What is CEAS?

The Council for EMS Accreditation & Standards (CEAS) is an independent accrediting body for EMS continuing education providers. We evaluate CE courses and training programs against 12 evidence-based standards to ensure quality, transparency, and accountability in EMS education.

How is CEAS different from other accreditors?

CEAS was built to address common problems with existing accreditation bodies: zero per-student fees (saving providers thousands annually), complete transparency (all enforcement actions are public), modern technology (API-first data submission), no conflicts of interest (we don’t operate training programs), and published standards that anyone can review and understand.

Who can apply for CEAS accreditation?

Any organization that provides EMS continuing education can apply, including fire departments, hospitals, private training companies, community colleges, and nonprofit EMS agencies. You must hold a valid state EMS training license or permit where applicable.

Is CEAS accreditation recognized by state EMS offices?

CEAS is a newly established accrediting body. We are actively working with state EMS offices to achieve formal recognition. Our standards are aligned with NCCP (National Continued Competency Program) requirements, which are the basis for recertification in most states. Check with your state EMS office for their specific accreditation recognition policies.

How long does the accreditation process take?

From application submission to final decision, the process typically takes 30 to 45 days. This includes an initial completeness check (1-3 business days), full standards review (7-14 business days), and a corrections period if needed (up to 30 days). See our application page for a detailed timeline.

What documentation do I need to apply?

For your organization: state EMS license/permit, organizational charter or articles of incorporation, proof of insurance, instructor roster with credentials, and your student complaint and record retention policies. For each course: syllabus, content outline mapped to NCCP categories, contact hour calculation, assessment methodology, and sample evaluation instruments. See the full checklist.

Can I submit multiple courses at once?

Yes. You can submit as many courses as you like with your initial organization application, or add courses at any time after accreditation. Each course has a $200 application fee regardless of when it is submitted.

What happens if my application is denied?

If your application does not meet our standards, you will receive a detailed written explanation identifying every deficiency and the specific standard(s) not met. You may resubmit a corrected application within 90 days at no additional fee. After 90 days, a new application fee applies.

Why does CEAS charge zero per-student fees?

Per-student fees create a perverse incentive: the accreditor benefits financially from providers enrolling more students, regardless of quality. CEAS uses a flat fee structure so our revenue is never tied to enrollment volume. This keeps accreditation affordable and removes any financial conflicts of interest. See our pricing page for the full fee schedule.

When do I need to renew?

Organizational accreditation renews annually on the anniversary of your initial approval date. The $600 annual fee covers continued accreditation of your organization. Each active course also has a $100 annual renewal fee. You will receive email reminders 60 and 30 days before your renewal date.

Where can I read the full standards?

The complete CEAS Accreditation Manual, including all 12 standards, compliance guidance, evidence examples, enforcement framework, and appendices, is published at emsaccreditation.org/standards. Unlike most accreditors, we do not charge for access to our standards.

What if I disagree with an enforcement action?

Any provider may appeal enforcement actions at Level 2 (Formal Warning) or above. The appeal process includes: filing a $250 appeal fee (refundable if upheld), submitting a written response within 30 days, independent panel review, and a final decision within 30 days. See our enforcement page for full details.

How do I report student completions?

Providers can report completions through the Provider Portal (web interface), CSV upload, or REST API. Completions must be submitted within 30 days of course completion. See our data submission page for formats and instructions.

Do I need technical expertise to use CEAS?

No. The Provider Portal is a simple web interface that requires no technical skills. CSV upload and the REST API are available for providers who want to automate their reporting, but they are entirely optional.

Can I verify a student’s completion certificate?

Yes. Anyone can verify a CEAS completion certificate using the certificate number at emsaccreditation.org/verify. Employers and state agencies can also use our API for automated verification.

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