EMS Electronic Certification Program Now Available

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – October 19, 2022 – The Ohio Division of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) today announced a new electronic certification program so that firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics can access their certification card on their phones. The new electronic certification also includes a QR code specific to an individual’s certification.

Previously, physical cards have been printed and mailed to individuals.  The new process will allow the individual to print his/her own certificate that will reflect all “active” certifications.  When the individual files an application, they will receive an email notification advising of how to download the certification.

“In addition to saving the cost of mailing the cards and replacing lost cards, the ecard will allow the certificate holder to go online to print their certifications as often as they want,” said EMS Executive Director Robert Wagoner.  “The printed certificate will include a QR code that will allow an employer to scan the certificate and view the current active certifications at the time of scan.  Employers will also be able to generate and print a list of all current certificate holders who are affiliated with that specific agency.”

Certifications are valid for a three-year period and are renewed on the card holder’s birthday.  Those who currently hold a physical card will be unaffected until their next renewal date.  At that point, certificate holders who meet all renewal requirements will receive an electronic certification and their expired physical card will no longer be valid.

This new program was developed in-house by the Ohio Department of Public Safety IT staff. 

For more information, please visit www.ems.ohio.gov