hours and exam prep. fisdap.net
EMT / Paramedic Jobs in Delaware
Current openings near you — updated daily.
Job listings via Adzuna