Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
Credential: Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
Credentialing Agency: International Association of Emergency Managers (iAEM)
Renewal Period: 5 years
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification is an advanced-level credential recommended for emergency management professionals. CEMs have the knowledge, skills and ability to effectively manage a comprehensive emergency management program, in all environments, and be able to plan and coordinate with other agencies and community members ways to best respond to emergencies. Professionals considering this credential must possess expertise in all four phases of disaster activity: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. CEM candidates must meet all the requirements of the Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) plus additional requirements, which include three years of emergency management experience, a four year baccalaureate degree and evidence of professional contributions to the field. Candidates must pass a written exam, submit documentation of training requirement, provide references and submit an emergency management essay.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Attainability:
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 3 years
- Education: Bachelors
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 5 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
International Association of Emergency Managers (iAEM)
201 Park Washington Court
Falls Church, VA 22046
Phone: (703) 538-1795
Fax: (703) 241-5603
Email: info@iaem.com
Education REQUIREMENTS
A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution is required.
Experience REQUIREMENTS
Candidate must have three years of emergency management experience. Comprehensive experience must include participation in a full-scale exercise or actual disaster.
Training REQUIREMENTS
Training and proof thereof must have occured within the last ten years and meet the following additional criteria:
- 200 contact hours total of which–
- 100 hours are in emergency management, and
- 100 hours are in general management.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential has the following other requirements:
- Candidate must provide documentation of six separate contributions to the emergency management profession. Examples of contributions include professional membership, speaking, publications, and serving on volunteer boards or committees.
- Candidate must submit a management essay which demonstrates knowledge of emergency management concerning real-life scenarios.
- Candidate must submit three references, including one from the current supervisor.
- Candidate must submit a credential binder for review by the CEM Commission.
- A baccalaureate degree in emergency management reduces the experience requirement depending on how current. See iAEM Certification page for details.
- Candidate may not use degree to both satisfy the education requirement and satisfy training hours.
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) examination:
- Best Sources
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
Testing Information
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Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
For more information on the International Association of Emergency Managers (iAEM) testing process, visit the agency website.
RECERTIFICATION
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
Renewal Period: 5 years