Build Your Emergency Management Skills
Professional training programs for first responders, emergency managers, and community volunteers
Why Emergency Management Training Matters
Effective emergency response requires trained personnel who understand their roles, can work within established systems, and possess the technical skills needed during crisis situations. Training programs range from basic awareness courses for community volunteers to advanced certifications for emergency management professionals. Consistent training ensures coordinated response, reduces confusion during incidents, and ultimately saves lives.
Community Training
Programs for citizens, volunteers, and community organizations
First Responder
Training for fire, EMS, law enforcement, and emergency personnel
Professional Certification
Advanced credentials for emergency management careers
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Train to support your community during emergencies
About CERT Training
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area. CERT members learn basic disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
CERT Training Modules:
- Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness Understanding hazards, personal preparedness, team organization
- Unit 2: Fire Safety Fire chemistry, hazardous materials, fire suppression strategies
- Unit 3: Disaster Medical Operations - Part 1 Triage, treating airway obstructions, bleeding control
- Unit 4: Disaster Medical Operations - Part 2 Treating shock, head and spinal injuries, splinting
- Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Size-up, search techniques, rescue safety, leveraging and lifting
- Unit 6: Psychology and Team Organization Disaster psychology, effective communication, team dynamics
- Unit 7: Terrorism and CERT Types of terrorism, recognizing threats, personal protection
- Unit 8: Course Review and Disaster Simulation Hands-on scenario exercise applying all learned skills
Benefits of CERT Membership
Skills Development
Learn practical emergency response skills that can help your family, neighbors, and community during disasters.
Community Connection
Join a network of trained volunteers committed to community resilience and disaster preparedness.
Emergency Support
Provide critical assistance to first responders when professional resources are overwhelmed.
Continuing Education
Access to ongoing training opportunities, exercises, and advanced skill development workshops.
Find a CERT Program Near You
Contact your local emergency management office or fire department to find CERT training in your community.
Get StartedFEMA Independent Study Courses
Free online training for emergency management professionals and volunteers
FEMA's Emergency Management Institute offers free Independent Study (IS) courses online. These self-paced courses provide foundational and advanced training in emergency management principles, including ICS, NIMS, and specialized topics. Upon completion, participants receive certificates recognized nationwide.
Introduction to the Incident Command System
Learn the basic features of ICS, including the history, principles, and organizational structure. Essential for all emergency personnel.
Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
Designed for personnel expected to assume a supervisory position within ICS, focusing on operational and planning functions.
National Incident Management System (NIMS) Introduction
Introduces NIMS concepts, principles, and components. Prerequisite for many emergency management positions.
National Response Framework Introduction
Overview of the National Response Framework, describing key roles and responsibilities for emergency response.
Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
Focuses on ICS functions during expanding incidents and multiagency coordination. Required for command and general staff.
Advanced ICS for Command and General Staff
Advanced training for personnel functioning as command and general staff in large, complex incidents requiring multiagency coordination.
Emergency Planning
Comprehensive course on developing Emergency Operations Plans using the Comprehensive Preparedness Guide methodology.
Leadership and Influence
Develops emergency management leadership skills including communication, motivation, team building, and decision-making.
Emergency Support Function Introduction
Overview of the 15 Emergency Support Functions used to coordinate federal resource support during major disasters.
Access FEMA Training: Visit training.fema.gov/is to register for free independent study courses. Certificates are issued upon successful completion of course exams.
Professional Certifications
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
The CEM certification program is internationally recognized and demonstrates professional competence in emergency management.
Requirements:
- 3+ years emergency management experience
- Comprehensive application process
- Documented training hours
- Professional contributions to field
- Recertification every 5 years
Associate Emergency Manager (AEM)
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
Entry-level certification for emergency management professionals beginning their careers in the field.
Requirements:
- 1+ year emergency management experience or degree
- Comprehensive application process
- 100 hours of emergency management training
- Documentation of professional activities
- Valid for 5 years
Emergency Number Professional (ENP)
National Emergency Number Association (NENA)
Certification for 9-1-1 professionals demonstrating knowledge of emergency communications systems and operations.
Requirements:
- 2+ years 9-1-1 experience
- Written examination
- Continuing education requirements
- Covers call handling, technology, management
- Recertification every 3 years
Specialized Training Programs
Incident Command System (ICS) Training
Progressive ICS training from basic awareness through advanced command and general staff functions:
- ICS-100: Introduction to ICS
- ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources
- ICS-300: Intermediate ICS (classroom)
- ICS-400: Advanced ICS (classroom)
First Aid & CPR Certification
Life-saving medical training from recognized organizations:
- American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED
- American Heart Association BLS/CPR
- Wilderness First Aid for remote response
- Stop the Bleed hemorrhage control
Hazardous Materials Awareness
Training for hazmat incidents and WMD response:
- HAZMAT Awareness Level (OSHA)
- HAZMAT Operations Level
- WMD/Terrorism Awareness
- Chemical, biological, radiological basics
Emergency Communications
Radio operations and emergency communications:
- Amateur Radio (HAM) licensing
- RACES/ARES volunteer communications
- Radio procedures and protocols
- Backup communications systems
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Media relations and emergency public information:
- Basic PIO course
- Advanced PIO strategies
- Social media in emergencies
- Crisis communication skills
Search and Rescue
Technical rescue and search operations training:
- Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)
- Wilderness search and rescue
- Swift water rescue
- Technical rope rescue
Start Your Emergency Management Training Today
Whether you're a concerned citizen or emergency management professional, training is available at every level.