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📄 Renewing your California EMT Card

Renewing your EMT card can be a pain, but staying ahead is much better than procrastinating and having to redo work, or worse, retake tests later on. 

Your California EMT certification must be renewed every two years. To prevent a lapse in your ability to work, aim to submit your renewal application at least a couple of months before your card expires. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A valid CPR card: This also expires every two years. It’s recommended that you renew through the American Heart Association. Click here to find available courses near you.

  • 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE): You must complete and submit proof of at least 24 hours of Continuing Education (CE) with your renewal application. Many employers offer CE opportunities for free, so check with your current job first. If not, there are several affordable online EMT refresher programs available. One reliable option is CME Education.

  • Skills validation: Most employers provide this in-house. If yours doesn’t, you can usually find a local provider who offers it.

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🚑 California Ambulance Driver’s License

To drive an ambulance in California, you need to obtain a DL 61. Before heading to the DMV, there are a few things you’ll need to take care of:

  • Complete a DOT physical (DL-51): This includes your Medical Examination Report Form (MCSA-5875) and the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876). These two forms are done at your physical.

  • Get a DMV Live Scan: The specific form you’ll need depends on your location. You will need to submit a completed request for Live Scan service application (DMV 8016)

  • Study for the written test: This will be taken at the DMV. It’s highly recommended to read the Ambulance Driver handbook and take some online practice tests beforehand.

  • Bring ID and residency documents: You may be asked to show a government-issued ID and provide two proofs of residency. It’s better to be safe than sorry in this situation, as many of you are aware this process can take several hours.

For more information about the DMV Ambulance Driver Certificate, scroll down on this page using this Link

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🪓 Reciprocity to get your CA Firefighter I & II

Step 1: Prep

  1. Review Firefighter I Requirements
     Visit this page to review the Firefighter I state Fire Training requirements

  2. Request a State Fire Training ID
     Complete the SFT ID Request Form to obtain your SFT ID.

  3. Gather Your Certifications
     Go to The Pro Board Certification Lookup to download your certifications.

    • Use your 4-digit Total Force Number as the PIN to access records.

Step 2: Complete the Reciprocity Application

  1. Download and Fill Out the Application
     Access the Firefighter I Reciprocity Application Instructions.

  2. Prepare and Submit Required Documents (as PDFs, ideally compressed):

    • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter I

    • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter II

    • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Awareness

    • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Operations

    • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Operations PPE

    • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Product Control

    • FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800

  3. Payment
     Pay the $125 Pro Board®/IFSAC Reciprocity Review Fee (non-refundable).

You must obtain the following two certifications, which you do not have yet

  • Confined Space Rescue Awareness
     (Must be from SFT, IAFF, or IFSAC/ProBoard)

  • Wildland Courses: S-130, S-190, and L-180
     (Accepted through CICCS and/or NWCG providers)

Step 3: Submit Your Reciprocity Application via Email and Via Mail

Print out all your certification (if you don't have a printer it could be cheaper or free to go to a library or at a school campus).

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter I

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter II

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Awareness

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Operations

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Operations PPE

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Product Control

  • FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800

  • SFT Confined Space Awareness 

  • S-130, S-190, and L-180 (CICCS and/or NWCG)

State Fire Training

PO BOX 944246, Sacramento, CA 94244-2460

Sample Email Template

  • Feel free to modify this email but this is the basics of what you should say

Subject: Firefighter I Reciprocity Application - SFT ID #: (SFT ID)

“Good morning/Good afternoon 

My name is (Full Name), and I am currently applying for my California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I certification through the reciprocity process (Option B). My SFT ID number is (Your SFT ID).

I have completed the following certifications:

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter I

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Firefighter II

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Awareness

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Operations

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Operations PPE

  • IFSAC/ProBoard Hazmat Product Control

  • FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800

I have paid the $125 Reciprocity Review Fee through the SFT Online Payment Portal for Option B.

I am currently in the process of obtaining the following additional certifications:

  • Confined Space Rescue Awareness (SFT, IAFF, or IFSAC/ProBoard)

  • Wildland Firefighting: S-130, S-190, and L-180 (CICCS and/or NWCG)

Please find my certification documents attached as PDFs. If physical mailing is preferred, I am happy to send hard copies to the SFT mailing address of PO Box 944246, Sacramento, CA. 94244-2460.

Kindly let me know if any additional information or documentation is needed. I appreciate your time and assistance with my application.

Best regards,
(Your Full Name)
(Your email)

(Your phone #)

Let me know if you require anything else. Thank you for your time”

(Provide the certifications below as a PDF. You will need to compress them most likely) 

There are several free services to do this with, a couple are 

https://imagecompressor.com

https://www.onlineimagetool.com/

Step 4: Getting your Confined Space Rescue Awareness 

1 Option for Confined Space Rescue Awareness (SFT-Approved)

Red Helmet Training
 They offer State Fire Training (SFT)-certified courses including Confined Space Awareness.

  • Primary Contact (via Text):
     Christa: (909) 466-4671
    Suggested message to send:

Hi Christa,

My name is (Name), and I'm interested in taking the Confined Space Rescue Awareness course. I’m a _____ Reservist Firefighter currently applying for my CA FF I through reciprocity.

My email is (Email) and my SFT ID is (SFT ID).
Please let me know if any upcoming classes are available.
Thank you!

  • Alternative Contact (Phone):
    Jesse Quinalty (760) 880-4572
    Call if you're unable to reach Christa, or if you want to confirm the next available course dates.

    Other Potential Training options 

If Red Helmet Training has no available classes, try these courses instead: 

You can also search for approved training centers in your area that offer SFT, IAFF, or IFSAC/ProBoard certified Confined Space Awareness courses.

Step 5: Complete Wildland Firefighting Courses

S-130, S-190, and L-180 (CICCS and/or NWCG)

Courses Required:

  • S-130: Firefighter Training

  • S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

  • L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service

These must be completed through a (CICCS and/or NWCG) approved provider and must include an in person part to meet reciprocity requirements.

Email Template to Inquire About Wildland Training

Subject: Wildland Portion of Fire Academy (S-130, S-190, L-180)

Good (Morning/Afternoon) _______

My name is (Full Name), I am currently completing my reciprocity to obtain California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I certification.

I have already obtained Firefighter I & II and Hazmat certifications through IFSAC, but my initial academy did not include the wildland component. In order to complete my reciprocity, I am now seeking to fulfill the in-person requirements for S-130, S-190, and L-180.

I am very interested in participating in the wildland portion of your program, if it’s available. Could you please share any upcoming class dates or enrollment options?

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,
(Your Full Name)
(Your email)

(Your phone #)

Here are some potential Options

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🔥 Broke But Thriving The Art of Living Cost Efficiently 🔥

The following is exactly how I got by when I first started out, and funny enough, many of these habits have stuck with me. If you're truly committed, this is what it takes. Here's some solid tactics to live as efficiently as possible. 

  1. Reduce Eating out at sit down Restaurants

    • Firstly tax and tip add a substantial amount to the total. I'm not sure why the tipping options at restaurants are now 18%, 20%, and 25%, but that's besides the point and a whole other conversation. 

    • If time is a greater concern and cooking would end up costing more in lost time, and if health isn’t a top priority, then opting for a place like Chipotle, especially if it’s nearby, might be the more practical choice

    • The cost of dining at a restaurant is higher than getting the same or even better value from a grocery store. It also demands more time when you factor in getting ready, driving, parking, ordering, waiting for the meal, and receiving the check.  

    • It sounds old-fashioned but people highly underestimate canned food (it's not just beans). Many are pretty good and healthy for you if you get certain ones. Be sure to read the label if you're health conscious.   

    • Buy generic brands instead of name brands.

    • Avoid coffee shops, make coffee at home and put it in a thermos. This can accumulate to $5-15 daily. If you bought 2 cups of coffee 5 days a week that would accumulate to roughly $250 monthly. 

    • If you do go out, look up the local happy hours.

  2. Clothes

    • All the clothing you own right now is what you should be wearing for the next 2 years. There is no need to buy new clothes. 

    • Before you automatically get new clothes, check out thrift stores, outlets, etc. 

  3. Live with Roommates

    • Rent a single room instead of an entire apartment, or explore co-living spaces for even cheaper options. I personally lived with five people in a three-bedroom apartment for three years while in school. It wasn't the most glamorous, but it saved me a ton of money. 

  4. Alternate Transportation Methods

    • Depending on where you live, try to use public transportation or a bike. Even if you have a car, use a bike or skateboard to get to nearby places. 

    • Carpool whenever possible whether it be a restaurant, store, school, work, etc).

  5. Limit or Cancel Subscription Services

    • Unsubscribe from store emails that tempt you to buy.

    • Share Netflix/Spotify accounts with (family).

    • Do bodyweight exercises and invest in some weights instead of paying for a gym membership.

  6. Printing

    • Before you pay a hefty amount for printing, check out libraries, schools, and hotels who often have free printing.  

  7. Maintenance

    • YouTube is your best friend. For example, patching up a hole in your wall, plumbing, garbage disposal issues, etc

    • Maintain your car properly for the simple stuff like checking your tire pressure or changing your oil on time.

  8. Reduce Electricity and Water Bills

    • Turn off lights, take short showers, don't use heater or cooler unless needed,  etc.

    • Unplug appliances when not in use (saves $100-200 annually). 

    • Wash clothes in cold water.

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🔥🚒 Clever Hacks for Students - Survive and Thrive 

While going to school, earning certifications, working full-time as an EMT in LA County, and managing other commitments, I had to be as efficient and productive as possible. Through experience (and plenty of trial and error), my peers and I discovered some essential hacks to navigate school while juggling everything else. Here’s a solid list of strategies I used, and found helpful. 

  1. Wifi

    • Spend money on good Wifi for your place, it's worth the reduction in frustration.

  2. Make a LinkedIn 

    • Although this isn't utilized a ton for First Responders, you never know where the industry will go or where you will go down the line. It's free, won't take you a lot of time, and it's good to start building your network when you're in school. 

  3. Student Health Center 

    • Take advantage of the student health center. Most colleges have affordable healthcare services great for basic checkups, cold medicine, etc.  

  4. Educational Resources

    • You’re already paying for college, use every resource available! Use the free tutoring, writing centers, and academic advisors that the school provides.  

  5. Use Office Hours!

    • Seems lame but in reality the people that are lame are the ones that are adding years to school because they keep retaking classes. There's no need to do it for every class, but if it's a difficult class, I would highly recommend it. Professors also love it when students engage with them outside of just class hours. They often provide valuable advice, mentorship, and networking opportunities. I still talk to some of my old professors who continue to help me with all sorts of different things. 

  6. Join Clubs 

    • It might seem nerdy, but once you leave college, access to free educational resources becomes limited.

    • Many of them can lead to job opportunities right after school, and you’d be surprised at the networking opportunities they provide. 

  7. Avoid Paying Interest

    • Pay off student loans aggressively if possible.

    • Avoid credit card debt.

    • Consider income driven repayment plans for student loans.

  8. Apps to Get

    • Get Lyft in addition to Uber, a lot of the time it's less expensive. 

    • Download all the Google apps (docs, drive, slides, and mail).

    • Food apps for the rewards (Chipotle, Panda Express, etc).

    • GasBuddy for gas savings (finds the cheapest gas near you).

  9. Moving

    • For furniture go to a Goodwill store, often they have some pretty decent used desks, nightstand, coffee table, etc. Also use Facebook marketplace and OfferUp.

    • For kitchen items, cleaning supplies, school supplies, and more go to the Dollar Tree first. You would be surprised what you can find there. 

  10. Things to Keep in Your Car

    • Flashlight, jumper cables, extra phone charger, blanket, towels, multi-tool or basic tool kit, and a tire pressure gauge.

  11. Create Daily, Monthly, and Yearly Objectives 

    • This is a huge help in staying on track. Apps like Notability, the Notes app, and GoodNotes are great options. 

  12. Favorite Certain Photos for Convenience 

    • Information you will frequently need includes: Driver's License, other IDs, license plate number, car insurance, medical, dental, other insurance policies, and car registration.

  13. Discounts

    • Spotify offers a 50% discount. 

    • SheerID (Used by companies to verify students and provide exclusive discounts). 

    • Student Beans (Provides student discounts on major brands across various categories). 

    • UNiDAYS (Offers student discounts on fashion, tech, food, travel, and more). 

    • Phone discounts: AT&T, Verizon, and other offer phone plan discounts 

  14. Plan your Class Schedule Carefully 

    • This is probably the most important day of your quarter/semester. A great schedule or a really bad schedule can highly affect how your next few months will go. Do NOT just sign up for random classes. A few days before your enrollment date, map out an ideal schedule that works with your commitments (work, extracurriculars, personal life). Always have backup options (2 or 3) in case your desired classes fill up. 

  15. Use RateMyProfessors.com 

    • Use it, but don’t rely on it blindly. If a professor has a lot of reviews the ratings are likely reliable. However, if there are only a few reviews, take them with a grain of salt. A mix of student feedback, syllabi reviews, and personal research works best.

  16. Rent your textbooks Instead of Buying

    • Sometimes you can find free PDFs or online resources instead of paying at all.

    • Sometimes, buying is the better option if you can sell it later

  17. Consider Once a Week Classes

    • If available, these can be more efficient since professors often end them early, even if scheduled for 2+ hours.

  18. Grants

    • Apply for as many student grants as possible.

    • They aren’t always easy to find, but I discovered many by asking my professors.

  19. Attending other schools 

    • This strategy is especially useful if you're pursuing a degree like an AS or BS. Many programs require general education or specific prerequisite courses. If the class schedule at your school doesn’t work for you or you prefer a different professor, you may have the option to take the course elsewhere.

    • Always check with your academic counselor to ensure the credits will transfer before enrolling in a course at another institution. Many of these classes are available online, making it a convenient way to save time. 

    • The process: apply to the other school as a non-degree student, enroll in the course on time, and once you complete it, transfer the credits to your primary institution, usually through a platform like Parchment. Your counselor should guide you through the transfer process to ensure everything goes smoothly.

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⚕️ How to Become a EMT in California?

Part 1: Do you qualify

  • Are you 18 years old?

  • Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

Part 2: Things to do before applying to any EMT schools

  • To find accredited California EMT schools, go to this Link. Make sure the ones you are applying to are accredited. 

    • Use the filters to narrow down your search.

  • Get your CPR/AHA/BLS certification. There are other organizations that offer it but all EMT schools in CA will accept the American Heart Association certification. Most, if not all, other states will prefer the AHA certification above others. The certification lasts 2 years from the date you were certified. 

    • Go Here to check out available courses near you. 

    • Note: Some schools, training centers, etc sometimes have different specific requirements. I suggest calling the number on their website to confirm the prerequisites.

Part 3: EMT Course

  • Complete a state-approved EMT training course. 

    • This typically means passing the class with an 80% or higher score. 

    • Most courses require ambulance ride-alongs. (I suggest you review further details with them). 

  • Once you complete the course you will receive a Course of Completion Certificate.

    • Take the original and make a physical copy and a digital copy

Part 4: NREMT

  • Register and Schedule to take the NREMT.

    • Costs in the area of $100 - $200

    • I highly recommend taking it as soon as possible while you still have all the information fresh in your mind. 

    • Check the next steps Here to learn what comes next. 

  • Read through the Pre-Test Guide, the Exam Process and the Policy Instructions before taking the test. All those links can be found on the NREMT website. 

    • You should focus entirely on the test, so be sure to complete all the administrative requirements in advance to avoid any unexpected problems.

Part 5: Live Scan and Documents

  • Get a background check and complete this State of California Live Scan Form.

    • Go to This Website to find California approved Live Scan agencies. You can use this alternate site https://printscan.com/LiveScan/Locations.

    • You will receive a 10-digit ATN number that identifies a fingerprint background check. Make sure you get this from the Live Scan facility.

  • Have all the following documents saved in a folder on your computer as a PDF.

    • NREMT card. 

      • Where to find this? Login on the NREMT Website > Dashboard > Print Card & Print Certification. 

    • EMT course completion certification. 

    • CPR/BLS course.

Part 6 Final Steps: California State Card

  • In order to get your California certification you have to go through the Local EMS Agency. (Unfortunately this also costs money) 

    • Click on the link associated with your county or the county you are going to work in. From there follow the steps it provides you or call their number if you need additional help. 

    • This is where you will submit all your saved documents which includes

      • NREMT card

      • Course of Completion Certificate

      • CPR card

      • Live Scan

      • Gov issued photo ID 

Once you have completed all these steps, you will be a nationally and state-recognized EMT. If you have taken care of everything above, it will save you time when getting hired whichever employer you choose. I hope this guide has simplified the process for you

If you want further assistance in finding jobs, managing certifications, and advancing your career within EMS, check out our app - app.myemspath.com

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