CERT Basic Training Updates Announced by FEMA

What are the changes?  The updated course is the same effective training as before, with the units and topics organized in the same way.  However, edits were made throughout all of the course materials including the Participant Manual, Instructor Guide, and the PowerPoint files.  These changes are intended to assure that protocols are up-to-date and that the content is as clear as possible for those taking the training. Since there are many edits throughout the training, CERT instructors are encouraged to review all of the updated materials. 

Who made the changes?  To update the Basic Training, FEMA worked with a panel of 12 experienced CERT trainers from across the country, followed by a review by local CERT programs designated by the CERT or CERT/Citizen Corps coordinator in each state.  FEMA senior leadership and FEMA’s technical review team also reviewed and commented on the updated material.  We are grateful for the time and effort from state and local programs that went into this update!

Where can I find the new material? The course files are now available on the national CERT website.  Please visit www.citizencorps.gov/cert and click on "Training Materials" to access documents in PDF or Word.  On the website you will also find the updated Participant Manual in low vision format.  If your local CERT program will need the Participant Manual in Braille, please contact your State Program Manager.  State Program Managers can email the CERT National Office with numbers on a state by state basis. 

Please note that the updated Instructor Guide references a series of videos that CERT trainers may want to use when they conduct the Basic Training course.  These videos are available on the website by clicking on "Video Material" on the home page. 

What comes next? Later this year, the CERT National Office will be posting a new CERT Train-the-Trainer course and the new CERT Program Manager course.

Learn about the Updated & New CERT Materials! 
You are invited to join us for a webinar on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 2pm. To login prior to the start of the webinar, visit the Community Preparedness Webinar Series web page.

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of CERT, and for all you do in preparing for and responding to disasters in your community!

Sincerely,

The CERT National Program Office
FEMA Individual & Community Preparedness Division