Key Certifications in Emergency Management
If you follow emergency management news on social media sites, you’ll often see questions about how to get started in the field. College degree programs, volunteering, and transitioning from other public safety fields are all very common to get a foot in the door. As we grow in our careers, emergency managers may seek out professional recognition in the form of a certification program. Below are some key programs to consider.
A great place to start for new emergency managers or students is the FEMA Professional Development Series (PDS). This program includes seven online FEMA courses that provide foundational training for those in the emergency management profession. FEMA also offers a host of certification programs like the Master Exercise Practitioner, the Planning Practitioner Program, the Emergency Management Professional Program, and the Advanced Professional Series.
Indiana offers the Professional Emergency Manager (PEM) program aimed at recognizing those who work or volunteer in the field. The program consists of a combination of online and classroom training, on-the-job experience, exercises, and professional contributions. The best part is this program is free!
The International Association of Emergency Managers offers the Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) and Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designations. These distinguished certifications are aimed at “those who demonstrate a strong understanding of the emergency management field through knowledge, experience, work history, training, education, and contributions to the profession”. There are several Hoosiers who have this certification and can serve as mentors to those wishing to complete the program. This certification has a fee, but check with your employer to see if this can be covered.
There is no “right way” to start nor is there a designated career path for emergency managers. If you’re new to the field, reach out to your fellow emergency managers and ask about their certifications and career path. There are so many ways to get involved and certification is a great place to start. Best of luck on your professional journey!