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CERT Training Materials

CERT Training Materials Table of Contents

FEMA IS-317: Introduction to CERTs

CERT Basic Training Course Materials

CERT Train-the-Trainer Course Materials

CERT Program Manager Course Materials

CERT Supplemental Training

CERT Additional Materials

Instructions on how to download the CERT Training Material files

IS-317: Introduction to CERTs

"Introduction to Community Emergency Response Teams", IS-317, is an independent study course that serves as an introduction to CERT for those wanting to complete training or as a refresher for current team members. It has six modules with topics that include an Introduction to CERT, Fire Safety, Hazardous Material and Terrorist Incidents, Disaster Medical Operations, and Search and Rescue. It takes between six and eight hours to complete the course. Those who successfully finish it will receive a certificate of completion.

IS-317 can be taken by anyone interested in CERT. However, to become a CERT volunteer, one must complete the classroom training offered by a local government agency such as the emergency management agency, fire or police department. Contact your local emergency manager to learn about the local education and training opportunities available to you. Let this person know about your interest in taking CERT training.

Click here to take the course.

CERT Basic Training Course Materials

CERT Basic Training Instructor Guide

Download Instructor Guide (Individual Section files and Hazard Annex Lesson Plan files in ZIP format)

Download Instructor Guide (full document in single PDF file)

Download Hazard Annex Lesson Plans (full document in single PDF file)

Instructor Guide Individual Sections  (Microsoft Word Version)

  1. Cover
  2. Table of Contents
  3. Introduction
  4. Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness
  5. Unit 2: Fire Safety
  6. Unit 3: Disaster Medical Operations—Part 1
  7. Unit 4: Disaster Medical Operations—Part 2
  8. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
  9. Unit 6: CERT Organization
  10. Unit 7: Disaster Psychology
  11. Unit 8: Terrorism and CERT
  12. Unit 9: Course Review and Disaster Simulation
  13. Annex for Teen CERT

Hazard Annex Lesson Plans (Microsoft Word Version)

  1. Earthquake
  2. Fires and Wildfires
  3. Floods
  4. Excessive Heat
  5. Hurricanes and Coastal Storms
  6. Landslides and Mudflows
  7. Severe Thunderstorms
  8. Tornadoes
  9. Tsunamis
  10. Volcanoes
  11. Winter Storms
  12. Nuclear Power Plant Emergencies
  13. Pandemic Influenza

CERT Basic Training Participant Manual

Download Participant Manual (Individual Section files and Hazard Annex files in ZIP format)

Download Participant Manual (full document in single PDF file)

Download Hazard Annexes (full document in single PDF file)

Participant Manual Individual Sections (Microsoft Word Version)

  1. Cover
  2. Table of Contents
  3. Introduction
  4. Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness
  5. Unit 2: Fire Safety
  6. Unit 3: Disaster Medical Operations—Part 1
  7. Unit 4: Disaster Medical Operations—Part 2
  8. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
  9. Unit 6: CERT Organization
  10. Unit 7: Disaster Psychology
  11. Unit 8: Terrorism and CERT
  12. Unit 9: Course Review and Disaster Simulation

Hazard Annexes (Microsoft Word Version)

  1. Earthquake
  2. Fires and Wildfires
  3. Floods
  4. Excessive Heat
  5. Hurricanes and Coastal Storms
  6. Landslides and Mudflows
  7. Severe Thunderstorms
  8. Tornadoes
  9. Tsunamis
  10. Volcanoes
  11. Winter Storms
  12. Nuclear Power Plant Emergencies
  13. Pandemic Influenza

CERT Basic Training PowerPoint Slides

Download All CERT Basic Training PowerPoint Slides
(files are downloaded in ZIP format)

Download Basic Training Individual Sections (Microsoft PowerPoint)

  1. Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness
  2. Unit 2: Fire Safety
  3. Unit 3: Disaster Medical Operations—Part 1
  4. Unit 4: Disaster Medical Operations—Part 2
  5. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations
  6. Unit 6: CERT Organization
  7. Unit 7: Disaster Psychology
  8. Unit 8: Terrorism and CERT

Download Hazard Annexes Individual Sections (Microsoft PowerPoint)

  1. Earthquake
  2. Fires and Wildfires
  3. Floods
  4. Excessive Heat
  5. Hurricanes and Coastal Storms
  6. Landslides and Mudflows
  7. Severe Thunderstorms
  8. Tornadoes
  9. Tsunamis
  10. Volcanoes
  11. Winter Storms
  12. Nuclear Power Plant Emergencies
  13. Pandemic Influenza 

CERT Basic Training Materials (Low Vision Version)

Download Complete Low Vision Version of the Participant Manual
(files are downloaded in ZIP format)

CERT Basic Training Participant Manual (Screen Reader Version)

Download Participant Manual (Individual Section files and Hazard Annex files in ZIP format)

Download Participant Manual (full document in single 417-page PDF)

Participant Manual Individual Sections (PDF Version)

  1. Cover (1-page PDF)
  2. Table of Contents (3-page PDF)
  3. Introduction (10-page PDF)
  4. Unit 1: Disaster Preparedness (50-page PDF)
  5. Unit 2: Fire Safety (40-page PDF)
  6. Unit 3: Disaster Medical Operations—Part 1 (30-page PDF)
  7. Unit 4: Disaster Medical Operations—Part 2 (46-page PDF)
  8. Unit 5: Light Search and Rescue Operations (47-page PDF)
  9. Unit 6: CERT Organization (48-page PDF)
  10. Unit 7: Disaster Psychology 16-page PDF)
  11. Unit 8: Terrorism and CERT (22-page PDF)
  12. Unit 9: Course Review and Disaster Simulation (22-page PDF)

Hazard Annexes (PDF Version)

  1. Earthquake (12-page PDF)
  2. Fires and Wildfires (6-page PDF)
  3. Floods (6-page PDF)
  4. Excessive Heat (4-page PDF)
  5. Hurricanes and Coastal Storms (8-page PDF)
  6. Landslides and Mudflows (2-page PDF)
  7. Severe Thunderstorms (4-page PDF)
  8. Tornadoes (6-page PDF)
  9. Tsunamis (6-page PDF)
  10. Volcanoes (6-page PDF)
  11. Winter Storms (8-page PDF)
  12. Nuclear Power Plant Emergencies (6-page PDF)
  13. Pandemic Influenza (8-page PDF)

Materiales de CERT Capacitación Básica (CERT Materials in Spanish)

Guía del Instructor de CERT Capacitación Básica

Descargar la Guía del Instructor (archivos de las Secciones Individuales y de los Planes de Lección de Anexo de Peligros en formato ZIP)

Descargar la Guía del Instructor (documento completo en archivo PDF)

Descargar los Planes de Lección del Anexo de Peligros (documento completo en archivo PDF)

Secciones Individuales de la Guía del Instructor (versión Microsoft Word)

  1. Cubierta
  2. Tablo de Contenidos
  3. Introducción
  4. Unidad 1: Preparación para los Desastres
  5. Unidad 2: Seguridad en Incendios y Control de los Servicios Públicos
  6. Unidad 3: Operaciones de Atención Médica—Parte 1
  7. Unidad 4: Operaciones de Atención Médica—Parte 2
  8. Unidad 5: Operaciones Menores de Búsqueda y Rescate
  9. Unidad 6: Organización del CERT
  10. Unidad 7: Sicología en Desastres
  11. Unidad 8: Terrorismo y el CERT
  12. Unidad 9: Repaso del Curso, Examen Final y Simulacro de Desastre

Secciones Individuales de la Guía del Instructor (versión PDF)

  1. Cubierta
  2. Tablo de Contenidos
  3. Introducción
  4. Unidad 1: Preparación para los Desastres
  5. Unidad 2: Seguridad en Incendios y Control de los Servicios Públicos
  6. Unidad 3: Operaciones de Atención Médica—Parte 1
  7. Unidad 4: Operaciones de Atención Médica—Parte 2
  8. Unidad 5: Operaciones Menores de Búsqueda y Rescate
  9. Unidad 6: Organización del CERT
  10. Unidad 7: Sicología en Desastres
  11. Unidad 8: Terrorismo y el CERT
  12. Unidad 9: Repaso del Curso, Examen Final y Simulacro de Desastre

Planes de Lección del Anexo de Peligros (versión Microsoft Word)

  1. Terremotos
  2. Incendios
  3. Inundaciones
  4. Calor Excesivo
  5. Huracanes y Tormentas Costeras
  6. Desprendimientos de Tierras y Aludes de Lodo
  7. Tormentas Eléctricas Severas
  8. Tornados
  9. Tsunamis
  10. Volcanes
  11. Tormentas de Invierno
  12. Emergencias en las Plantas Nucleares
  13. Influenza Pandémica

Planes de Lección del Anexo de Peligros (versión PDF)

  1. Terremotos
  2. Incendios
  3. Inundaciones
  4. Calor Excesivo
  5. Huracanes y Tormentas Costeras
  6. Desprendimientos de Tierras y Aludes de Lodo
  7. Tormentas Eléctricas Severas
  8. Tornados
  9. Tsunamis
  10. Volcanes
  11. Tormentas de Invierno
  12. Emergencias en las Plantas Nucleares
  13. Influenza Pandémica

Manual del Participante de CERT Capacitación Básica

Descargar Manual del Participante (archivos de las Secciones Individuales y de los Planes de Lección de Anexo de Peligros en formato ZIP)

Descargar Manual del Participante (documento completo en archivo PDF)

Descargar Anexo de Peligros (documento completo en archivo PDF)

Secciones Individuales de Manual del Participante (versión Microsoft Word)

  1. Cubierta
  2. Tablo de Contenidos
  3. Introducción
  4. Unidad 1: Preparación para los Desastres
  5. Unidad 2: Seguridad en Incendios y Control de los Servicios Públicos
  6. Unidad 3: Operaciones de Atención Médica—Parte 1
  7. Unidad 4: Operaciones de Atención Médica—Parte 2
  8. Unidad 5: Operaciones Menores de Búsqueda y Rescate
  9. Unidad 6: Organización del CERT
  10. Unidad 7: Sicología en Desastres
  11. Unidad 8: Terrorismo y el CERT
  12. Unidad 9: Repaso del Curso, Examen Final y Simulacro de Desastre

Secciones Individuales de Manual del Participante (versión PDF)

  1. Cubierta
  2. Tablo de Contenidos
  3. Introducción
  4. Unidad 1: Preparación para los Desastres
  5. Unidad 2: Seguridad en Incendios y Control de los Servicios Públicos
  6. Unidad 3: Operaciones de Atención Médica—Parte 1
  7. Unidad 4: Operaciones de Atención Médica—Parte 2
  8. Unidad 5: Operaciones Menores de Búsqueda y Rescate
  9. Unidad 6: Organización del CERT
  10. Unidad 7: Sicología en Desastres
  11. Unidad 8: Terrorismo y el CERT
  12. Unidad 9: Repaso del Curso, Examen Final y Simulacro de Desastre

Anexo de Peligros (versión Microsoft Word)

  1. Terremotos
  2. Incendios
  3. Inundaciones
  4. Calor Excesivo
  5. Huracanes y Tormentas Costeras
  6. Desprendimientos de Tierras y Aludes de Lodo
  7. Tormentas Eléctricas Severas
  8. Tornados
  9. Tsunamis
  10. Volcanes
  11. Tormentas de Invierno
  12. Emergencias en las Plantas Nucleares
  13. Influenza Pandémica

Anexo de Peligros (versión PDF)

  1. Terremotos
  2. Incendios
  3. Inundaciones
  4. Calor Excesivo
  5. Huracanes y Tormentas Costeras
  6. Desprendimientos de Tierras y Aludes de Lodo
  7. Tormentas Eléctricas Severas
  8. Tornados
  9. Tsunamis
  10. Volcanes
  11. Tormentas de Invierno
  12. Emergencias en las Plantas Nucleares
  13. Influenza Pandémica

Diapositivas de PowerPoint de CERT Capacitación Básica

Descargar todas las diapositivas de PowerPoint de CERT Capacitación Básica (en formato ZIP)

Archivos de PowerPoint

  1. Unidad 1
  2. Unidad 2
  3. Unidad 3
  4. Unidad 4
  5. Unidad 5
  6. Unidad 6
  7. Unidad 7
  8. Unidad 8

Anexo de Peligros

  1. Terremotos
  2. Incendios
  3. Inundaciones
  4. Calor Excesivo
  5. Huracanes y Tormentas Costeras
  6. Desprendimientos de Tierras y Aludes de Lodo
  7. Tormentas Eléctricas Severas
  8. Tornados
  9. Tsunamis
  10. Volcanes
  11. Tormentas de Invierno
  12. Emergencias en las Plantas Nucleares
  13. Influenza Pandémica

CERT Train-the-Trainer Course Materials

CERT Train-the-Trainer Instructor Guide

Download Instructor Guide (Individual Section files in ZIP format)

Download Instructor Guide (full document in single PDF file)

Instructor Guide Individual Sections  (Microsoft Word Version)

  1. Cover
  2. Course Overview and Instructor Responsibilities
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Unit 1: Introduction
  5. Unit 2: Your Role as Instructor
  6. Unit 3: CERT Basic Training Unit 1 Review
  7. Unit 4: CERT Basic Training Unit 2 Review
  8. Unit 5: Maximize Learning
  9. Unit 6: CERT Basic Training Unit 3 Review
  10. Unit 7: CERT Basic Training Unit 4 Review
  11. Unit 8: CERT Basic Training Unit 6 Review
  12. Unit 9: Teach-Back #1
  13. Unit 10: CERT Basic Training Unit 5 Review
  14. Unit 11: Manage the Classroom
  15. Unit 12: CERT Basic Training Unit 7 Review
  16. Unit 13: CERT Basic Training Unit 8 Review
  17. Unit 14: CERT Basic Training Unit 9 Review
  18. Unit 15: Teach-Back #2
  19. Unit 16: Preparing for the CERT Basic Training Course
  20. Unit 17: Course Summary
  21. Annex for Teen CERT 

CERT Train-the-Trainer Participant Manual

Download Participant Manual (Individual Section files in ZIP format)

Download Participant Manual (full document in single PDF file)

Participant Manual Individual Sections (Microsoft Word Version)

  1. Cover
  2. Course Overview and Instructor Responsibilities
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Unit 1: Introduction
  5. Unit 2: Your Role as Instructor
  6. Unit 3: CERT Basic Training Unit 1 Review
  7. Unit 4: CERT Basic Training Unit 2 Review
  8. Unit 5: Maximize Learning
  9. Unit 6: CERT Basic Training Unit 3 Review
  10. Unit 7: CERT Basic Training Unit 4 Review
  11. Unit 8: CERT Basic Training Unit 6 Review
  12. Unit 9: Teach-Back #1
  13. Unit 10: CERT Basic Training Unit 5 Review
  14. Unit 11: Manage the Classroom
  15. Unit 12: CERT Basic Training Unit 7 Review
  16. Unit 13: CERT Basic Training Unit 8 Review
  17. Unit 14: CERT Basic Training Unit 9 Review
  18. Unit 15: Teach-Back #2
  19. Unit 16: Preparing for the CERT Basic Training Course
  20. Unit 17: Course Summary
  21. Annex for Teen CERT 

CERT Train-the-Trainer PowerPoint Slides

Download All CERT Basic Training PowerPoint Slides
(files are downloaded in ZIP format)

Download PowerPoint Individual Sections (Microsoft PowerPoint Version)

  1. Unit 1: Introduction
  2. Unit 2: Your Role as Instructor
  3. Unit 3: CERT Basic Training Unit 1 Review
  4. Unit 4: CERT Basic Training Unit 2 Review
  5. Unit 5: Maximize Learning
  6. Unit 6: CERT Basic Training Unit 3 Review
  7. Unit 7: CERT Basic Training Unit 4 Review
  8. Unit 8: CERT Basic Training Unit 6 Review
  9. Unit 9: Teach-Back #1
  10. Unit 10: CERT Basic Training Unit 5 Review
  11. Unit 11: Manage the Classroom
  12. Unit 12: CERT Basic Training Unit 7 Review
  13. Unit 13: CERT Basic Training Unit 8 Review
  14. Unit 14: CERT Basic Training Unit 9 Review
  15. Unit 15: Teach-Back #2
  16. Unit 16: Preparing for the CERT Basic Training Course
  17. Unit 17: Course Summary
  18. Annex for Teen CERT

Download PowerPoint Individual Sections (PDF Version)

  1. Unit 1: Introduction (29-page PDF)
  2. Unit 2: Your Role as Instructor (43-page PDF)
  3. Unit 3: CERT Basic Training Unit 1 Review (9-page PDF)
  4. Unit 4: CERT Basic Training Unit 2 Review (15-page PDF)
  5. Unit 5: Maximize Learning (55-page PDF)
  6. Unit 6: CERT Basic Training Unit 3 Review (15-page PDF)
  7. Unit 7: CERT Basic Training Unit 4 Review (11-page PDF)
  8. Unit 8: CERT Basic Training Unit 6 Review (10-page PDF)
  9. Unit 9: Teach-Back #1 (7-page PDF)
  10. Unit 10: CERT Basic Training Unit 5 Review (13-page PDF)
  11. Unit 11: Manage the Classroom (49-page PDF)
  12. Unit 12: CERT Basic Training Unit 7 Review (11-page PDF)
  13. Unit 13: CERT Basic Training Unit 8 Review (10-page PDF)
  14. Unit 14: CERT Basic Training Unit 9 Review (13-page PDF)
  15. >Unit 15: Teach-Back #2 (7-page PDF)
  16. Unit 16: Preparing for the CERT Basic Training Course (19-page PDF)
  17. Unit 17: Course Summary (5-page PDF)
  18. Annex for Teen CERT (38-page PDF)

CERT Program Manager Course Materials

CERT Program Manager Instructor Guide

Download Instructor Guide (Individual Section files in ZIP format)

Download Instructor Guide (full document in single PDF file)

Instructor Guide Individual Sections (Microsoft Word Version)

  1. Cover
  2. Table of Contents
  3. Course Overview and Instructor Responsibilities
  4. Unit 1: Introduction and Overview
  5. Unit 2: Setting a Program Vision
  6. Unit 3: Promoting Your Program
  7. Unit 4: Working with Volunteers
  8. Unit 5: Working with Instructors
  9. Unit 6: Procuring and Managing Resources
  10. Unit 7: Training and Exercises
  11. Unit 8: Policies and Procedures
  12. Unit 9: Program Evaluation
  13. Unit 10: Keeping Your Program Going
  14. Unit 11: Course Summary and Conclusion
  15. Program Manager Draft Program Plan Template
  16. Pre- and Post-Test
  17. Pre- and Post-Test References

CERT Program Manager Participant Manual

Download Participant Manual (Individual Section files in ZIP format)

Download Participant Manual (full document in single PDF file)

Participant Manual Individual Sections (Microsoft Word Version)

  1. Cover
  2. Course Overview
  3. Unit 1: Introduction and Overview
  4. Unit 2: Setting a Program Vision
  5. Unit 3: Promoting Your Program
  6. Unit 4: Working with Volunteers
  7. Unit 5: Working with Instructors
  8. Unit 6: Procuring and Managing Resources
  9. Unit 7: Training and Exercises
  10. Unit 8: Policies and Procedures
  11. Unit 9: Program Evaluation
  12. Unit 10: Keeping Your Program Going
  13. Unit 11: Course Summary and Conclusion
  14. Program Manager Draft Program Plan Template

CERT Program Manager PowerPoint Slides

Download All CERT Program Manager Course PowerPoint Slides.
(files are downloaded in ZIP format)

Download PowerPoint Individual Sections (Microsoft PowerPoint Version)

  1. Unit 1: Introduction and Overview
  2. Unit 2: Setting a Program Vision
  3. Unit 3: Promoting Your Program
  4. Unit 4: Working with Volunteers
  5. Unit 5: Working with Instructors
  6. Unit 6: Procuring and Managing Resources
  7. Unit 7: Training and Exercises
  8. Unit 8: Policies and Procedures
  9. Unit 9: Program Evaluation
  10. Unit 10: Keeping Your Program Going
  11. Unit 11: Course Summary and Conclusion

Download PowerPoint Individual Sections (PDF Version)

  1. Unit 1: Introduction and Overview (21-page PDF)
  2. Unit 2: Setting a Program Vision (27-page PDF)
  3. Unit 3: Promoting Your Program (34-page PDF)
  4. Unit 4: Working with Volunteers (44-page PDF)
  5. Unit 5: Working with Instructors (38-page PDF)
  6. Unit 6: Procuring and Managing Resources (34-page PDF)
  7. Unit 7: Training and Exercises (35-page PDF)
  8. Unit 8: Policies and Procedures (19-page PDF)
  9. Unit 9: Program Evaluation (18-page PDF)
  10. Unit 10: Keeping Your Program Going (19-page PDF)
  11. Unit 11: Course Summary and Conclusion (7-page PDF)

CERT Supplemental Training

CERT Search and Rescue Tutorial

This tutorial allows CERT-trained individuals to review and refresh their skills in sizeup and search and rescue techniques. Teams can use the tutorial as a group refresher activity. Those who are not yet CERT members can also use the tutorial for background on the CERT basic training.

Click here to start taking the tutorial.

The CERT Search and Rescue Tutorial can also be downloaded in its entirety and viewed offline. The materials from the tutorial are saved in ZIP format. Once the files are downloaded and extracted, please double-click on “default.htm” in the main folder to begin the tutorial.

Click here to download the CERT Search and Rescue Tutorial.

CERT Animal Response I

The CERT supplemental module on Animal Response I is the first of two modules that make up the CERT Animal Response training. CERT supplemental training builds on the CERT Basic Training course and is intended for CERT members who have completed the basic training.  Animal Response I will teach CERT members emergency preparedness for animal owners and how to recognize specific animal behaviors. 

CERT Animal Response II

The CERT supplemental module on Animal Response II is the second of two modules that make up the CERT Animal Response training.  CERT supplemental training builds on the CERT Basic Training course and is intended for CERT members who have completed the basic training.  Animal Response II will prepare CERT members for situations involving animals that they may encounter in performing their broader CERT response functions.

CERT Emergency Communications

In this four-hour module, CERT members will learn: 1) the role of CERT in communications during an activation; 2) how to use a communications plan; 3) the use of different communication modes and strategies; and, 4)how to use communication devices. The materials are in Word format and PowerPoint, and can be tailored to better fit local training needs.

CERT Emergency Communications

CERT Exercise Swaps

This module includes two four-hour units to train CERT teams to design and conduct exercises for each other.  CERT members will learn: 1)  FEMA exercise guidance and HSEEP concepts; 2) criteria for well-designed CERT exercises; 3) steps and documents used in designing and conducting an exercise; and, 4) challenges and smart practices for conducting a CERT exercise.  Participants will begin the exercise swap design process as part of the course work.

CERT Exercise Swaps

CERT Firefighter Rehab

This four-hour module trains CERT members to safely set up and perform the non-medical functions of firefighter rehabilitation.  CERT members will learn:  1) the definition of and need for firefighter rehab; 2) the physiological threats to firefighters; 3) an overview of what happens at the scene of a fire; and, 4) how CERT members set up and what they do in the rehab area. The materials are in Word format and PowerPoint, and can be tailored to fit local training needs.

CERT Firefighter Rehab

Flood Response for CERTs

This four-hour module will train CERT members to: 1) relate CERT Basic Training skills to flood response; 2) identify a flood and the dangers of working around floodwaters; 3) work safely and efficiently with sandbags; and, 4) construct a sandbag barrier correctly. The materials are in Word format and PowerPoint, and can be tailored to fit local training needs.

Flood Response for CERTs

CERT Tools for Leadership Success

In this four-hour module, CERT members will learn: 1) how CERT Basic Training concepts relate to leadership; 2) the characteristics, skills and responsibilities of team leaders, and how leaders and team members interact; 3) different styles of leadership and how they apply to CERT situations; and, 4) examples of how CERT leaders run successful team operations. The materials are in Word format and PowerPoint, and can be tailored to fit local training needs.

CERT Tools for Leadership Success

CERT Traffic and Crowd Management

In this four-hour module, CERT members will learn: 1) how CERT Basic Training skills relate to crowd and traffic management; 2) effective communication strategies to direct traffic and crowds; 3) crowd management skills and how to put together a basic crowd management plan; and, 4) using traffic control devices to safely manage traffic in various situations and how to put together a basic traffic management plan. Materials are in Word format and PowerPoint, and can be tailored to fit local training needs.

CERT Traffic and Crowd Management