A candidate whose certificate has been expired for how long may not renew the certificate?

In Texas, the regulations regarding the renewal of an expired Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificate stipulate that if the certificate has been expired for one year or more, the candidate is not eligible for renewal. This means that if a candidate's certification is expired for one year, they must take the necessary steps to obtain a new certification rather than renewing the old one. Such regulations are in place to ensure that all EMTs maintain their skills and knowledge in line with current standards, thereby protecting public safety. By contrast, candidates whose certificates have been expired for less than one year may still have options to renew their certification, reflecting the importance of continuous professional development in the field of emergency medical services.