When Texas switched to computer-based testing, some EMS students were left behind – the system wouldn’t let them test before their 18th birthday. Now, thanks to an arrangement between the state and National Registry (NR), that glitch is fixed.
Here’s how it works:
(1) Students must complete their state approved ECA or EMT course,
(2) Coordinators must send a roster of those students who are 17 but not yet age 18 who successfully completed the course to the State EMS Director, Maxie Bishop. The form is listed on our web page under the EMS Education Materials as Course Completion Roster for EMT and ECA.
(3) Candidates under 18 must apply to take the NR assessment exam, NOT the initial exam. They will not be permitted to take the assessment exam until the state director has received the Course Completion Roster and they have registered with NR to take the assessment exam.
(4) They have to complete the state application for initial certification and pay the fees.
(5) When they turn 18, they must send a copy of their driver’s license to the NR and to DSHS EMS Certification. This will allow us to verify their age, and, if all other requirements have been met, we’ll issue a Texas EMS certification. If they want to gain NR certification, they won’t have to take another test; NR will accept their passing of the assessment exam however NR will charge an administrative fee.
Course Completion Roster for ECA or EMT candidates – Word or PDF 
(updated 6/30/09)