Professional Certification in Emergency Management

The requirements for the AEM program are the same as the CEM® programs, except applicants are not required to hold a baccalaureate degree.

Maintaining certification

The PDS and APS do not require a recertification once initially completed. The CEM®/AEM credential require recertification every five years. That recertification is required to remain current in the emergency management field. The recertification requirements include 100 hours of training, with at least 75 hours in emergency management and six contributions to the field of emergency management.

Cost of Programs

There is no cost to participate in either of the FEMA-sponsored certification programs. There is a cost for the CEM®/AEM certification. Membership in the IAEM is not required for CEM®/AEM certification, though membership does qualify you for a reduction in the application fees. Whatever the costs and time commitment are, the certification will be well worth it both professionally and personally.

Benefits of Certifications

You may be asking yourself what the benefits of being certified are. One of the primary reasons for becoming certified is to be NIMS-compliant. By being certified, you show that you are knowledgeable in the four core components of emergency management: preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. The certification is recognized as a standard that is recognized across the country. Another reason is to be professionally recognized by other professional emergency managers. The next reason may appear to be a little selfish, but it is valid nevertheless. By being certified, you are more marketable in looking for another position, whether it is for a promotion or another position outside of the law enforcement profession. Many positions for managers in emergency management or homeland security are seeking a CEM® as a prerequisite to employment. With that in mind, when will you start your certification process?