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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.
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.
- 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. A four-year baccalaureate degree in any subject area.
- 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. The exam is a maximum of two (2) hours. A pamphlet is available further describing format and sources.
- Three References. Including a reference from the candidate’s current supervisor.
Note: A baccalaureate in emergency management reduces the experience requirement to 2 years and waives EM training if the degree was earned recently.
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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.
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Comprehensive emergency management essay. Real-life scenarios are provided, and response must demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities as listed in the essay instructions.
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Multiple-choice examination. Candidates sit for the 100-question exam after their initial application and the other requirements are satisfied. The exam is a maximum of two (2) hours. A pamphlet is available further describing format and sources.
- Three References. Including a reference from the candidate’s current supervisor.
While the CEM®/AEMSM 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®/AEMSM.
The International Association of Emergency Managers
U.S. Council (IAEM-USA) Uniformed Services Committee (USC) coordinated with the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to allow for the use of GI Bill benefits to fees related to
IAEM’s Certified Emergency Manager (CEM®) Program. U.S. veterans, active duty
members, and others eligible in the Guard and Reserve now may use their GI Bill benefits to
reimburse 100 percent of the $450 CEM® application and testing fees.
Interested service personnel are urged to contact their VA counselors for information on how
to apply the GI Bill toward certification. The general rule is that the interested person must
first pay for the application and complete the test with a passing grade. The VA will reimburse
the application fee upon receipt of a request letter and proof of passing the CEM®
examination. Additional information is available at www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/LCweb.htm.
Candidates are required to submit three letters of reference (signed and on letterhead). One of the reference letters should be from the candidate’s current supervisor. The other reference letters can be from previous supervisors, managers, etc. The letters should attest to the candidate’s character and explain why he/she is deserving of the CEM®/AEMSM designation. Many of the letters outline individual accomplishments, work ethic, leadership skills/roles, job responsibilities, years of work experience, initiatives candidates have taken in the Emergency Management field, etc.
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