Paramedic Accreditation
Read this before you apply
- Initial accreditation cannot be completed online. It requires attending the regional orientation in person and passing the written protocol exam. See Initial Accreditation below.
- Continuous accreditation (renewal) is online only. The office is closed to the public; no walk-ins or appointments.
- Applications are not accepted by fax or mail.
- Have every requirement ready before you start. Applications will not be processed until all requirements are met.
- Applications submitted during the last seven calendar days of the month may be delayed due to Agency workflow.
Initial Accreditation
Local accreditation authorizes a licensed paramedic to practice within the Mountain Counties EMS Agency member counties of Amador, Calaveras, and Mariposa. Initial accreditation is granted upon successful completion of the following:
- Complete a
pdf
Paramedic Accreditation Application(249 KB)
, including:
- Attend the MCEMSA regional orientation (offered monthly). Register online: go to Training & CE and scroll to upcoming events.
- Pass the Agency written protocol examination with a score of 80% or better. The exam is given immediately after orientation.
- A copy of your valid California Paramedic License (front and back, signed).
- A copy of a photo ID.
- A digital photo, taken on site by Agency staff.
- Payment of the $125.00 accreditation fee (cash, check, money order, cashier's check, PayPal, debit, or credit card). All fees are non-refundable. Paying the fee starts a 30-day time limit to complete the required five-call evaluation, as applicable.
- Complete a five (5) ALS call evaluation.
- Complete and submit documentation of orientation to the local EMS system.
- Submit the 4 MCI Field Operations Module CE certificates (available at www.mvemsa.org), per Agency Policy 853.00, Prehospital Training Standards. These are required every two years.
- Provide proof of employment with a designated ALS provider agency within Amador, Calaveras, or Mariposa County.
When accreditation takes effect. The issue date is the date you successfully complete all of the conditions above. Your accreditation expires on the same date your state paramedic license expires.
An individual currently licensed as a paramedic or certified as an Advanced EMT in California is considered a certified EMT without additional testing, except while the paramedic license or Advanced EMT certificate is under suspension.
Continuous Accreditation (Renewal)
To maintain accreditation, a paramedic must complete and submit an application every two years, before the accreditation expiration date, including:
- Complete and submit the online application (button below).
- A copy of your newly issued, valid State of California Paramedic License (front and back, signed).
- A copy of a photo ID.
- A current passport-style photo: an actual passport photo, or a clear headshot against a plain background.
- Successfully complete any requirements imposed by the Agency Medical Director for an Agency-approved Expanded Scope of Practice class and Policy Update class.
- Meet any requirements of the system-wide CQI program.
- Submit the 4 MCI Field Operations Module CE certificates (www.mvemsa.org), dated no earlier than 90 days before continuous accreditation, per Agency Policy 853.00, Prehospital Training Standards. These are required every two years.
How online processing works
- Gather all required documents, including your passport-style photo, saved and ready to upload before you start the application.
- Allow 5 to 7 business days for processing and issuance of your Paramedic Accreditation card once all requirements are met. No exceptions.
- Incomplete applications are held for 7 days to allow you to submit missing items, then considered abandoned.
- All fees are non-refundable. Paying by credit or debit through PayPal on our website adds a $5.00 processing fee.
If your application expires during processing. Incomplete applications that expire during processing are subject to the $125.00 accreditation fee.
Keeping Your Accreditation Current
- An accredited paramedic must notify the Agency within five (5) days of any change in address, telephone, or email contact information.
- If any requirement above is not met or maintained, accreditation to practice will be withdrawn until the requirement is successfully completed. If your accreditation has been withdrawn or lapsed, contact the office at (209) 529-5085 for any additional requirements.