Who offers the CERT course?

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course is offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This course is designed to educate volunteers to prepare for emergencies and to assist their communities during times of disaster. FEMA recognizes the importance of grassroots emergency preparedness, and through the CERT program, it provides individuals with training in basic disaster response skills, including fire safety, search and rescue, and medical operations.

FEMA's role is critical as they standardize the curriculum, ensuring that the training is consistent and effective across various communities. This national recognition and structure give the CERT program credibility and a strong foundation for further training and support at the local level.

While the American Red Cross and local government agencies might offer similar emergency preparedness training, and the National Institute of Health focuses on health-related training, the official CERT course originates through FEMA’s extensive network and resources, making it the authoritative body for this certification.