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CERT Drills and Exercises

Prepareness Cycle
Exercises are part of the preparedness cycle.

Overview

Exercises are opportunities for CERT programs to practice, assess, and improve emergency response plans and on-the-ground operations while engaging their members and refreshing the concepts and skills learned in CERT training. Drills, tabletop exercises, functional exercises, full-scale exercises, and competitive events are the different types of exercises that CERT programs conduct, and each type has different advantages.

These exercises were developed according to national guidance and principles outlined by the Homeland Security Exercise Program (HSEEP). It is important that CERT programs tailor their exercises to reflect realistic events that may impact their community. The scenario, objectives, and events can be modified based on what your CERT program is likely to respond to and what your program needs to test or practice. Review the 20 exercises below and start planning your next exercise.

The following exercise materials may be downloaded for use by CERT programs:

Drills

Tabletop Exercises

Functional Exercises

Full-Scale Exercises

Competitive Events