the certified emergency manager® program

General Info | Latest News & Resources

IAEM Code of Ethics | Candidates for CEM® Commission

General CEM®/AEM Information

IAEM created the Certified Emergency Manager® and Associate Emergency Manager Programs to raise and maintain professional standards. It is an internationally recognized program that certifies achievements within the emergency management profession.

CEM® and AEM certification is a peer review process administered through the International Association of Emergency Managers. Candidates do not have to be an IAEM member to be certified, although IAEM membership does offer you a number of benefits that can assist you through the certification process. Certification is maintained in five-year cycles. The CEM® and AEM Programs are served by a CEM® Commission, which is composed of emergency management professionals, including representatives from allied fields, education, military and private industry. 

Development of the CEM® and AEM Programs was supported by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), and a host of allied organizations.

CEM® News & Resources

• Correction: Error Regarding CEM Corner in January 2010 IAEM Bulletin (15 Jan 2010) Page 4 of the Jan. 2010 IAEM Bulletin contained an error regarding the FEMA PDS Completion Certificate being accepted for an Awards or Special Recognition Contribution for the CEM® credential. The CEM® Commission ruled that the FEMA PDS Completion Certificate is acceptable for the training requirement, but not for any of the contributions to the profession requirement. We regret the error. The online version has been corrected. You may download it here in members only.
• News: CEM® Acceptance of Experience in Lieu of Degree Extended for Non-U.S. CEM® Applicants (21 Dec 2009) The IAEM Board of Directors has extended the time frame for non-U.S. applicants without a 4-year baccalaureate degree to be eligible for the CEM®.  These candidates may still substitute additional years of experience for formal education until 1 January 2012.  For U.S. applicants beginning 1 January 2010, the program requires a 4-year baccalaureate degree to satisfy the Education requirement. Other requirements include Experience, References, Training, Professional Contributions, a Management Essay, and an Examination.
• Updated CEM®/AEM Study Guide (15 Dec 2009)
• Updated Sample Training Allocations Chart (15 Dec 2009)

• News Release: Emergency Managers Receive CEM® Credential (26 Oct 2009)

• News Release: Emergency Managers Receive AEM Credential (26 Oct 2009)

• IAEM Members in Councils Outside the United States Can Obtain IAEM Sponsorship to Take FEMA/EMI Online Independent Study Courses (07 Apr 2009)

• Veterans Administration GI Bill Program Will Reimburse Eligible Service Personnel for IAEM Certified Emergency Manager® (CEM®) Program Costs (07 Apr 2009)

IAEM Code of Ethics

• IAEM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Candidates for CEM® Commission

Each year the CEM® Commission looks for candidates for two to four openings for the CEM Commission. The CEM® Commission sets policies and procedures governing the certification program, and reviews packets of applicants for the Certified Emergency Manager® (CEM®) and Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) credentials. Commissioners who are local practitioners must have earned the CEM®. If you’re interested in serving, submit a letter of interest and a summary of your credentials to IAEM Headquarters by July 1 each year. For additional information, please contact IAEM Membership Director Sharon Kelly at info@iaem.com.