Primary Core Capability: Planning

This course prepares participants to deliver FEMA's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training course.

This Train-the-Trainer course focuses on preparing instructors to:

• Deliver CERT Basic Training.
• Convey the messages and intent of the CERT program (e.g., safety, teamwork, place in overall community Emergency Operations Plan).
• Assure that participants achieve the objectives of CERT Basic Training.
• Create a comfortable yet managed learning environment.
  
  

Course topics include:

• CERT history, program purpose, and values.
• Materials and requirements for the CERT Basic Training course.
• Roles of the CERT instructor.
• Effective presentation of CERT Basic Training content.
• Effective coaching and demonstration of skills in the classroom.
• Practices to maximize learning.
• Effective evaluation of CERT training participants.

For additional course information, including contact hours, please see the National Preparedness Catalog.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the CERT Basic Training course.
• Demonstrate the ability to present an assigned portion of the course (teach-back).
• Communicate the core values of the program.
• Demonstrate classroom management techniques.
• Demonstrate effective teaching techniques.
• Model appropriate behavior as an instructor.

1. A referral letter from a CERT-sponsoring agency, typically a local, regional, or state government agency.

2. Either IS-317 OR CERT Basic Training:
   
   • If you are not a first responder, please complete the IS 317 CERT Basic Training, it is required.

      

   • For current first responders, please submit a copy of your CERT Basic Training or IS 317 Introduction to CERT Certificate.

3. Must have a FEMA Student ID number (https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid).

Visit FEMA's Emergency Management Institute to complete the IS 317 course online at Independent Study

Disciplines:

• Emergency Management
• Individuals who will serve as the Course Manager for the CERT Basic Training course and be CERT Basic Training course instructors.