Licensure

This page is designed to assist our EMS Personnel and their Agency Coordinators with provider LICENSURE and RENEWAL. There is also information to assist our graduates with obtaining their Illinois license. NEW INFORMATION ON STATE LICENSURE BELOW FOR PARAMEDIC CLASS GRADUATES.

IDPH LICENSE LOOK UP:
IDPH has an online EMS license verification site that may be accessed by anyone to verify individual provider and ambulance EMS licenses: IDPH online EMS license verification link.

IDPH has been experiencing issues with printed licenses after renewal. If you do not receive a printed copy of your renewed license in the mail even though you know your renewal was processed:

You may verify your EMS license(s) using the link above: That site pulls data directly from the IDPH database and is a perfectly legitimate way for anyone to verify licensure.

If after waiting 60 days, you absolutely need a printed copy of your license, you may send an email to dph.emtlic@illinois.gov but you must include the following information or they may not process your request:

“My name is FULL LEGAL NAME, IDPH 9 DIGIT LICENSE ID NUMBER and I never received my IDPH LICENSE TYPE (IE PARAMEDIC, LEAD INSTUCTOR, EMD, ETC) license in the mail when I renewed. Please mail a printed copy. My current mailing address is: LIST YOUR FULL MAILING ADDRESS.”

IDPH WEBSITE FOR RESOURCES:
IDPH has their own website. The IDPH WEBSITE must be used to access IDPH information and forms for licensing and renewals. IDPH will not accept old forms so be sure you are using the most current forms from this site.

Illinois transitioned from a State licensing exam to the National Registry (NR) Exam April 1, 2020. EMT and Paramedic students must successfully complete NR certification to obtain an Illinois license. NATIONAL REGISTRY: NREMT.ORG

IDPH created this NREMT to IL License Flow Chart to outline the difference between a Nationally Registered out-of-state applicant applying for reciprocity vs a recent EMT/Paramedic class graduate that just passed the NR exam. Please read the additional information below as this flow chart DOES NOT contain System specific requirements.

If you successfully completed the NR exam remember you still have to file paperwork with the System that trained you and pay for your Illinois EMT or PARAMEDIC license before your Illinois license can be processed and before you can begin working as such. A NR certificate is not a license to work in Illinois. YOU MUST POSSESS AN ILLINOIS EMT OR PARAMEDIC LICENSE TO WORK AS AN EMT OR PARAMEDIC IN ILLINOIS.

STUDENTS THAT HAVE COMPLETED A PARAMEDIC CLASS must successfully complete the National Registry “NR” exam before applying for an Illinois license. Silver Cross Hospital EMS System follows NR psychomotor equivalent standards for their in-course psychomotor exams. Once a student passes the NR exam and has verification of such, they must still complete the additional steps outlined below under “PARAMEDIC / EMT GRADUATES INITIAL LICENSURE VIA NR EXAM” to become licensed in Illinois. ONLY THE SYSTEM THAT TRAINS YOU MAY LICENSE YOU! Upon completion of the steps below, the paramedic student will receive an IDPH PARAMEDIC license. NR and IDPH are 2 separate entities. It is not required to keep/continue a NR certification to maintain an Illinois license. If you choose to continue your NR certification you must follow instructions per the NREMT.ORG.

PARAMEDIC / EMT GRADUATES INITIAL LICENSURE VIA NR EXAM:
1. Once you have successfully completed the National Registry Exam, you must submit the 4 > items below to your program’s EMS System. Silver Cross graduates should email the 4 items below AS PDF ATTACHMENTS (JPEGs and screenshots are not accepted) to mzanelli@silvercross.org and cc jgray@silvercross.org to apply for an Illinois license:
> Copy of National Registry Certificate or NR Cognitive Exam pass result that shows your name.
> IDPH Personal History/Renewal Notice Form Make sure you place a checkmark for both statements and sign this form.
> Copy of current BLS HCP CPR Card
> Copy of Driver’s License (use full legal name on all documents)
2. The System will submit your paperwork electronically to IDPH who will generate your licensure instruction email with your unique PIN # instructing you to log into IDPH online to pay your fee so your license will print. Once you have your IDPH emailed PIN and instructions for payment visit the IDPH Fee Payment Site to pay your fee.
3. Once you have paid your fee, wait about 10 minutes then visit the “IDPH LICENSE LOOK-UP link on the top of this page to view your new active IDPH license.
4. The last step to start working is to test into an EMS System. Graduates are not automatically enrolled into the System and must complete the System entry process for the System they will be working in. Contact your fire department or ambulance service EMS Coordinator to start the System entry process.

EMR / EMD / PHRN INITIAL LICENSURE VIA SYSTEM EXAM:
1. If you successfully completed an IDPH approved, System taught EMR, EMD, or PHRN course and want an Illinois license, you will need to follow the instructions given to you at the end of your class by your Lead Instructor. ECRN applicants please see the ECRN page for details.
2. The course lead instructor is required to assist every student with licensure paperwork prior to graduation. EMD and EMR instructors must submit all required paperwork for the entire class all at one time. PHRN instructors may submit the required paperwork individually as students will complete requirements at different times. The below required licensure paperwork is to be emailed (AS PDF ATTACHMENTS) to the System EMS Operations Coordinator (who processes all licensures for the System):
> Certificate of class completion with course name and dates, student name, and approved IDPH site code.
> IDPH Personal History/Renewal Notice Blank Form
*** NOTE FOR WILL COUNTY EMDs ONLY: WC911 may submit a check payable to IDPH for the amount listed above with the required paperwork if preferred.
3. The System will submit your paperwork electronically to IDPH who will generate your licensure instruction email with your unique PIN # instructing you to log into IDPH online to pay your fee so your license will print. Once you have your IDPH emailed PIN and instructions for payment visit the IDPH Fee Payment Site to pay your fee.
4. Once you have paid your fee online, wait about 10 minutes then click on the “IDPH LICENSE LOOK-UP link on the top of this page to view your IDPH license.
5. The last step to start working is to test into an EMS System. Graduates are not automatically enrolled into the System and must complete the System entry process for the System they will be working in. Contact your employer (hospital, dispatch center, fire department or ambulance service) EMS Coordinator to start the System entry process.

LEAD INSTRUCTOR INITIAL LICENSURE VIA NAEMSE COURSE:
Before signing up for a NAEMSE LEAD INSTRUCTOR CLASS, you must review our Lead Instructor Policy to ensure you will meet licensing requirements. If you have already successfully completed a NAEMSE LEAD INSTRUCTOR LEVEL 1 course and want an Illinois license, you will need to follow the instructions below. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SYSTEM WILL ONLY PROCESS LEAD INSTRUCTOR LICENSES FOR INSTRUCTORS TEACHING IN-SYSTEM CLASSES OR SYSTEM AGENCY CLASSES.
1. Submit the below required licensure paperwork via email to the System EMS Operations Coordinator (who processes all licensures for the System):
> NAEMSE LEAD INSTRUCTOR LEVEL 1 Certificate.
> IDPH Personal History/Renewal Notice Blank Form
> Copy of current BLS HCP CPR card
> 1-pg list of all of the courses you’ve taught in the past 2 years (class title, location, etc)
2. The System will submit your paperwork electronically to IDPH who will process your paperwork then generate your licensure instruction email with your unique PIN # instructing you to log into IDPH online to pay your fee so your license will print.
3. Once you have your IDPH emailed PIN and instructions for payment visit the IDPH Fee Payment Site to pay your fee.
4. Once you have paid your fee online, wait about 10 minutes then click on the “IDPH LICENSE LOOK-UP link on the top of this page to view your IDPH license.

LICENSE RENEWAL:
SCEMSS requires the following CE hours to renew:
– A miminum of 100 hours every 4 years for Paramedic and PHRN
– A minimum of 80 hours every 4 years for EMT-I/A-EMT
– A minimum of 60 hours every 4 years for EMT
– A minimum of 24 hours every 4 years for EMR
– A minimum of 48 hours every 4 years for EMD
– A minimum of 40 hours every 4 years for LI

RULES TO LIVE BY WHEN IT COMES TO KEEPING YOUR LICENSE:
1. ALWAYS ensure your EMS System has your current email, cell and mailing address.
2. ALWAYS keep copies of your CE for your own records as it is your responsibility.
3. ALWAYS obtain IDPH site codes and signatures for classes you take.
4. NEVER wait till the last minute. Track your CE hours throughout the 4 years.

• IDPH mails out RENEWAL NOTICES with a PIN number 60-90 days prior to renewal. If you do NOT receive this notice, email your EMS System for a copy.
• Pay your license fee online at the IDPH WEBSITE to avoid delays caused by mailing in check payments
• Update your address, email, and cell with IDPH when paying your fee online.
• When renewing online with IDPH you will be asked to enter OUR “System Number Code” of 0710.
  If Silver Cross is NOT your primary System, find your primary EMS System’s “System Number Code” here: EVERY SYSTEM NUMBER 4-DIGIT CODE IN THE STATE. If asked for your TNS training hospital only fill this out if you’re a Trauma Nurse.
• Complete the IDPH Personal History Statement/Child Support/Felony conviction FORM. Anyone convicted of a felony or delinquent on child support may not be able to complete their renewal online and may need to contact IDPH as directed.

NATIONAL REGISTRY CERTIFICATION RENEWAL:
Again it is not required to keep/continue a NR certification to maintain an Illinois license. If you choose to continue your NR certification you must follow instructions per the NREMT at www.nremt.org. SCEMSS in-System EMS Personnel may use their Moodle CE toward their NR license renewal as/if allowed per NR. The EMS Personnel would need to print their own Moodle sheet and list the CE with NR as NR allows/designates. The System only processes State license renewals but will sign off on NR renewal applications for the System’s Moodle CE for in-System providers. It is the NREMTs responsibility to notify the System's Operations Coordinator once all CE is inputted into your NR portal and is ready for the System to authorize. The EMS personnel must follow NR direction and guidance for completion.

NAME CHANGE:
Your IDPH license is a legal document and should match your legal name on your driver’s license. An individual can change their name with IDPH by emailing their EMS System a copy of their marriage license, divorce decree (front page and name change page only), or court order along with the IDPH form Legal Name Change Request Application. The System files the appropriate paperwork with IDPH. It costs nothing to change your name unless you want a duplicate license mailed out. See next paragraph.

DUPLICATE LICENSE REQUEST:
A duplicate license request may be necessary if your license has been lost or stolen or for a name change. The $10 is only necessary if the individual needs a new copy of their license now. A duplicate license may be requested through this link EMS Duplicate License Request.

RECIPROCITY:
If an individual has a full NREMT or NREMTP certificate from NREMT or out of state EMT or Paramedic license, they may apply for reciprocity to obtain an Illinois license. IDPH handles all reciprocity applications directly. Reciprocity applications may be printed from this IDPH website link.

FORMS AND POLICIES RELATING TO CE, LICENSING AND RENEWAL:

EMT Relicensure Policy (200-05) with CE Recommendations REV 3/25
EMT-I/AEMT Relicensure Policy (200-06) with CE Recommendations REV 3/25
Paramedic/PHRN Relicensure Policy (200-07) with CE Recommendations REV 3/25

PHRN Policy (200-04) See Policy 200-07 above for CE Recommendations

ECRNs: Visit the ECRN page

EMR (aka FR) Relicensure Policy (200-18) REV 3/25

Lead Instructor Policy (200-17) (includes licensure info) REV 3/25
Please note: Illinois has very specific requirements for Lead Instructors with respect to time, experience, and a recommendation from an EMS System. Prospective registrants must review the Lead Instructor policy BEFORE signing up for a class. IDPH also has strict requirements for renewal that now requires ADDITIONAL/SEPARATE LEAD INSTRUCTOR SPECIFIC CE. Silver Cross Lead Instructors must complete Lead Instructor specific CE on our System’s Moodle CE site. The Silver Cross Lead Instructor Moodle CE requires a password that may only be obtained from the SCEMSS Operations Coordinator. All other Region VII Lead Instructors should visit the Region VII EMS website’s CE Opportunities page for a list of available Lead Instructor Specific CE.

Visit the EMD page

Mandatory CE Policy (200-20)

Methods of CE Submission Policy (200-8)
Acceptable CE and Validation Standards Policy (200-16)
Blank CME Form (Log Sheet) CE Sheet to log hours
Training Program Application Form (Site-Code request)

For other less commonly used IDPH forms visit the IDPH WEBSITE. Please review the System policy before applying as these requests have strict guidelines.
IDPH Extension Request Application – Used for a one-time 6 month license extension
IDPH Inactive Request – Used to place license on temporary Inactive status within same license period
IDPH Reactivation Request – Only used if license has expired 3-36 months & seeking to reactivate and must plan to be employed by an agency within our System.

INDEPENDENT PROVIDERS (not actively with an EMS System) may access renewal information on the IDPH website.

For more information as an Independent contact IDPH at dph.emtlic@illinois.gov or 217-785-2080 to obtain your IDPH Regional Coordinator’s contact information.

Independents, while we do not endorse any of the below sites, you may choose to explore these as CE options:

https://www.boundtree.com/university/free-online-ceus

Home - Prodigy EMS

EMS Training & Operational Management Software (vectorsolutions.com)

Online EMS Training | EMT and Paramedic Training | EMS1 Academy

For information regarding licensure or renewal in the Silver Cross EMS System (not found here), please contact the SCEMSS Operations Coordinator for assistance.

Since IDPH updated their licensing database “GL” last Fall there have been ongoing issues they are attempting to rectify. The latest one is that many of you renewing your licenses are not receiving a printed copy in the mail even though you know your renewal was processed.

To verify your EMS license(s) use the link: ILDOH EMS Master This site pulls data directly from the IDPH database and is a perfectly legitimate way for anyone to verify licensure.

This link may also be accessed from our System website’s Licensure page: IDPH online EMS license verification link.

If after waiting 60 days, you absolutely need a printed copy of your license, you may send an email to dph.emtlic@illinois.gov but you must include the following information or they may not process your request:

“My name is FULL LEGAL NAME, IDPH 9 DIGIT LICENSE ID NUMBER and I never received my IDPH LICENSE TYPE (IE PARAMEDIC, LEAD INSTUCTOR, EMD, ETC) license in the mail when I renewed. Please mail a printed copy. My current mailing address is: LIST YOUR FULL MAILING ADDRESS.”