Optional Event

EMAP Assessor Training

Two-day training course

Thursday-Friday, Nov. 17-18, 2011

EMAP Assessor Training Course Description

Two-day training course

Thursday-Friday, Nov. 17-18, 2011

8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fee: FREE (Note the assessor qualifications below before registering; pre-registration required, no onsite registration)

Those attending one of these training courses may be eligible to participate on assessor teams for state/territorial program applicants or baseline assessments as well as local accreditation assessments. Serving on an assessor team involves reviewing an applicant program's self-assessment materials and documentation, participating in on-site assessment of the program (four to nine days including travel), and working with other team members to compile an assessment report. Serving as an assessor is an excellent way to serve the public and the profession of emergency management while broadening one's knowledge of emergency management practices.

Purpose of the Training
The primary purpose of this training is to provide the necessary information, tools, and resources for personnel wishing to become a part of the EMAP Assessor Cadre. Assessors will act as an objective fact-finder during onsite assessments of emergency management programs based upon the Emergency Management Standard by EMAP. Specifically, they will be oriented to the following key topics:
• The steps involved in the EMAP accreditation process.
• Assessing compliance with the Emergency Management Standard by EMAP.
• Understanding the responsibilities and expectations of serving as an assessor.
• Using the EMAP Online Assessment Tool to document assessor findings.
• Actively participating in simulated on-site assessment activities.

Scope of Training
The training will be instructor lead, focused on the current EMAP procedures. The two-day course will encourage open participation and discussion about the topics and will provide resources and tools for those wanting more information about being an EMAP Assessor.

Target Audience
The target audience for this course is personnel who are currently or have been involved in state and local emergency management programs for 5 years or more. These individuals must express an interest in learning more about the EMAP assessment process and be willing to share their own emergency management experiences with others participating in this training.

Training Materials
By attending the training, course participants will receive a copy of the Emergency Management Standard by EMAP, A Candidate‘s Guide to Accreditation, and the EMAP Assessor Guide. Additionally, participants will be provided handouts and other instructional materials throughout the course of the training.

Assessor Qualifications
Because the expertise and judgment of assessors will strongly affect the credibility and success of the accreditation program, EMAP seeks to develop a cadre of highly qualified emergency managers to handle this function on a rotating basis. Assessors must have the following qualifications, at a minimum:
• Five years of experience in an emergency management position in state or local government emergency management.
• Experience in at least one actual emergency in which the emergency plan was implemented and participation in an activated emergency operation center requiring implementation of operational response procedures.
• Participated in at least one emergency operation, training or exercise event in the last calendar year.
• Be knowledgeable and up-to-date about the principles of comprehensive emergency management.
• Provide a writing sample as part of the application.
• Must abide by the EMAP Code of Conduct.
• Must be available for at least one assessment each year.
• Provide two references from emergency management professionals that address the applicant's area of expertise.
• Have no conflict of interest as regards to any aspect of EMAP that might prevent objective review and assessment of a candidate program.
• Must be able and willing to serve as a neutral observer.