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CEM® FAQ
Here are just a few of the reasons why many employers now list the CEM® as a job requirement when posting open positions for emergency managers:
- A Certified Emergency Manager® (CEM®) has the knowledge, skills and ability to effectively manage a comprehensive emergency management program.
- A CEM® has a working knowledge of all the basic tenets of emergency management, including mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
- A CEM® has experience and knowledge of interagency and community-wide participation in planning, coordination and management functions designed to improve emergency management capabilities.
- A CEM® can effectively accomplish the goals and objectives of any emergency management program in all environments with little or no additional training orientation.
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There are many reasons why emergency managers decide to pursue certification as a Certified Emergency Manager®. Here are some of the benefits:
- To receive recognition of professional competence.
- To join an established network of credentialed professionals.
- To take advantage of enhanced career opportunities.
- To gain access to career development counseling.
- To obtain formal recognition of educational activities.
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- Emergency management experience. Three years by date of application. Comprehensive experience must include participation in a full-scale exercise or actual disaster.
Three professional references. Including current supervisor.
- Education. Any 4-year baccalaureate degree; or additional experience may be substituted to satisfy this requirement, 2 years per 30 college credits up to the 120 credits comprising most baccalaureates.
- Training. 100 contact hours in emergency management training and 100 hours in general management training. Note: No more than 25% of hours can be in any one topic.
- Contributions to the profession. Six separate contributions in areas such as professional membership, speaking, publishing articles, serving on volunteer boards or committees and other areas beyond the scope of the emergency management job requirements.
- Comprehensive emergency management essay. Real-life scenarios are provided, and response must demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities as listed in the essay instructions.
- Multiple-choice examination. Candidates sit for the 100-question exam after their initial application and the other requirements are satisfied. A pamphlet is available further describing format and sources.
Note: A baccalaureate in emergency management reduces the experience requirement to 2 years and waives EM training if the degree was earned recently.
The Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) program originally was created with the same requirements as the CEM® program - except that applicants were not required to have a baccalaureate degree.
The AEM program today is an entry level credential that better allows beginning professionals to engage in the certification program and begin establishing a benchmark of their professional activity. To earn the AEM, requirements now include: three references, 200 hours of training (100 each in emergency and general management), an essay, and an examination.
The Certified Emergency Manager® (CEM®) credential additionally requires experience and professional contributions.
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While the Certified Emergency Manager® designation is a certification for individuals, EMAP – or the Emergency Management Accreditation Program – is a credential for agencies. EMAP includes a recommendation for agencies over a certain size to employ personnel who have earned the CEM®.
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