Paramedic Accreditation

Before applying, review EMS Policy 302 – Paramedic Accreditation for eligibility, documentation, local orientation and ongoing requirements.

Initial Accreditation

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold a current California paramedic license
• Be employed as a paramedic by a designated San Mateo County 9-1-1 EMS advanced life support (ALS) provider, such as AMR or a fire-service ALS provider, or by the EMS Agency

Only individuals accredited by San Mateo County EMS may practice as paramedics within the County’s EMS system.

Required Documents

Prepare electronic copies of:

• Current government-issued photo identification
• Current California paramedic license
• Current CPR certification
• Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification
• Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP) certification
• Current Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) or International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) certification
• Court records, police reports or other disclosure documents, if requested during the application process

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

How to Apply

1. Sign in to the Online Certification and Accreditation System and, under Applications, select the Paramedic Accreditation application.
2. Upload all required documents and pay the applicable fee.
3. Complete the required San Mateo County EMS orientation and any applicable training or testing on local policies, treatment protocols, communications, destination policies and scope of practice.

Open Online Certification and Accreditation System

San Mateo County EMS will issue accreditation after confirming that the applicant meets County requirements and the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 9, §100094.02.

Maintaining Accreditation

Paramedics are responsible for keeping their online EMS record, California paramedic license and required credentials current. Accreditation remains continuous when the paramedic:

• Continuously holds a valid California paramedic license, American Heart Association BLS and ACLS credentials, PALS or PEPP certification, and a County-approved trauma credential
• Maintains continuous employment as a paramedic with a San Mateo County EMS-authorized advanced life support provider or with the EMS Agency
• Completes each required annual update to County EMS policies, procedures and treatment protocols after initial accreditation

Maintain your supporting documents. Keep your government-issued identification, California paramedic license, BLS, ACLS, PALS or PEPP, and trauma credentials current throughout the accreditation period. Use the same Online Certification and Accreditation System used for your application whenever a document needs to be updated or replaced.

Re-accreditation

Within 30 calendar days after renewing your California paramedic license, sign in to the Online Certification and Accreditation System and select the Paramedic Accreditation application under Applications. Submit the County application only after the renewed state license has been issued.

San Mateo County EMS verifies and authorizes continued accreditation every two years. The accreditation period coincides with the effective period of the California paramedic license.

Open Online Certification and Accreditation System

Forms and Resources

Use these resources to review accreditation requirements and manage your initial accreditation or re-accreditation online.

Questions or application assistance

Email EMScertifications@smcgov.org or call 650-573-2564.