EMTs are the first responder to emergency situations in the state of California.
On any emergency call, they rush to the scene, and responsible for performing rapid medical care to injured or seriously ill, and transporting patients to emergency medical facilities, or assisting during inter-facility transfers.
The California EMS Authority recognizes three levels of EMTs in the state: a) EMT-Basic, b) AEMT-EMT Intermediate or EMT-II, and c) Paramedic.
In California, emergency medical technicians are part of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.
They are regulated by the EMS Authority, California Health and Human Services Agency.
The Authority also regulates EMT, AEMT, Paramedic, Lifeguards, Public Safety Personnel, Peace Officers, Mobile Intensive Care Nurse, and Firefighters, and develops and implements necessary regulations for their training, certification, and scope of practice standards.
However, it is the responsibility of Local County or multi-county EMS Agencies to certify EMTs and AEMTs with EMT Certification in CA, and government departments to certify EMTs working in public safety agencies in accordance to regulations and standards set by the EMS Authority.
The California law requires EMTs to complete certain requirements to be eligible to earn EMT Certification in CA including the completion of the state-approved minimum 120 hours EMT Training program - consisting of 110 hours didactic education, and 10 hour clinical hands-on experience, and passing the state-approved EMT Certification Test.
The training curriculum includes Minimum Scope of Practice, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Transportation of Ill & Injured, Automated External Defibrillator, Use of Adjunctive Breathing Aid & Administration of Oxygen, Advanced First Aid, and Patient Assessment.
EMT Certification The completion of the training programs allows students to challenge the state approved Written and Skills exams, offered by the National Registry of EMTs.
The successful candidates receive EMT Certification in California, also known as EMT Certification Card.
The certification is given by the local EMS authority or public safety agencies.
The certification is valid throughout the state and operational for 2 years.
EMTs need to provide an evidence of 24 hours continuing education or refresher coursework to the certifying agency for recertification.
Reciprocity Individuals from other states can also apply for reciprocity, but to be eligible for Certification in the state, they will have to meet certain criteria of certifying entity and state regulations including:

1. Hold a valid and current out-of-state National Registry EMT-Basic certificate,
2. Hold a current or valid another state's National Registry EMT-Intermediate certificate, or
3. Submit documents of completing out-of-state training program that meet the California EMT Training standards and requirements.
   

It is also necessary to remember that AEMT, Paramedic, and Mobile Intensive Care Nurse have their own training, testing, certification/licensing, accreditation, reciprocity, recertification/renewal and Scope of Practice requirements.
It is also advised that an individual planning to work in any place in California must contact that area's local EMS Agency and find out additional information about the agency's own requirements for EMT Training, Exams, Certification or Licensing, and Accreditation.