West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services

Information regarding certification, renewal, and legal recognition (reciprocity) for First Responders.

Initial Certification

Personnel qualify for certification as an EMSA-First Responder by meeting the following conditions and qualifications:

• Successfully complete an approved First Responder 44-hour course from RESA .
• Successfully complete the written and practical examination (National Registry written examination).
• Create a CIS account.
• Be affiliated with a West Virginia Licensed EMS Agency or Fire Department Rapid Response Agency.
• Mail a copy of your current CPR card to the Office.
• Apply for certification using the Interactive EMS Certification Application. After completing payment online, you will be presented with a fingerprint voucher. Take this voucher to an authorized background check provider and complete the background check process.

Recertification

Personnel qualify for recertification as an EMSA-First Responder by meeting the qualifications set forth by the First Responder Recertification Policy. After meeting the requirements, apply for recertification with the Interactive EMS Certification Application.

Legal Recognition-EMSA-First Responder

Personnel qualify for legal recognition as an EMSA-First Responder by meeting the following conditions and qualifications:

• After qualifying for Legal Recognition, apply for certification using the Interactive EMS Certification Application. After completing payment online, you will be presented with a fingerprint voucher. Take this voucher to an authorized background check provider and complete the background check process.