Applications and Forms
The following PDF forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms.
Please return all applications to:
Department of Health
Customer Service Office
P.O. Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504-7877
Call our Customer Service Office at 360-236-4700 if you have questions about Emergency Medical Services (EMS) certification.
All EMS certifications require proof of EMS agency affiliation – active membership, paid or volunteer with a licensed aid or ambulance service.
Please review the Certification Requirements page before applying for an initial certification.
- Apply Online
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Getting started
Online Application Instructions
Online application instructions are on our website.
Once you have completed the process, and submitted your application, you will receive an email with your pending credential number, or you may look on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact Department of Health or submit paperwork.
- Initial Certification – Applying for certification for the first time including upgrade, reciprocity, challenge and reversion
- Expired Reactivation – Reissuance of an expired certification
- Recertification – Renewal of certification
- Provisional Certification
- Instructors
- EMS Authorized Skills and Procedures
- Additional Forms
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- Out-of-state credential verification (PDF)
- Credential Verification (PDF)
- EMS supervisor/medical program director signature (PDF)
- Personal status change (PDF) – agency and address changes. You may also use EMS certification online to make your changes.
- EMS supervisor change (PDF) – change, add or update an agency supervisor
- Renewal Requirements
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EMS providers must renew their license every three years, coinciding with their supervisory EMS agency license expiration month. The licensee must satisfy continuing education requirements for re-certification including knowledge and skills competency. A provider may be required to successfully complete a protocol and skills knowledge assessment developed and administered by the Physician Medical Program Director of the County in which the applicant is working. There are no fees charged for EMS recertification.
Renewals
- Renew Online with EMS Certification Online
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EMS Certification Online is accessed through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) security portal.
Getting started
To get started you must register with Secure Access Washington (SAW) and sign in to the Department of Health Online Application Portal. Please read Steps 1 and 2 completely before creating your account.
Step 1: Create a Secure Access Washington account.
Go to the Secure Access Washington (SAW) website.
Select "Create One." If you already have a SAW account, sign in with your user ID and password you previously created and continue to "Step 2" below.
Follow the steps to register. You'll create your own user ID and password for SAW.
The system will send you an email confirming your registration.
Select the link in the email that follows this statement: “To activate your new account, select the following link." This step is required to complete the registration process.
If you experience problems with the SAW site, contact Consolidated Technology Services (24 hours) at 888-241-7597 or email servicedesk@cts.wa.gov.
Step 2: Create a link to EMS Certification Online
Login to your SAW account using your SAW user ID and password you previously created.
Select the “Add a New Service” link.
On the right column, select “I would like to browse a list of services”
Select ‘Department of Health'
Scroll to “EMS Online Certification”. Select “Apply.”
Click on “My Services” and choose “EMS Online Certification.”
Complete the one-time validation providing your credential number, date of birth and last 4 of your SSN.
Understanding your Application
All professions within the Department of Health (DOH) are unique. While the sections identified below can often be found on most applications, it is important to be aware of the requirements and rules of your specific credential(s).
After you submit your application, please watch for email communication from DOH. Throughout the application process, promptly reply to all questions and requests. Delayed responses cause a longer wait for your credential to be issued. We highly encourage using our online application services.
- Demographic Information
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Demographic data is used to create an account within the DOH database, verify your identity, and collect contact information. Please carefully provide accurate and complete answers to all applicable demographic questions.
- Military
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It is valuable to indicate your military or spouse status on your DOH application. Appropriate documentation is necessary for all military related applications, and it is important to be aware of documents you need to provide to DOH. In some cases, military education, training, and experience may count towards attaining certain health care professional credentials. As a spouse or registered domestic partner of a service member, you may be eligible to have the processing time of your application expedited.
To find information and resources for military personnel and their spouses visit the Military Resources website.
- Personal Data Questions
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All applicants must respond to the personal data questions, which focus on their ability to demonstrate the essential skills required for their profession.
Carefully review all questions. Please note that “yes” answers require an explanation and additional documentation as outlined on your application. If applicable, please be aware of the necessary documentation and provide it to DOH as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your application.
- Other Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
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DOH must verify all other credentials. List all states, including Washington State, where credentials are or were held. If you have applicable credentials to list, you may be required to provide an Out-of-State Credential Verification form. This form can be found in the paper application packet or on the Apply for License page. The form must be sent to each state listed and returned to DOH.
Please remember to provide all in-state and out-of-state credentials, including active, expired, and in-renewal. Individual states may require a fee for sending your verification to us, please check in advance to help expedite this process.
- Education
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To verify your qualifications, we must review all educational preparation and post-graduate training. Applicants must request official transcripts from the school(s) attended and the school needs to send them directly to DOH .
- Exam
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In some cases, passing an exam may be required to receive your credential. It is important to be aware of whether this applies to your credential. Exam scores must be sent from the exam host to the department. For more information on exams that may apply to your credential, visit your profession page.
- Supervised Experience
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Supervised experience may be necessary to receive your credential or maintain it as you practice. Supervision rules and requirements vary from profession to profession, please visit your professions page to learn more about supervision requirements for your credential.
Important Reminders
- Fees
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There are no fees currently for EMS certifications.
- Background Check
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A background check is processed for every applicant. DOH may need to obtain a fingerprint-based background check with Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If this is required for your application, you will be contacted by DOH and it is your responsibility to complete the required steps to submit this background check.
Process for Approving/Denying Applications
Credentialing staff review the application and supporting documents to make an initial determination of eligibility. The nursing education adviser and licensing manager review and approve applications with questionable verifying documents or otherwise “red flag” applications. Some applications are forwarded to discipline for review and a board member for decision. An applicant will be formally notified of a denial and has the opportunity for a hearing.