Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I transfer my EMT Basic Certification to California, and if so, what is required?

Answer: Out-of-State EMT certifications can be used to make you eligible for a Challenge Exam. If you pass the Challenge Exam, Santa Barbara County EMS Agency will issue you a statewide EMT certification carrying up to two years of the remaining time on your out-of state card. If your card has less than six months left on it, your best choice is to take a 27 hours recertification, which would include the state exam. This would qualify you for a full two-year card.

Q. What are the recertification requirements for an EMT-1?

Answer: In order to recertify in Santa Barbara County, an EMT-1 must be carrying a SB County EMT-1 card. He/She must have taken 24 hours of continuing education within the last 2 years or a 24 hours refresher course and have passed a written and skills examination within the past 4 years. Any refresher course must be provided by a SB County approved training program. Course completion certifications for continuing education credit must state the EMS Agency EMT-1 approved provider number.

Q. What happens if my EMT-1 certification has lapsed?

Answer: Technically, an EMT-1 applicant for recertification has 4 years from the time his/her certification has lapsed to complete 24 hours of refresher or continuing education taken within the preceding 2 years and takes the written and skills examination. If the individual's certification has lapsed more than 4 years, then the entire EMT-1 course must be completed. Now if the applicant is working as an EMT-1, the certification should remain current at all time.

Q. What continuing education sessions are acceptable for recertification in Santa Barbara County?

Answer: Any continuing education hours that have been approved by another local EMS Agency in California are acceptable.

Q. Where can I go to fill out paperwork for my EMT certification?

Answer: North County applicants should go to:

Public Health Clinic - Reception Desk
2115 S. Centerpointe Parkway-Bldg. 2115
Santa Maria, CA 93455 - (805)346-7234
Hours-Between 9:00-11:30AM - 1:30-4:00PM

South County applicants should go to:

PHD - EMS Agency Admin/Reception Office
300 N. San Antonio Road - Bldg. 1, Room A112
Santa Barbara, CA 93110 - (805)681-5274
Hours - 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Q. Can I recertify by mail?

Answer: Yes, but the process requires more time for completion.

Q. Where can I find refresher courses?

Answer: Go to our Training Institute page under EMT for more information.

Q. If I have a current card issued by another local EMS agency in California will it be honored in Santa Barbara County?

Answer: Technically yes, but we ask that you complete the paperwork for a Santa Barbara County card which will carry the same number and expirations date as your out-of-county card. The charge for this change of card and establishment of your records in Santa Barbara County is $22.00

Q. My wallet was stolen, how do I get a replacement for my EMT card?

Answer: Phone EMS Agency, giving them your social security number, name and card number if you know it. When this is verified, we will mail you a blank card which should be signed only and returned to us along with a photocopy of your driver's license, a picture 1"x1" and a check for $22.00 made out to Santa Barbara County, EMS

Q. Does my photo have to be a passport photo?

Answer: No, it can be Polaroid, color, black and white, etc. but the photo must be 1"x1".